Your Safety

Trail Safety

Stay on marked trails! Vegetation or cinders may hide deep cracks in the ground. Use caution near cliffs, cracks, and steam vents. The edges of these features are unstable and can be slippery. Keep your children safe.

Near the Ocean

The trail's coastline include safe beaches or swimming areas that visitors may drive to. Expect strong winds, steep and unstable sea cliffs, and high waves. Hiking over cracks and holes, loose rock, and thin lava crust greatly increases your risk of getting hurt. Falling on lava may result in severe wounds. Wear sturdy shoes and long lightweight hiking pants (falling on lava is like falling on broken glass). Avoid hiking after dark. Cracks, crevasses, and cliffs look like shadows - depth is not evident in the dark.

Pace Yourself

Be prepared for exercise. Visiting all of the trail is quite a bit of walking. Obtain a map of the sites and plan appropriately.

Dress Appropriately for the Season

There are good walking distances between some of the vista view points. For the hotter months, wear light airy clothing and wide brim hats for protection from the sun. In winter months, you'll want to layer-up your clothing. Check the weather the day of your visit.

Fluid Intake

As you take in the history around you, don't forget to drink water or other re-hydrating liquids. You can dehydrate in any season.

Footwear

Footwear should be comfortable with treaded soles to prevent slipping.

Slips, Trips and Falls

Some of the stones and boulders can be slippery when wet, stay on the pathway as you go along each marked trail, step carefully.

Park Wildlife

Watch for wildlife. They can be fun to observe. However, for your safety: Do Not Feed any wildlife in the trail or parks!

Awareness

The island of Hawaii is usually a peaceful paradise. Stay aware of your surroundings, stick with your buddy or group, and designate a rendezvous point in case you get separated. Be sure to have cell phones available with the battery fully charges.

Lost Children

Tell a park ranger and call 911. If a lost child is found by park rangers, they will contact the local police.

Assistance

If in one of the national park sites contact the site park ranger for assistance. They can provide guidance for many situations including emergencies.

Emergency

If an emergency arises, call 911.