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Travel + Leisure

One of the Most Scenic Drives in the U.S. Has Rainforests, Barren Lava Fields, and Stunning Ocean Cliffs

There are numerous reasons to visit the Big Island of Hawaii. Spanning over 4,000 square miles, the island is filled with once-in-a-lifetime experiences and sights, everything from black sand beaches to waterfalls, rainforests, and one of the country's most beautiful national parks, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The latter is particularly appealing to those travelers seeking adventure and otherworldly views, with more than 1.4 million people entering the park in 2024 alone. Although the national park has its fair share of amazing hikes, one of the best ways to explore its varied terrain is by car, namely, driving along Chain of Craters Road. One of the two primary roads within the park—Crater Rim Drive is the other—the Chain of Craters Road is about 19 miles from end to end, offering some of the most powerful, jaw-dropping scenes of the volcanic landscape. Without stopping or any major traffic issues, the drive should take around 30 minutes. However, there are numerous lookout points, pull-offs, and short hikes along the way, so a more thoughtful, relaxed drive should take you a bit longer. Chain of Craters Road begins close to the Devastation Trailhead and descends 3,700 feet from the summit of Kīlauea to sea level. Along the way, points of interest include the Puhimau Crater, where plumes of steam can occasionally be seen ( puhimau translates to 'forever smoking'), and the Mau Loa O Maunaulu pullout, where travelers witness lava flows that covered the land from 1969 to 1974. It's also possible to see the largest concentration of petroglyphs in Hawaii: the Puʻuloa Petroglyphs. The field of over 23,000 images can be reached via a 1.4-mile round-trip hike. There's a parking area on the Chain of Craters Road. Notably, Chain of Craters Road has changed over time, particularly as lava flows have covered the route. As of 2025, the scenic drive abruptly ends at a lava flow spot near Hōlei Sea Arch, the 90-foot-tall arch of lava rock that extends from the cliffs down into the ocean. The National Park Service notes that the arch's observation point is located just about 1,000 feet past the gate at the end of the road. Before you begin the drive, you'll want to make sure you've taken the proper precautions. There is no food, water, or fuel along the route, so pack snacks and drinks and fill your car's tank accordingly. Cell phone service also tends to be limited; pre-download your maps and let a loved one know your estimated time of return. Plus, due to the dynamic nature of this drive, always check the National Park Service website for closures or any updates on active lava flows within the park.