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Written by Steve Mattox. Photographs by Steve Mattox except where stated.
Chain of Craters Road originally connected Crater Rim Drive to Makaopuhi Crater and was completed in 1928. In 1964, the road was extended to Kalapana. Lava flows from the Mauna Ulu eruption closed Chain of Craters Road in 1969. The road was reopened to 1979. In 1986, lava from the current eruption of Kilauea closed the road. At the present time, Chain of Craters Road is about 20 miles (32 km) long and 7.5 miles (12 km) of the road has been buried by lava.
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The geology along the road can be divided into four areas characterized by different features and the age of the rocks. The road begins on the upper East Rift Zone of Kilauea where pit craters are common. This area receives enough rain to support rainforest. About 3 miles (4 km) down the road is Mauna Ulu, a vent that was active from 1969-1974. Much of this area is covered by fresh-looking lava flows. Vegetation is sparse because of the young age of the flows and the lower amount of rainfall. At about 10 miles (16 km), the road descends the steep Hilina Pali fault system, which marks the top of a giant landslide. The road continues in the coastal area on the gently-sloping south flank of the volcano. The rocks here are 500-750 year old. Vegetation is sparse due too low rainfall. At the end of the road is the lava viewing area and the youngest rocks in the park. Viewing conditions often change. If your heart is set on seeing lava, Kilauea Eruption Viewing Conditions describes recent viewing conditions. Regardless of what the eruption is doing, Chain of Craters Road is one of the most scenic and spectacular drives in any national park.
The steep descent of this winding 20 mile (32 km) road makes it hazardous to drive, especially under wet conditions. Please observe the speed limit and drive with caution.
A more detailed description of the geology along Chain of Craters Road is available in Geological Field Guide Kilauea Volcano by Richard Hazlett.
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