KILAUEA POINT NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
Crater Hill Hike
 

Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge is dominated by the remnant of an extinct volcanic crater. Experienced Refuge guides lead daily hikes to the ancient crater's summit, 517 feet above the deep blue Pacific, and provide fascinating information about the geologic, natural, and cultural history of the Refuge.

Crater Hill's rugged beauty provides a dramatic backdrop to view native seabirds, including Wedge-tailed Shearwaters, Red-footed Boobies,

Red and White-tailed Tropicbirds and Great Frigatebirds. The vista also provides an excellent place to watch spinner dolphins, Hawaiian monk seals, green sea turtles and wintering Humpback whales.
 

The hike's two-mile long route explores a variety of other habitats. Visitors are likely to see a variety of other species, including the Federally Endangered Nene or Hawaiian goose along the way.

Many wildlife species use the Refuge for only a portion of the year. Check with the Refuge staff before your visit to learn which species are likely to be present.
 
RESERVATIONS:
Hike leaders escort small groups through the Refuge to insure high-quality viewing opportunities and to minimize negative impacts to the wildlife. Reservations are therefore

required. Reservations can be made in person at the Kilauea Point Visitor Center or by calling: (808) 828-0168 between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily.

PROGRAM FEE:
The Crater Hill hike has been called "the best natural history value" on the Island. Hikers simply pay the regular refuge entry fee of $3.00 per adult (Golden Age, Golden Eagle, and Golden Access

passes are honored). No additional fee is charged.
 

CHECK IN:
Hikers must check in at the desk in the visitor center prior to 10:15 a.m. Hike leaders accept standbys to replace "no shows" at that time.

SAFETY BRIEFING:
All participants must attend a safety briefing by the hike leader at 10:15 a.m. at the Kilauea Point Visitor Center.

TIME AND LENGTH OF TOUR:
The tour starts after the safety briefing and returns between 12:00 noon and 12:30 p.m. The walk is approximately two miles in length.

FOOTWEAR:
The hike travels over unimproved trails. Hikers are encouraged to wear sturdy shoes to negotiate rugged trail surfaces, course trail-side vegetation and occasionally wet and slippery conditions. Slippers and sandals are not recommended. Bare feet will not be permitted.
 

MEDICAL PROBLEMS:
Hawaii's strong sun and the trail's steep slopes can make for a physically challenging experience. Participants should consider existing medical conditions in light of the physical demands of the hike. Travelers are cautioned that "jet-lag" and extreme changes in climate can make physical activity more strenuous.

CHILDREN:
The hike brings visitors in close proximity

to wildlife, native plants, and steep cliffs. Young children must be kept close to their attending adult.

COMFORT:
There are no toilet facilities along the trail. There will be an opportunity to use the public rest rooms at the visitor center building before starting. Consider using sun block, wearing a hat, and taking water if you think you might need them.

STAYING TOGETHER:
The group must stay together. Photographers must wait until the group stops before taking pictures. The tour will stop at the best sites and ample time will be provided to get the desired composition.