Even Dad Hasn't Been to Mars 😅

Is There Really a Place Like This on Earth?

At Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, there’s a trail that makes you think, “This can’t be Earth,” the moment you start walking. It’s easy to see why someone would call it “Mars,” just like in the video title. This is the Kīlauea Iki Trail, where you can walk across the floor of a volcanic crater. 🪐🌋

What Makes It Feel Like Mars?

The key feature of this trail is that you descend into the crater. Instead of looking down from the rim, you actually stand on the crater floor. Underfoot is lava that hardened decades ago, its surface black, rough, and cracked. Add a sky that makes the whole island feel like outer space, along with volcanic steam, and you really do feel as if you’ve landed on another planet.

What It Feels Like to Walk the Trail

• Footsteps — The hardened lava is as hard as glass
• Temperature — The ground holds and reflects heat, so it’s hotter than you might expect
• Scale — The crater walls surround you on every side and feel overwhelming
• Wind — The wind feels completely different along the rim and on the crater floor 🌬️

What to Expect from the Trail (Read This First)

This trail goes down and then climbs back up. It’s not a one-way hike; it’s an out-and-back or loop route. Without proper preparation, you can run out of energy in the latter part of the hike.

• The descent may have damp, slippery sections
• The climb back up includes stairs and steep slopes
• This is not a trail to take lightly ⚠️

Packing Checklist

• Running shoes or hiking boots — Absolutely no flip-flops
• At least 1 liter of water (the conditions are hot and dry) 💧
• A hat and sunscreen
• A lightweight windbreaker
• Snacks (energy bars)
• A flashlight (some sections may be dark)
• The trail gets slippery when it rains

Safety Tips

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is an active volcanic area, and the terrain is constantly changing.

• Stay on the marked trails and boardwalks
• Always follow any posted closures
• Check the park’s updates on the day of your visit for volcanic gases and steam conditions
• Hike with at least one other person rather than going alone 🌋

If You’re Hiking with Kids

Tell them you’ve come to Mars as you walk, and they’ll stay excited for much longer. But hold their hands on steep sections, and if they’re running out of energy, don’t hesitate to turn back partway through. 🚶

When Is the Best Time to Go?

• Early morning — You can avoid the heat and crowds
• Avoid going right after rain — The ground is slippery
• It gets dark around sunset, making the trail dangerous ☀️

Trail length, hike duration, and access may vary depending on volcanic activity and park policies. Be sure to check the official Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park updates before your visit.

What to Look Out for in the Video

You’ll see the texture and scale of the crater floor, along with the child’s reaction. One look at the footage makes it clear why people call it “Mars.” 🎬