Hike to the "Great Crack"

The Hike: Located near Pahala, in the southwest rift zone of Kīlauea volcano, the Great Crack is an extensive network of cracks, fissures, and cones. It spans 18 miles (28 kilometers) in length, measures 50 feet (15 meters) in width, and plunges down to a depth of 66 feet (22 meters). Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) geologists believe that the crack formed as magma intruded into the rift zone causing the surface to spread. While the exact time of its formation remains uncertain, research indicates that it might have occurred gradually over time.

The hike into the Great Crack is a couple of miles, and then we can decide as a group how far we want to hike along the crack down toward the ocean. This area has been taken over by the National Park, and is located just to the south of current VNP border. The crack runs through a vast, relatively smooth lava field all the way to the ocean. The hike is not strenuous.

Trailhead: Take Highway 11 just north of Pahala, between the 46 and 47-mile marker, on the mauka (mountain) side of the road is a paved pullout, and on the left side of the road is an overgrown dirt road. Park your vehicle at the pullout. There is a small metal gate at the pullout, but trail is on opposite side of the highway.

Bring: 2 liters of water, food for snacks/lunch. Rain gear is advised. The hike will be partially shaded at beginning, but exposed once on the lava field, so wear sun block.

Note:
• Meetup organizers are not tour guides and are not park rangers. Expect the same risks and take the same precautions you would take if you were hiking alone. You and your invitees are solely responsible for your own safety and well-being.
• By signing up for and/or attending this Meetup event, you and your invitees acknowledge, understand, accept, and agree that hiking and other outdoor activities can be dangerous and can cause serious bodily injury and possibly death. The organizers of this group and current and former members cannot be held responsible or liable in any way for the actions of any participant - including you - at any event.