I don’t think you would have a problem doing the trail while carrying a baby. The trail around and down to the crater is well maintained and paved in some parts. There is a winding ramp down on one side and stairs (with handrail) on the other side, so getting down and back out of the crater isn’t too difficult. If you decide it is too steep you can still get good views along the top trail and it’s basically across the street from Thurston Lava Tube!

I think the National Park itself has literally only just re-opened, but as to which trails I don't really know sorry. Their website may tell you more but it's hard to tell from their map...the Iki overlook is open but not sure about the trail through the old caldera itself.

Most of the Volcano National Park is closed (including this trail). Friday, officials went into the park to assess the safety and damage done by the earthquakes. Hopefully, they open more of the park. The volcanic activity in the northeast rift zone has paused (temporary or permanent?) One of my favorite links to the volcanic activity on the Big Island is the USGS volcano multimedia site. (I like to see the maps and also click on Curent Alerts on the upper left section of the site).

We came in late to volcano lodge at 3pm so drove straight down chain of craters road parked at thurston lava tube and walked to kiluea iki trail. We walked down to base , explored fissures with steam vents on crater floor. Others followed sparsely placed rockpiles which indicatedvthe path for 5mile loop. Ok if not hot but we literaly layered clothing and found we were hot/cold/wet but it was awesome. Do add post midnight trip to observation deck for best view and quiet contemplation. My favorite experience. Eerie, exhilerating. Iki gives you perspective of what kiluea crater is like. Enjoy!

Hi. As a female who hikes all the time, I would feel comfortable hiking it alone in the day time.

There is overflow parking about 1/4 mile from the Tube--you'll see it first as you drive the route. This is actually the best place to park if you are hiking the trail because it's easier to go down this side and back up the side close to the Tube. We have never failed to find parking for the Tube or Trail because turnover for visitors to the Tube is fairly consistent. You may need to be patient for a few minutes until someone leaves.

So I am commenting on my own question. We arrived just at 9am when visitor's center opened. Got some info from the park ranger and then drove to Thurston and did that with nobody else there. Then to the Kiluea Ike trailhead lot with many spaces available. Great hike!

It has now been a few years since I was there, but I recall only a somewhat strenuous part up and down (in the shade of foliage) at the beginning and end of the hike. The middle is flat and easy, but can be sunny, so bring water and maybe an umbrella if you are concerned. If you take your time at the beginning and end parts, I suspect you would be fine. This is not medical advice, obviously :)