Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

The basics

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park protects two different volcanoes: Kilauea and Mauna Loa. The park is a popular spot on Big Island tours that also include stops at sights such as Rainbow Falls and the Hamakua Coast. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park tours from Oahu are a great way to visit the park and generally include round-trip airfare. Other tour options include Kilauea volcano bike tours and helicopter rides.

Once at the park, you can stop in at the park's Jaggar Museum to learn about earthquakes, geology, and seismology, or ask your tour guide for more details. You can also learn about why lava from active volcanoes still flows to the sea and occasionally covers roads and hear the storyof Pele, Hawaii's volcano goddess.

Things to know before you go

• Eruptive activity changes daily, so no two trips are the same.

• You can buy Hawaii Volcanoes National Park tickets online or when you arrive. There are no entrance fees on select national holidays and interagency pass–holders visit for free.

• Volcano tours get you close to the action, visiting popular sites such as Halemaumau Crater, the Kilauea Iki crater, and Devastation Trail.

• Bring a warm jacket for the brisk air at the 4,000-foot (1,200-meter) Kilauea summit. Pack a rain jacket for the lush environment around the Thurston Lava Tube.

• Some guided hiking tours go through rugged terrain, and aren’t suitable for wheelchairs or travelers with limited mobility.

• It's important to hike the area around Kilauea safely; consider traveling with a professional tour guide.

How to get there

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is a 45-minute drive south of Hilo and a 2.5-hour drive from Kona. The most popular ways to experience the park are as part of a Hawaii volcano tour or on a self-guided driving tour of Crater Rim Drive and Chain of Craters Road.

When to get there

Because volcanic activity is tough to predict, it's almost impossible to plan your trip around lava flow. Weather at the park can range from 45°F (7°C) with rain and wind at the summit of Kilauea to 85°F (29°C) by the shoreline; travel with multiple layers that are suitable for all conditions.

Has Kilauea Volcano caused any destruction?

Kilauea has destroyed nearly 200 structures during its most recent eruption. Lava covered the entire village of Kalapana, and over 500 acres of new land have appeared since 1983. As you'll learn on guided tours, parts of the ground are still very brittle due to the surface being so young.

Ways to explore

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park protects two different volcanoes: Kilauea and Mauna Loa. The park is a popular spot on Big Island tours that also include stops at sites such as Rainbow Falls and the Hamakua Coast. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park tours from Oahu are a great way to visit the park and generally include round-trip airfare. Other tour options include Kilauea volcano bike tours and helicopter rides.

Once at the park, you can stop in at the Jaggar Museum to learn about earthquakes, geology, and seismology, or ask your tour guide for more details. You can also learn about why lava from active volcanoes still flows to the sea and occasionally covers roads, and hear the story of Pele, Hawaii’s volcano goddess. Buy Hawaii Volcanoes National Park tickets online or when you arrive. There are no entrance fees on select national holidays, and interagency pass–holders visit for free.

Accessibility

Some guided hiking tours go through rugged terrain and aren’t suitable for wheelchairs or travelers with limited mobility.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Insect repellent, sun protection, water, snacks

What to wear

Bring a warm jacket for the brisk air at the 4,000-foot (1,200-meter) Kilauea summit. Pack a rain jacket for the misty environment around the Thurston Lava Tube.

Not allowed

Feeding wildlife, littering, drones, off-road driving, smoking outside of designated areas

Amenities

Kīlauea Visitor Center, restrooms, water refill stations, camping sites, picnic areas

Address

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is a 45-minute drive south of Hilo and a 2.5-hour drive from Kona. The most popular ways to experience the park are as part of a Hawaii volcano tour or on a self-guided driving tour of Crater Rim Drive and Chain of Craters Road.

Driving

From Hilo, it’s a 45-minute drive southwest on Highway 11. From Kailua-Kona, it’s a 2.5-hour drive southeast on Highway 11, or 2.5 to 3 hours through Waimea and Hilo via Highways 19 and 11. There are eight different parking lots throughout the park.

Public transportation

There are no public transport services, but tours nearly always include round-trip rides.

Best times to visit

Earlier is always better when it comes to this national park, where the heat reaches its peak during the middle of the day. You can also go at night for stargazing.

Best days to visit

Weekends tend to draw locals as well as tourists, so they’re typically busier than weekdays.

Best months to visit

Because volcanic activity is tough to predict, it’s almost impossible to plan your trip around lava flow. Weather at the park can range from 45°F (7°C) with rain and wind at the summit of Kilauea to 85°F (29°C) by the shoreline.

Special events

The Merrie Monarch Festival takes place at various locations every year at the end of April.