Everything you should know about Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park on the Island of Hawaiʻi is widely known for, well, its volcanoes, two of which happen to be the most active in the world: Mauna Loa, which last erupted in late 2022, and Kīlauea, which is currently experiencing unprecedented volcanic activity. Though the volcanoes could be considered the main attraction, there is much more to explore and experience in the park’s 550-plus square miles, from the rugged Pacific Ocean coastline to rainforest and even alpine terrain, not to mention myriad cultural sites. 

Nearly 50 years before Hawaiʻi became a state and four years before the establishment of the National Park Service, the U.S. Congress adopted a bill presented by (non-voting) Hawaiʻian House of Representatives delegate Jonah Kūhiō Kalanianaʻole; President Woodrow Wilson authorized Hawaiʻi National Park on August 1, 1916. The fifteenth U.S. National Park was comprised of land surrounding volcanoes on the islands of Hawaiʻi and Maui. Fast forward 45 years to 1961, when the park was split into two distinct parks that remain today: Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and Haleakalā National Park.

In 1980, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park was designated an International Biosphere Reserve, and in 1987, a World Heritage Site.

Best times to visit Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes is a year-round park that is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including holidays, making it easy for visitors to plan their trips to suit their schedules. The Island of Hawaiʻi enjoys temperate weather year-round, with only minor temperature changes between its two seasons—summer (May to October) and winter (November to April). Within the park, however, weather can vary from hot, dry, and windy on the coast and in its lava fields, to winter weather and even snow anytime at the Mauna Loa summit throughout the year. 

Where to find the best views in the park

Even when Kīlauea is not erupting, seeing the bubbling caldera is a must-do when in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes. From the park entrance, follow Crater Rim Drive for about two and a half miles (4 km) to the Kīlauea Overlook for unobstructed views of the Halema'uma'u crater, caldera, and historic lava flows. When Kīlauea is erupting, park rangers do a fantastic job of alerting visitors to where they can safely see active lava flow.

For a different perspective of the park, drive the 18.8-mile (30.3 km) Chain of Craters Road to where the road ends at the Pacific Ocean. Along the way, stop to see the Puʻuloa Petroglyphs, the state’s largest petroglyph field that is a 1.5-mile (2.4 km) hike from the roadside, before reaching the Hōlei Sea Arch. The dramatic lava rock formation juts out from the cliffs into the ocean, and provides a terrific photo opp. Visitors should plan ahead for this journey. Cell phone service is limited along Chain of Craters Road, and food, water, and fuel are unavailable.

Where to find the best hiking trails

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park has more than 150 miles of marked hiking trails to accommodate all skill levels. A terrific introduction to the park is the Crater Rim Trail, a relatively easy trail accessible via several points near the park’s entrance. Hikers can choose how long they want to stay on the trail that meanders past steam vents and through rainforest and volcanic landscapes.

For visitors who want to hike where magma flowed, start with Nāhuku, or Thurston Lava Tube, where a river of 2000°F (1093°C) lava carved its way 500 years ago. Nearby is the moderate-to-challenging Kīlauea Iki Trail, descending from a rainforest onto a solidified lava lake formed during the 1959 eruption. This 3.3-mile (5.3 km) loop takes between two and three hours to hike and can easily be combined with Nāhuku. See lava tree molds and a forested cinder cone on the moderate Maunaulu/Puʻuhuluhulu Trail that meanders through lava landscape created by the 1969-1974 Maunaulu flow; the 2.5-mile round-trip hike takes approximately two to three hours.

Spend an hour or so walking the easy Kīpukapuaulu, a 1.2-mile (1.9 km) loop trail through a biologically diverse landscape that is home to some of Hawaiʻi’s rarest plants and animals, thanks in large part to its nutrient- and moisture-rich soil.

Backcountry hiking is also available along the coastline, across lava fields, and on Mauna Loa, the largest active volcano on Earth. Trekking the 13,681-foot (4,170 meters) volcano takes hikers through diverse ecosystems, from lush forests to arid landscapes, but be forewarned: the park says of the ʻĀinapō Trail to the Mauna Loa Summit Cabin, “This extremely grueling, rocky, and steep 10.2-mile hike is not for everyone.” 

Backcountry permits for overnight stays in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park are required, as are safety briefings.

The best spots to see wildlife

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is a place of refuge for seven threatened and 47 endangered species, including the nēnē (Hawaiʻian goose), honu‘ea (hawksbill turtle), and ʻōpeʻapeʻa  (Hawaiʻian hoary bat), which landed on the islands 10,000 years ago. Along the park’s Pacific Ocean coastline, visitors may spot hawksbill sea turtles laying their eggs in the darkness of night, or green sea turtles snacking on algae and soaking in the sun at the water’s edge. Humpback whales may also be spotted in the winter months.

Ornithologists will delight in adding to their life lists during a visit to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes. Endemic birds like the ʻapapane, Hawaiʻi ʻamakihi, ʻōmaʻo, nēnē, and ʻio (Hawaiʻian hawk) have been seen on Crater Rim Drive, and the ʻiʻiwi(Hawaiʻian honeycreeper) and Hawaiʻi ʻelepaio (flycatcher) have been sighted on Mauna Loa Road.

Unfortunately, a number of invasive animals can be seen in the park, including pigs, cats, mongooses, and goats.

Expert recommendations and tips

Jessica Ferracane, the park’s public affairs specialist for the past 15 years, says that the park’s Kahuku Unit, about 40 miles south of the main park entrance, is often overlooked because many visitors are eager to see Kīlauea. 

“But the park is comprised of two volcanoes, the other being Mauna Loa, the world’s most massive active volcano,” she says. “Kahuku is defined by the 1868 eruption, and it shares an extensive ranching history. Forests thrive on its volcanic slopes and provide critical habitat for native birds. Kahuku is far less busy than the main part of the park, with eight trails, a visitor contact station, and a park store.”

Ferracane also says that it’s a long and grueling hike to reach the protected beaches at places like Halape, “but the reward is an undeveloped shoreline that sometimes you get all to yourself. The 11-mile hike along the rugged Puna Coast Trail reveals petroglyphs and other evidence of early Hawaiian travelers, native seaside plants, and spectacular sea arches that few visitors get to see. 

“At night, the stars and planets are incredibly bright,” she adds. “Meteor showers can be unparalleled if you time it right. It is a peaceful and powerful place that evokes awe and respect.”

Ranger recommendation: Hike the Kūpina‘i Pali portion of the Crater Rim Trail. It’s an easy route, and one that many locals take to see the caldera and crater. It’s also wheelchair- and stroller-accessible, since it’s paved, though there are some steep sections.

Things to do in Hawai‘i Volcanoes

Hiking and driving are the two most popular ways to experience the park’s 550-plus square miles. The park has 155 miles of marked trails and 106 miles of roads, some of which are open to parkgoers who’d rather see the park from the seat of their bicycle. 

Visitors who are short on time should consider choosing one of the park’s driving routes—the Crater Rim Drive Tour, or the Chain of Craters Road Tour—to make the most of their visit to Hawai‘i Volcanoes. Plan on spending four to six hours driving on both tours. 

Beginning at the Welcome Center just beyond the park’s main entrance, the Crater Rim Drive Tour provides a terrific overview of Hawai‘i Volcanoes with stops at eight scenic overlooks to not only stretch your legs, but take photos, too. Peer into four craters, walk through a lava tube, feel the heat of steam vents, and stand on sacred ground used for Native Hawai‘ian ritual and cultural practices.

The Chain of Craters Road has changed since it opened in 1928, thanks to volcanic eruptions and lava flows that have covered the roadway over the decades. Today, the road stretches 18.8 miles (30.3 km) from the Kīlauea summit to the Pacific Ocean. Along the way, make stops to see volcano craters, remains of dramatic lava flows, ancient petroglyphs, and stunning ocean views.

Best things to do for families

Aside from hiking and park ranger-led activities throughout the year, families should not miss out on an immersive ʻike hana noʻeau experience to see the skillful work of Hawai‘ian makers who share their art and culture through demonstrations and hands-on activities. Or, listen to nā leo manu, or “heavenly voices,” as they sing traditional Hawai‘ian songs.

Families can visit the park after dark to learn about the night sky from scientists and enjoy special presentations by artists inspired by Hawai‘i Volcanoes.  Cultural experts emphasize the land’s importance to those who have lived there for generations. 

Where to stay

Originally built on the summit of Kīlauea in 1846, today’s Volcano House dates back to 1877 with 33 historic guest rooms, after several iterations and a devastating fire. Its dining room and porch offer terrific views of Kīlauea and the Halema'uma'u Crater, especially when lava is flowing.

Vacation rental homes and bed-and-breakfasts are available just outside the park in Volcano Village; hotels can be booked in Hilo, about a 45-minute drive southwest of the park. 

Camping: Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park has two drive-in campgrounds. The nine designated campsites at Kulanaokuaiki Campground are available on a first-come, first-served basis and include a tent pad and picnic table; water is not available. Nāmakanipaio Campground, operated by Hawai'i Volcanoes Lodge Company, offers 10 rustic, one-bedroom Camper Cabins and traditional tent campsites. Backcountry hikers and campers must register and check-in with the park.  

What else you should know

Access: Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park is on the southeast side of the Island of Hawai‘i, 30 miles southwest of Hilo, 95 miles southeast of Kailua-Kona, and 90 miles southeast of Waikoloa. The park’s main entrance is on Highway 11 between mile markers 28 and 29, and its Kahuku Unit entrance between Highway 11 between mile markers 70 and 71, are open Thursday through Sunday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Entrance fees: $30 per private vehicle (up to 14 passengers); $25 per motorcycle; $15 per person entering by foot or bicycle. Passes are valid for seven days. 

Travelers visiting Haleakalā National Park (Maui) and Puʻuhonua ʻO Hōnaunau National Historical Park (Island of Hawaiʻi), in addition to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, can buy a Hawai'i Tri-Park Annual Pass for $55, valid for 12 months.

How accessible is the park?

With its ever-changing landscape, thanks to volcanic activity, Hawai‘i Volcanoes is considered a “wild place.” That said, the park rangers and staff are committed to ensuring the park is as accessible as possible. The Welcome Center, Volcano House, and Volcano Art Center are all wheelchair accessible. Wheelchairs are available upon request at the Welcome Center on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Out in the park, a majority of the Sulphur Banks Trail from the Kūkamāhuākea (Steam Vents) is wheelchair accessible, as is the Kīlauea Overlook. Devastation Trail is accessible to wheelchairs with assistance.

American Sign Language interpreters are available for park ranger talks and programs, with advance notice.