The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is home to two active volcanoes, including the most active in the world, Kīlauea. Covering 333,000 acres (1,335 square kilometers) of Hawaii’s Big Island this national park is unlike any other in America. It’s one of the most popular destinations in Hawaii for its scenic drives, stunning views and fascinating natural history and science museum.
Start your trip to the park at the Kīlauea Visitor Center to acquaint yourself with the park’s geography and to pick up maps or join a guided tour. Learn about how volcanoes form, and why some are more active than others. A short film tells the history of the national park and explains the importance of the volcanoes to the native Hawaiians.
Make your way to the Crater Rim Drive, the road that circumnavigates the top of Kīlauea. Peer over the edge to see the lava flow from the center of the earth. Kīlauea has been erupting constantly since 1983 and spills up to 18,000,000 cubic feet (500,000 cubic meters) daily. While the volcano is incredibly active it is also predictable, and the experience is very safe so long as visitors stay on the marked trails.
From the top make your way to one of the park’s hiking trails to experience the contours of the land. The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park has over 150 miles (241 kilometers) of trails that cross craters, deserts and rain forests.
Walk through a cave made of hardened lava at the Thurston Lava Tube to find yourself in a tropical rain forest on the other side. Bring a picnic lunch to eat on your hike, as no food or facilities are available in the park.
The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is located approximately 30 miles (48 kilometers) from Hilo and can be reached by bus, although the service is limited. Visitors traveling by car will have to pay a vehicle fee to enter the park however, this includes all passengers and parking within the park.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Tours and Activities
Visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Plan a trip to see Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Wailea Beach Resort - Marriott, Maui
Reviewed on May 12, 2024
History & culture
See all 6 activitiesOpens in new tab25+ National Parks Self-Guided Driving Tours Bundle
Air, helicopter & balloon tours
See all 4 activitiesOpens in new tabWaterfall Landing Spectacular Big Island Helicopter Tour
Adventure & outdoor
See all 11 activitiesOpens in new tabBig Island Southside quad bike Tours
Reviews of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
3/5 - Okay
It was pouring rain the 5 days we were there
5/5 - Excellent
Buy a annual federal park pass for $80 great to go in and out, 2 other parks on the island and all US federal parks for a year
3/5 - Okay
Disappointed with the closing time of 5pm on a friday of the information centre. When we paid our entry they didn't even tell us that part was closing!
3/5 - Okay
Be sure to call the park before you go as most of the roads and hikes are closed and it could be disappointing to drive all the way there and not be able to see what you had hoped for.
5/5 - Excellent
Bring an umbrella to all excursions in the south and east sides of the island.
4/5 - Good
The park isn't the same post eruption but if you've never seen a crater, it's worth the trip. The government shutdown was in effect when we visited but Friends of the park were there to assist.
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