Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Explore an active volcanic wonderland with lava tubes, craters, and the chance to witness Pele's fiery power.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Unforgettable lava glow
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Best Time
Unforgettable lava glow
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore an active volcanic wonderland with lava tubes, craters, and the chance to witness Pele's fiery power.
"Absolutely incredible experience. You need to make the hike to devastation trail. It's so humbling."
Check Eruption Status
Always check the park's official website for current eruption activity before your visit. :information_desk:
Dress in Layers
Temperatures can fluctuate wildly. Pack warm clothes for evenings and rain gear. :cloud:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Kilauea Lava Fountain
Kilauea Caldera
Witness the raw power of Pele with a mesmerizing fountain of molten lava erupting skyward.
Thurston Lava Tube (Nahuku)
Near Crater Rim Drive
Walk through a surreal, ancient lava tube, a cool and dark passage formed by flowing lava.
Devastation Trail
Near Kilauea Iki Overlook
Hike through a landscape shaped by past eruptions, offering a humbling view of volcanic resilience.
Stargazing at Night
Kilauea Overlook
Experience an unforgettable night sky, crystal clear and packed with stars, after the lava glow fades.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Lava Viewing
Pack for All Conditions
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Eruption Status
Always check the park's official website for current eruption activity before your visit. :information_desk:
Dress in Layers
Temperatures can fluctuate wildly. Pack warm clothes for evenings and rain gear. :cloud:
Hike Clockwise
For the Kilauea Iki trail, hiking clockwise offers a more gradual incline. :athletic_shoe:
Bring Water & Snacks
Stay hydrated and fueled, especially on longer hikes. Limited services inside the park. :water_wave:
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Eruption Status
Always check the park's official website for current eruption activity before your visit. :information_desk:
Dress in Layers
Temperatures can fluctuate wildly. Pack warm clothes for evenings and rain gear. :cloud:
Hike Clockwise
For the Kilauea Iki trail, hiking clockwise offers a more gradual incline. :athletic_shoe:
Bring Water & Snacks
Stay hydrated and fueled, especially on longer hikes. Limited services inside the park. :water_wave:
Visit Day & Night
Experience two completely different, incredible perspectives of the park. :sunriseovermountains:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently describe Hawaii Volcanoes National Park as an absolutely incredible and humbling experience, with many calling it a must-visit. The opportunity to witness volcanic landscapes, hike through lava tubes, and potentially see lava flows is a major draw. The park's dual nature, offering distinct day and night experiences, is highly praised, as is the potential for exceptional stargazing. While some visitors were disappointed by a lack of active eruptions during their visit, the overall geological spectacle remains profoundly impressive.
"Absolutely incredible experience. We went on a national parks day so it was free; however, you can easily spend a whole day here and get your money worth. The 4 mile trail is not that difficult. I would recommend going clockwise. Start at the entrance near the lava tube and take the trail all the way across the crater and back up where you’ll end near the lava tube. The first part of the hike is all downhill, then you’ll have a trek across the crater which is incredible… if you take this route you’ll have a short stretch which is pure incline, climbing up steps, but you won’t have the .6 mile constant incline if you did it the opposite direction.
Also, if you start by the lava tube, you descend to the crater and have the most incredible views of the crater and the lush treeline behind it!"
Taylor Bonner
"Wow what an experience and we saw a small eruption too. Really a great experience.
Definitely go for sunset so if there is Lava you can see it when it gets dark.
But bring WARM CLOTHES for night time."
Ronald Asher
"A Must-Visit — Day and Night Are Two Completely Different Experiences!
Definitely a must-stop if you’re visiting the Big Island. Do yourself a favor and visit both during the day and at night — you won’t regret it.
At night, head over to Kīlauea Overlook after sundown. The park is open 24/7, and seeing the lava glow in the darkness is absolutely unforgettable. Bonus tip: don’t forget to look up — the night sky here is crystal clear and packed with stars. One of the best stargazing spots I’ve seen.
During the day, you get a completely different perspective. You can see the volcanic landscape in full detail, visit lava tubes, walk through lava fields, and check out the dramatic sea cliffs. The park is huge — you’ll easily spend several hours just exploring.
Pro tip: pack water, snacks, and layers since the temperature changes. And if you’re driving around the island, plan for a whole day with a night stop before heading back.
One of the most unique national parks I’ve ever been to. 100% worth the time!"
J L
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The park is located on the southeastern side of the Big Island of Hawaii. The main entrance is off Highway 11, about 30 miles southwest of Hilo and 96 miles southeast of Kailua-Kona. Driving is the most common way to access the park. +1
Public transportation options are very limited. Renting a car is highly recommended for exploring the Big Island and reaching the park at your own pace.
Driving is essential to cover the vastness of the park. Once at key viewpoints or trailheads, walking and hiking are the best ways to experience the volcanic landscapes.
From Hilo, it typically takes about 45 minutes to an hour to reach the park entrance via Highway 11.
The drive from Kailua-Kona to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is longer, usually around 2 to 2.5 hours, depending on traffic and your starting point.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is an entrance fee per vehicle, which is valid for 7 days. Check the official NPS website for current pricing. Some days, like National Parks Day, offer free admission.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. However, visitor centers and facilities have specific operating hours.
For general park entry, advance booking is not usually required. However, if you plan on participating in specific ranger programs or tours, it's advisable to check for reservations.
Yes, on designated National Park Free Entrance Days, admission is waived. These days are typically announced by the National Park Service.
Vog, or volcanic smog, is a type of air pollution caused by volcanic gases. It can affect air quality in and around the park, so it's good to be aware of current conditions.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Key highlights include witnessing Kilauea's lava fountains (if active), walking through the Thurston Lava Tube, hiking the Devastation Trail, and experiencing the park at night for lava glow and stargazing. +1
Seeing active lava flows depends on current volcanic activity. Check the park's eruption updates and webcams before your visit. Even without a visible flow, the volcanic landscapes are spectacular.
Popular trails include the Kilauea Iki Trail (a loop across a crater floor), Devastation Trail, and the hike to the Thurston Lava Tube. The Chain of Craters Road also offers access to various viewpoints and shorter walks.
The park service monitors volcanic activity closely and provides safety guidelines. Always stay on marked trails and heed all warnings and closures. +1
Sturdy, closed-toe hiking shoes are essential. Wear comfortable clothing suitable for varying weather conditions, and bring layers for cooler temperatures, especially if staying after dark.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a restaurant and a cafeteria located at the Volcano House, offering dining with caldera views. However, options are limited, so packing snacks is a good idea.
The small town of Volcano Village, just outside the park entrance, has several restaurants and cafes offering local cuisine. Hilo also has a wider variety of dining choices. +1
Absolutely! Bringing your own water, snacks, and picnic lunch is highly recommended, especially if you plan to spend a full day exploring or hiking.
While in the Hilo or Volcano area, look for local Hawaiian dishes. Many visitors enjoy trying fresh poke, kalua pig, and other island specialties.
Dining within the park can be moderately priced. Restaurants in Volcano Village are similar, while Hilo offers a broader range of price points. Packing your own food can be the most budget-friendly option.
📸 📸 Photography
The Kilauea Caldera viewpoints, especially at sunrise and sunset, offer dramatic shots. The Thurston Lava Tube provides unique interior lighting opportunities, and the Chain of Craters Road leads to stunning coastal and volcanic vistas.
Sunrise and sunset offer beautiful golden hour light. Nighttime is crucial for capturing the glow of active lava flows and the starry sky.
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, while a telephoto lens can be useful for capturing distant lava flows. A sturdy tripod is essential for low-light and night photography.
Always stay on marked trails and respect any closures. Drone photography may be restricted, so check park regulations before flying.
Use a tripod and a wider aperture to capture the scale of the tube. Experiment with different light sources, like headlamps, to illuminate the textures within.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The Devastation Trail is relatively short and easy, allowing younger children to experience the unique volcanic landscape without an arduous hike. 🚶♀️ Hikers and Adventurers
📸 Photographers
Don't forget to explore the Thurston Lava Tube for atmospheric interior shots, and the Chain of Craters Road offers breathtaking coastal and volcanic vistas. +1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Witnessing Volcanic Activity
+1 Many visitors report that seeing the lava glow at night is an unforgettable experience, offering a stark contrast to the daytime views of the volcanic landscape. When an eruption is active, designated viewpoints like the Kilauea Overlook become prime spots for observation. However, it's important to remember that volcanic gases, known as 'vog,' can affect air quality, so staying informed about conditions is advised.
Exploring Lava Tubes and Trails
The park boasts a variety of hiking trails catering to different fitness levels. The Kilauea Iki Trail is a highly recommended loop that descends into a crater, offering stunning views and a chance to walk across a solidified lava lake.
The Dual Experience: Day vs. Night
As dusk settles, the park transforms. The Kilauea Overlook becomes a focal point for witnessing the mesmerizing glow of active lava, a sight that many describe as truly unforgettable.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit