Curator’s statement
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park stands out as one of the most captivating national parks in the United States, offering a diverse range of climate variations, a tropical rainforest ambiance, and the rare opportunity to witness active lava flows. The park is home to two active volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa. What truly sets this park apart is the extraordinary chance to witness molten lava erupting from the caldera and flowing down the slopes, reminding visitors and locals that Pele the volcano goddess is still alive and present. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is a favorite for those seeking diverse landscapes and the unparalleled spectacle of active volcanic activity.
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Where to stay in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
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Things to do in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
SIGHTSEEING, DRIVING & HIKING
Day Trip
If you are only able to see the park for one day, I would recommend driving the Chain of Craters Road, which is a 36-mile round trip. During your drive, stop at the viewpoints to view craters and lava molds. Make sure to stop at Kealakomo Overlook to take photos with the Pacific Ocean in the background. As you keep driving, you will reach the end of the vehicle access road. Here you will park and walk 0.2 miles and view the Holei Sea Arch, which is at the end of the road. Make sure to pack up a windbreaker since it gets very windy and cooler on this side of the island. On your way back, stop by the Maunaulu eruption trail, which is a moderate 2.5-mile round-trip hike to Pu’uhuluhulu. Another exciting trail is the Pu’uloa trail. This has one of the largest petroglyph fields in the world and it is an easy 1.4-mile round-trip hike. Last but not least, hike the Kipukapuaulu trail. This trail looks like a forest and it is an easy 1.2-mile hike.
Multiple-day visit
If you are lucky enough to spend another day or two at the park, I would highly recommend staying at the Volcano House which is perched on the rim of Kilauea's Halemaumau Crater. This is the only lodging inside the park. Once you are situated, stop by the Kiluea Visitor Center, which is right across the entrance to the Volcano House (two-minute walk). Speak to the park rangers about updates and learn more about the history of Hawaii’s volcanoes. From here you can start your walk to the Ha’akulamanu Sulphur Banks. This is an easy 0.3-mile hike and from there you can access the Steam Vents at Wahinekapu. When you have had enough of the sulfur smell (it smells like rotten eggs), make your way back to the visitor center and get back into your car and take a drive to Nahuku, where you can see the Thurston Lava Tube. This is an easy 1.5-mile walk from the Kilauea overlook. I would recommend eating a packed lunch at this point since the next hike is a moderate 3.3-mile hike on the Kilauea Iki Trail. This trail is absolutely worth visiting since you hike through a crater. It’s one of my favorite trails in the park. If you still have enough energy, the last trail I would recommend is the Devastation Trail, which is an easy one mile round-trip hike. You can start from here as well to access the Kilauea Iki Trail, which will add an extra 2.2 miles to your hike.
Places to eat & drink in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
There are only two restaurants inside the park. Both are located inside the Volcano House. There is a small snack section at the souvenir shop, which is also located inside the Volcano House. If you are planning a day trip, I recommend bringing a packed lunch and plenty of water and snacks.
The Rim at Volcano House
Breakfast Buffet: 7am – 10:30am
Lunch: 11am – 2:30pm
Dinner: 5pm – 8:30pm
Reservations are needed and is the only place to eat at the park.
It has a spectacular view of the Kilauea caldera.
Uncle George’s Lounge
This is a great place to get appetizers and drinks after a long day of hiking.
The Furikake fries are such a treat!
Hours of Operation
11am – 9:30pm
Need to know
How to get to Volcanoes National Park From Hilo International Airport
The park is about a 45-minute drive. Go 30 miles southwest on Highway 11. I highly recommend renting a car since it would be easier to view the entire park with your own transportation. If driving isn't an option, there is a bus service however, your access to the park will be limited. From Kona International Airport, you have two routes. The first route is through Saddle Road. The other route is through Kailua- Kona and Captain Cook, the Hawaii Belt Rd. This is a more scenic drive, but it is a little longer. Both routes are between 2-2.5 hours long. I have taken both routes and I prefer Saddle Road since it's a little shorter of a drive.
Travel Advisor
Rosalind Ng
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Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out my guide, Adventures at Wrangell - St. Elias National Park & Preserve & Kenai Fjords National Park in Alaska.
This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Hawai'i.