Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

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Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island of Hawaii is one of the most geologically dynamic landscapes on Earth — a place where creation is happening in real time. The park's 323,000 acres straddle two of the world's most active volcanoes: Kīlauea, which has been erupting nearly continuously since 1983 and is one of the most active volcanoes on Earth, and Mauna Loa, the world's largest volcano by volume, which most recently erupted in 2022. Established in 1916, the park ranges from sea level along the Kaʻū Desert coast to the 13,677-foot summit of Mauna Loa, encompassing a staggering variety of volcanic landscapes: lava tubes, sulfur vents, steam fissures, hardened lava flows black and brown across the land, calderas glowing with active lava lakes, and — in striking counterpoint — lush rainforest and coastal seabird colonies. The Kīlauea caldera, centered in the Kīlauea Summit area, contains Halemaʻumaʻu Crater, where a roiling lava lake has been visible from the Kīlauea Overlook during active eruption phases. Because eruptive activity changes constantly, the park offers a different experience with every visit. Checking the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory and NPS eruption status page before arrival is essential for seeing lava flows if that is your goal.

Crater Rim Drive is the main paved road circuit around the Kīlauea caldera, connecting a series of overlooks, steam vents, and trailheads in a roughly 11-mile loop. The Kīlauea Overlook delivers the park's most dramatic view of Halemaʻumaʻu Crater and, when eruption is active, the lava lake within. Sulfur Banks Trail (1.2 miles round trip) crosses a landscape of bubbling sulfur fumaroles coating rocks in vivid yellows and reds — an alien environment close to the Visitor Center. Devastation Trail (1 mile round trip) crosses the cinder field laid down by the 1959 Kīlauea Iki eruption, which sent a lava fountain over 1,900 feet into the air. The Kīlauea Iki Trail (4 miles round trip) is one of the park's most spectacular hikes: descending 400 feet through rainforest into the hardened but still steaming lava lake left by that same eruption, then crossing its glassy, fractured floor to the far side. Thurston Lava Tube (Nāhuku) is an immense, walk-through lava tube illuminated by electric lights — the experience of walking through a lava-carved tunnel is unique and accessible for all abilities. The Chain of Craters Road descends 3,700 feet from the summit to the coast over 18 miles, passing pit craters, petroglyphs, and finally ending at a lava-hardened ocean entry where, if conditions are right, you can watch new rock forming. Backcountry hikers can tackle the four-day Mauna Loa Trail to the summit, one of the most remote and physically demanding routes in the park system.

Despite its volcanic landscape, the park supports remarkable native wildlife. The nēnē, the Hawaiian goose and state bird, was brought back from the brink of extinction (once only 30 survived) and is commonly spotted near the Kīlauea Visitor Center area. Hawaiian petrels and ʻuaʻu (dark-rumped petrels) nest in burrows on the upper slopes of Mauna Loa. The park's coastal sections harbor Hawaiian monk seals basking on black lava benches and green sea turtles hauling out on remote beaches. ʻŌpeʻapeʻa, the Hawaiian hoary bat — the only native land mammal in Hawaii — hunts insects at dusk near forest edges. The rainforest shelters ʻapapane, ʻiʻiwi, and other native honeycreepers whose survival depends on the park's active management against avian malaria.

The park entrance fee is $30 per vehicle, valid for 7 days. The Kīlauea Visitor Center near the park entrance is the starting point for all visits and has up-to-date eruption information, ranger programs, and exhibits. The park is open 24 hours a day — lava viewing (when active) is most dramatic after dark. Nāmakanipaio and Kulanaokuaiki Campgrounds are the park's main camping options; Volcano House Hotel, perched on the caldera rim, is the only in-park lodging. The nearby village of Volcano provides cabin rentals, bed-and-breakfasts, restaurants, and a gas station. Always check current eruption and volcanic hazard conditions before entering the park — sulfur dioxide levels can be dangerous near active vents.

The park's main entrance is on HI-11, 30 miles southwest of Hilo and 97 miles from Kailua-Kona. Hilo International Airport (ITO) is 45 minutes from the park entrance. Kona International Airport (KOA) is about 2 hours. The park sits at approximately 4,000 feet elevation on the southeastern flank of Kīlauea. No public transportation serves the park directly, though the Hele-On County Bus stops in Volcano village. Rental cars are essential for exploring the park fully.

Sign up for USGS Volcano Notifications (volcanoes.usgs.gov) to receive email or text alerts when eruptive activity changes — this can make the difference between seeing an active lava lake or a quiet crater. Vog (volcanic smog) from SO₂ emissions can be severe; those with respiratory conditions should check vog forecasts at vog.hi.gov. Bring a headlamp for after-dark lava viewing — Chain of Craters Road has no lighting and the terrain is rough. Sturdy closed-toe shoes are essential for crossing lava fields. Never cross safety barriers near the crater rim — ground can be unstable and collapse without warning.