One of the most unique things to do in Hawaii is visit Volcanoes National Park. It is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves nature adventure or wants to experience something extraordinary. After all, how many places offer the thrill of standing on the edge of a vast, smoldering caldera? The air is thick with the scent of sulfur. The sky is painted orange and red.
Visiting an active volcano may not be at the top of your list, but maybe it should be. The Big Island of Hawaii has two of the most spectacular:
- Kīlauea is one of the world’s most active volcanoes.
- Mauna Loa is the largest shield volcano on Earth.
But don’t worry – it’s generally safe to visit. Sure, the park sometimes has unique hazards, including lava, volcanic gases, unstable lava deltas, and the terrain of established lava flows. However, if you follow NPS guidelines and visitation alerts, and the volcano Gods are pleased, you will be safe.
About Kilauea Volcano
Kilauea is one of the most active volcanoes in the world, and hiking around it is a thrilling experience. Since 1952, Kīlauea has erupted dozens of times. Most recently, in June 2024 September 2024.
Though it is the most active, it is, dare I say, relatively safe? The park was still open during the most recent eruptions. If you’re there during those times, you can view flowing lava from a distance. No, you don’t need Indiana Jones’ skills to do this! Kilauea’s lava is typically fluid and low-viscosity, allowing it to flow long distances and create extensive lava fields. This type of lava is less explosive and slower than more viscous types.
Fun fact: Kilauea is considered a sacred place. It is often linked with the Hawaiian goddess Pele. She is believed to be the goddess of volcanoes and fire.
About Mauna Loa Volcano
Mauna Loa is the largest volcano on Earth in terms of volume. The enormous volcano stands 13,681 feet above sea level. It covers half of the Island of Hawaii. It amounts to about 85 percent of the area of all the other Hawaiian Islands combined. It’s a shield volcano, determined by its broad, sloping sides formed by the accumulation of lava flows.
It has erupted about 35 times since 1843, with the most recent eruption occurring in November 2022.
Fun fact: The Hawaiian name “Mauna Loa” means “Long Mountain.”
What to do in Volcanoes National Park
There are many things to do both day and night in the park besides visiting the two volcanoes. There are many scenic hiking trails, old lava features, a museum, and an observatory. At night, the stars in this faraway dark sky park are perfect for gazing. You can also see lava if you visit during volcanic activity. Nearby is a town, a black sand beach, and a great bakery.
During the Day in Volcanoes National Park
Like all national parks, one of the best things to do is explore on foot. Hiking is the best thing to do here. These are a few popular trails.
Short Hikes
- Kilauea Summit: Distance is variable on this flat trail around the volcano. Hikers access it from several locations along Crater Rim Drive. See the aftermath of the 2018 summit collapse and following eruptions, steam vents, and rainforests.
- Crater Rim Trail: traverses the edge of the Kilauea summit caldera from Uēkahuna to just past Keanakākoʻi Crater. You can’t make an entire loop. You can access it from several locations along Crater Rim Drive. These include Uēkahuna, Kīlauea Overlook, Steam Vents, and Volcano House.
- Kīlauea Iki: Steep and rocky. It is a 3.3-mile loop with a 400-foot incline through a rainforest. The trail leads to the solidified lava lake on the floor of Kīlauea Iki crater.
- Devastation Trail: Easy, paved one-mile trail through a starkly beautiful recovering landscape. It is buried by falling cinder from the spectacular lava fountains of the 1959 Kīlauea Iki eruption.
- Halema’uma’u: 0.8 miles one-way from Crater Rim Trail. You will descend 425 feet through a rainforest. Enjoy a panoramic view on the floor of Kaluapele (Kīlauea caldera).
Backcountry Hiking
- Mauna Loa summit: This is a high- altitude, 7.5 miles, with 3,373 feet of elevation gain from the top of Mauna Loa Road. It’s rough terrain but diverse and has excellent views. The trail is marked with cairns because the path isn’t always clear.
- ‘Āpua Point: The trailhead for this 6.6-mile trail is about 140 ft above sea level. It gradually makes its way down to the ocean over smooth pāhoehoe flows. The trail leads to the Pu‘uloa Petroglyphs along the south-facing shore.
- Ka’aha: a steep downhill trail that switches back 24 times to the base of the pali (cliff). Along the trail, you will be hiking through mostly non-native grasses dotted with native ‘ōhi‘a trees (a flowering evergreen tree). Depending on where you enter, it’s 3.6 to 17 miles. Worth noting the way out is uphill the entire way.
Safety Hiking Volcanoes National Park
Hiking in this national park is unlike anyplace else in the world. Be prepared for hot, dry, wet, windy weather conditions and steep and rocky terrain. Hiking on flow fields can be hazardous. There are deep earth cracks. The terrain is uneven and unstable. There are potential steam vents and razor-sharp lava. Once the sun goes down, it can get cold quickly.
Bring water, food, a hat, sunscreen, layers of clothing and rain gear.
Visit the Kahuku Unit
Kahuku Ranch was a remote outpost for raising cattle. It was a challenging business because about 75% of the land was lava. Water was scarce. Pastures needed to be planted with imported grasses. Not to mention the threat of volcanic eruption. Still, it was once one of the biggest cattle ranches in Hawaii. It produced beef and hides for more than 150 years on a 116,000-acre landscape.
The unit has nearly a dozen hikes, including the Glover Trail. This 3.2-mile hike culminates on the edge of a vast pit crater. The crater has a Hawaii and a rainforest within its sheer walls.
Fun fact: Hawaiian cowboys were called paniolo, a Hawaiian version of the word español.
Kahuku Unit is generally open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday – Sunday. It’s about an hour’s drive from Kīlauea Visitor Center.
Explore Geologic Features
Lava doesn’t just burn a trail of destruction; it creates unique and fascinating geologic features across everything it touches. Many of these sites can be seen in and around the park.
- Thurston Lava Tube: Go inside this 500-foot-long lava tube for a unique glimpse into the park’s volcanic history. The tube is well-lit and about 20 feet high. This makes it easy to navigate. You can walk through end to end if you dare.
- Chain of Craters Road: This 21-mile scenic drive offers stunning views of the park’s volcanic landscape. Along the way, you’ll pass several craters, lava tubes, and coastal cliffs. Signs mark the year of each lava field. Pay attention and see if you can find lava tree molds when lava flowed around trees, leaving behind hollow molds.
- Kalapana Black Sand Beach: Unlike traditional white or golden sand beaches, this beach has dark, volcanic sand. It is created when lava flows into the ocean. Kalapana is a popular spot for seeing green sea turtles.
Bonus: Stop by the Punalu’u Bake Shop if you visit the beach. They sell Hawaiian sweetbreads, cookies and novelties, including their famous malasada – a doughnut-style dessert. Find it at 95-5642 Mamalahoa Hwy, Naalehu, HI 96772.
Delve into Art, History and Nature
- Jaggar Museum: It’s at the summit of Kilauea, attached to the visitor’s center. It’s displays show information about the park’s geology, history and volcanic activity.
- Mauna Loa Observatory: The Mauna Loa Observatory is located on the summit of Mauna Loa. Visitors can tour the observatory and learn about the research being conducted there.
- Kīlauea Visitor Center and buy a park sticker t-shirt. Get an up-to-date map and volcano activity report and stamp your national park passport. This is also where you’ll find out about ranger-led programs.
Volcanoes National Park at Night
National parks never sleep. Sometimes, night is when they really come alive. This is especially true when you’re in the Pacific Ocean. You’re on an island in the middle of nowhere with virtually no light pollution. Here, the stars take on a life of their own.
Stargaze: Volcanoes National Park is a designated Dark Sky Park, making it ideal for stargazing. On a clear night, you can see millions of stars, planets, and even the Milky Way galaxy.
Fun fact: What’s the brightest star in the night sky? It’s a trick question because the answer is: it depends on where you’re at! During my stargazing tour, I said, “Polaris! (The North Star) because I grew up in North America. But the brightest star is Sirius. I can’t see it from my part of the world, but you can here.
Witness a lava flow: If you’re lucky, you may see a lava flow at night. Rangers at the visitors center can inform you about safely seeing any volcanic activity based on where they’re happening. You can see the volcanic activity at night when the lava is glowing.
Ways to Get Around Volcanoes National Park
There are many options for getting around this national park; you don’t have to do it alone. Plenty of tour guides and travel companies are ready to show you around.
- Book a tour: There are dozens of tour guides and services. Tours can include visits to lava tubes, past lava flows, and the summit of Kilauea volcano.
- Helicopter flights: Get a bird’s-eye view of the park, including the native forest, waterfalls, and lava flows.
- Road Trip: All roads in the park are two-wheel drive roadways and do not require four-wheel drive vehicles. This leaves you with options if you have a car. Take a scenic drive around the summit of Kilauea or down the slopes to the sea.
- Crater Rim Drive Tour: Begin your tour at Kīlauea Overlook and work clockwise along Crater Rim Drive. There are eight marked stops along the roadway, highlighting some of the best geologic features in the park.
Chain of Craters Road Tour: 18.8 miles offers breathtaking vistas of volcanic craters and lava flows, going to the rugged coastline.
If you visit the park without a tour company or guide, you’ll need a park pass. You can also pay the one-day national park entrance fee.
Visit Volcano – the Village
Volcano, Hawaii, is a charming village a few miles outside the park. This quaint village offers various shops, galleries, and a handful of restaurants. You can browse local art and indulge in Hawaii cuisine. I ate at the Lava Rock Cafe and it was delicious. Several people raved about the Macadamia crusted Mahi Mahi.
Volcano Art Center: Support local artists and admire their work at this cultural center. Explore the galleries, attend workshops, or catch a performance.
Volcano Winery: Enjoy a tasting at this local winery and vineyard, producing unique wines and tea. Take a tour.
Is Volcano National Park Worth Visiting?
The answer is a resounding yes! It’s a place of unparalleled natural beauty and raw power. With its diverse landscapes and stunning volcanic activity, Volcanoes National Park is a truly unforgettable destination. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a casual nature lover, you will be amazed. You will be in awe of the beauty of this incredible park.
How Much Time You Need to Visit Hawaii Volcano National Park?
You can see the highlights of Volcanoes National Park in a single day. If you’d like to take multiple longer hikes, you’ll need more days.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including holidays. Some recommend visiting before sunrise or after 9 PM to see the glow from Halema’uma’u and avoid crowds.
Check the current conditions before you visit Volcanoes National Park, as sections can be closed due to volcanic activity.
Read more stories about Hawaii here and the many other national parks I’ve visited here.
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