Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

State: Hawaii. Type: national park on the island of Hawaii (the Big Island), Hawaii County, protecting two active volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa. Established August 1, 1916 (originally as Hawaii National Park); split into its own park on September 22, 1961. Covers about 354,461 acres, spanning from sea level to 13,679 feet. Designated an International Biosphere Reserve in 1980 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. Address: Hawaii National Park, HI 96718; phone 808-985-6011. Entrance fee $30 per vehicle (7-day pass), cashless.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park protects one of the most geologically active landscapes on Earth on the Big Island of Hawaii. It encompasses two major volcanoes: Kilauea, one of the world's most active volcanoes, and Mauna Loa, the planet's largest shield volcano. The park lets visitors witness the raw processes that build the Hawaiian Islands, from steaming vents and vast lava fields to the Halemaumau crater within the larger Kilauea caldera, which has hosted repeated eruptive activity in recent years. Ranging from sea level to nearly 13,700 feet, the park spans an extraordinary variety of environments, from lush tropical rainforest to the arid Kau Desert, and preserves both native Hawaiian ecosystems and cultural sites of deep significance to Native Hawaiians, for whom Kilauea is the home of the volcano deity Pele. Popular features include the Crater Rim Drive around part of the summit, the Chain of Craters Road descending to the coast, and the Thurston Lava Tube. Recognized as both an International Biosphere Reserve and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the park is a place where eruptions, closures and new lava can reshape the visitor experience from one visit to the next, making it essential to check current conditions before arriving.

The park is on the island of Hawaii (the Big Island), in Hawaii County, with a mailing address of Hawaii National Park, HI 96718 (P.O. Box 52). It covers about 354,461 acres and ranges in elevation from sea level to 13,679 feet, encompassing the summits and slopes of Kilauea and Mauna Loa. The main entrance and summit area sit inland and uphill from the towns of Volcano and Hilo on the island's east side.

Because the park spans from sea level to nearly 13,700 feet, weather varies dramatically by elevation and is often described as unpredictable. At the summit area around park headquarters, temperatures typically range from about 49 to 74 degrees Fahrenheit, and annual precipitation averages around 96 inches, making the summit cool, wet and sometimes foggy. Lower elevations and the leeward Kau Desert are warmer and drier, while the coast at the end of Chain of Craters Road is hot and sunny. Visitors should bring layers and rain protection regardless of season.

The park is open year-round, and there is no single best season, since the main draw, volcanic activity, is not seasonal. Weather at the summit is cooler and wetter than the coast, so clear stretches can occur any time of year. Early morning and evening are popular for viewing any active glow at Halemaumau when eruptions are occurring. Because construction, eruptions and closures can affect access, checking the park's current conditions before planning a specific day is more important than choosing a season.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park was originally established on August 1, 1916, as Hawaii National Park, which also included the Haleakala area on Maui. On September 22, 1961, the two were separated, creating the distinct Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island and Haleakala National Park on Maui. The park's landscape has been shaped by continuous volcanic activity: Kilauea in particular is among the most active volcanoes on the planet. Major eruptions in 2018 dramatically altered parts of the park and forced extended closures, with portions reopening on September 22, 2018. Kilauea has seen intermittent eruptive activity since December 2020, including activity reported as recently as 2025. The park was designated an International Biosphere Reserve in 1980 and inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 in recognition of its outstanding natural values. The area also holds deep cultural importance for Native Hawaiians, connected to traditions surrounding Pele, the volcano deity.

Visitors can drive Crater Rim Drive to summit overlooks of Kilauea caldera and Halemaumau crater, descend the Chain of Craters Road toward the coast past old lava flows, and walk through the Thurston Lava Tube. Hiking ranges from short walks and boardwalks to long backcountry and wilderness treks, including trails across hardened lava and through rainforest. When eruptions are underway, nighttime viewing of the glow from designated overlooks is a highlight. Ranger programs, scenic drives, and stops at visitor-service areas round out a visit. The more remote Kahuku Unit offers additional hiking with its own separate hours.

Key features include the Kilauea summit caldera and Halemaumau crater, Crater Rim Drive and its overlooks, the Chain of Craters Road down to the coastline, the Thurston Lava Tube (Nahuku), steam vents and sulfur banks, and the vast lava fields and Kau Desert. The park also contains Mauna Loa, the world's largest shield volcano, and the separate Kahuku Unit. During renovation of the Kilauea Visitor Center, a temporary Welcome Center at Kilauea Military Camp provides maps and same-day closure guidance.

The park is on the east side of the Big Island, most easily reached by car from Hilo (a relatively short drive) or from Kailua-Kona on the west side (a longer drive of roughly two hours). The nearest major airports are Hilo International Airport and Kona International Airport, both on the Big Island. A rental car is effectively required, as public transit to and within the park is very limited. The main entrance is off Highway 11 near the town of Volcano.

According to the National Park Service, the main park is open 24 hours a day, year-round. However, visitor services, roads, trails, parking areas and the Kahuku Unit can have their own separate hours or temporary closures, and construction is expected to continue through 2026 with delays and limited parking near the entrance, summit overlooks and visitor-service areas. Confirm same-day status on the official NPS site or at the temporary Welcome Center before visiting.

Per the National Park Service, the entrance fee is $30 per private vehicle, $25 per motorcycle, or $15 per person on foot or bicycle, valid for seven days; the entrance station is cashless. The America the Beautiful federal passes and the Hawaii Tri-Park Annual Pass are accepted. Confirm current fees on the official NPS site before you go.

A visit can range from a half-day for the main summit overlooks, Crater Rim Drive and the Thurston Lava Tube, to a full day or more if you drive the Chain of Craters Road to the coast, hike longer trails, or return after dark to view any active eruption glow.

Lodging options include a historic hotel located within the park at the Kilauea summit area, plus a range of inns, bed-and-breakfasts and vacation rentals in the nearby town of Volcano just outside the entrance. The city of Hilo, a moderate drive away, offers a wider selection of hotels and services. Because in-park and Volcano-village lodging is limited, booking ahead is recommended. To avoid naming specific businesses beyond the in-park lodge noted in general park information, travelers should compare current options directly.

Food options within the park are limited, centered on the in-park lodge and any operating visitor-service concessions, which can be affected by ongoing construction. The nearby town of Volcano has a small number of restaurants and general stores, and the larger town of Hilo offers a much broader range of dining a moderate drive away. Because on-site options are sparse, many visitors bring water and snacks, especially for long drives like the Chain of Craters Road.

The town of Volcano sits just outside the park entrance, and Hilo, with its gardens, waterfalls and museums, is a moderate drive to the northeast. The park's own Kahuku Unit offers additional hiking to the south. Farther afield on the Big Island, coastal areas, black-sand beaches and other volcanic and cultural sites make natural additions to a multi-day itinerary.

The nearest airports are Hilo International Airport, relatively close on the island's east side, and Kona International Airport on the west side, a longer drive away. There is no meaningful public transit into or around the park, so a rental car is the practical way to reach and explore it. The main road access is via Highway 11.

Volcanic hazards are real: stay on marked trails and behind barriers, heed all closures, and be aware of volcanic gases (including sulfur dioxide and vog), unstable ground, earthquakes and steam. Conditions can change rapidly during eruptions, so follow ranger guidance and current-conditions advisories. At high elevation the weather can turn cold, wet and foggy quickly, so carry layers, water and a flashlight if viewing eruption glow after dark. People with heart or respiratory conditions, pregnant travelers and young children should be cautious around volcanic fumes. For any emergency, dial 911.

Bring layered clothing and rain protection for the cool, wet summit, sturdy closed-toe shoes for walking on lava and uneven ground, plenty of water and snacks (services are limited), sun protection for exposed areas, and a flashlight or headlamp if you plan to view any nighttime eruption glow. A full tank of fuel is wise given the long distances, and a map or downloaded park information helps where cell service is spotty.

Check the park's current conditions before you go, since eruptions, closures and construction (expected through 2026) can significantly change what's open. The entrance station is cashless, so bring a card or a valid pass. Start early to beat crowds and afternoon weather at the summit, and allow extra driving time for the Chain of Craters Road, which has no services and dead-ends at the coast. During the Kilauea Visitor Center renovation, use the temporary Welcome Center at Kilauea Military Camp for maps and same-day guidance. A rental car is essentially required.

For any emergency, dial 911, the nationwide emergency number in the United States. For general park information, the National Park Service line for Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is 808-985-6011.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (National Park Service) - https://www.nps.gov/havo/index.htm

This section is being updated and will be available shortly.

This section is being updated and will be available shortly.

This section is being updated and will be available shortly.