Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
4.5
About
Get up close and personal with a volcano at the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Stop by the Kilauea Visitor Center to pick up a map and ask a ranger for their recommendation on the best route.
Hike the Kilauea Iki lava field, check out the Nahuku Thurston lava tubes, and drive the Chain of Craters Road. Bring plenty of water, snacks, and sunscreen, and don’t forget headlamps and binoculars if you’re planning to experience the molten lava’s glow at night. There’s so much to do at this experience of a lifetime—consider extending your visit by booking a stay at the Volcano House Hotel.
– Tripadvisor
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8,572 reviews
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TravelingFam
Omaha, NE634 contributions
Nov 2021
Right now the lava viewing is from inside the park, and entrance fees apply. Lava is unpredictable so Check local news or the front entrance to see if lava is flowing. Near dark the 2 close parking lots will fill up and then begins a wait in line to be allowed entrance to one of the 2 lots. If you get the lot further away you will walk .8 miles to the closer parking lot; then it's another 1.1 miles on a flat crushed rock road to the viewing area. (Ranger told us they stop patrolling around 9pm so presumably the traffic flow dies down) It's chilly and no lights so dress warm and bring a soft flashlight or phone (just please keep it pointed at the ground). Port-a-potties were at the parking lot/road, but they were very smelly as we walked by. Plan to use the ones at entrance before the walk. Viewing in Nov 2021 was active lava with spurts of lava. A 300mm or more zoom lens will get you great pictures.
Written November 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Walter C
Calgary, Canada81 contributions
Feb 2023
The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is probably THE place everyone comes to visit while on the Big Island, and it is totally worth it. Quick, easy access to several mostly easy hiking trails around the rim and adequate parking, although it gets busy during mid-day. Access to the main viewing areas from parking is mostly paved sidewalks so also easy for wheelchair access.
We did several visits in order to have enough time to hike more of the trails around the rim and through the caldera, so would recommend getting the 'tri-park pass' - good for a year that also gets you access to other Hawaii parks.
Choose your visit times wisely as it can be misty rainy sunny voggy (yes that's a word here) depending on what the weather throws at you. We were glad to have our Gortex jackets to protect us from periodic rain showers during the February rainy season, but the views, steam vents, sulfur flats, a lava tube and miles of exercise were all still totally worth it.
Bring a picnic lunch with you as food access is mostly limited to the local Volcano village. Enjoy!
We did several visits in order to have enough time to hike more of the trails around the rim and through the caldera, so would recommend getting the 'tri-park pass' - good for a year that also gets you access to other Hawaii parks.
Choose your visit times wisely as it can be misty rainy sunny voggy (yes that's a word here) depending on what the weather throws at you. We were glad to have our Gortex jackets to protect us from periodic rain showers during the February rainy season, but the views, steam vents, sulfur flats, a lava tube and miles of exercise were all still totally worth it.
Bring a picnic lunch with you as food access is mostly limited to the local Volcano village. Enjoy!
Written March 5, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
NewsByScott
Phoenix, AZ220 contributions
Jul 2022
I don't think you need to read reviews of the park itself.. so instead I will give you tips. We did the unthinkable and got up in the middle of the night to make it to the view spot for lava by 4:30am. We saw the glow and the sunrise with only a handful of people. Dress warm it is cold and windy and may rain. It is a easy one mile hike to the viewing rimj. We then basically had the park to ourselves until around 9am when it got a bit busier. We hiked a total of 12 miles on various trails. If you do what I suggest and go before sunrise do dress in layers because by 11am you will start to get warm. My favorite trail was Kilauea iki trail which takes you around the crater and then down and across the bottom of it. Bring a hat and plenty of water because if the sun is not covered by clouds it will get toasty. We also drove the chain of Craters down to the sea. The sea arch is OK very windy and you can only view from a distance. The petroglyph trail was also nice but walking over all that lava and in the wind is exhausting. After we felt we saw all there was we then went to Kona for the afternoon. We picked up dinner and headed back to the volcano for a sunset and night glow sighting ( since we were staying in KONA) We parked in the closest lot to walk to the lava viewing (can't remember the name) we got there around 6 pm ( the sun set around pm) the parking lots started to fill up fast. We ate dinner in the car then walked to the area for sunset. I was shocked at the throngs of people already there. We stayed for about an hour 8pm had our fill and left. I totally would recommend doing the EARLY 4am view instead of the night time. You don't have the crowds of people then you have the rest of your day for the park then drive to the black sand beach and take a nap!.
Written July 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kathleen V
9 contributions
Jan 2023
We visited the park late in the afternoon and watched the sunset, and the volcano eruption becoming more and more visible. It was crowded at this time and the crowds thinned out at around 9 pm. We used the observation points in the park to view the volcano. If everyone was quiet, you could hear it crackle and pop.
Written February 9, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
DallasRose1
Dallas6 contributions
Mar 2021 • Family
It was raining when we arrived but didn’t let it deter us, so drove the chain of craters road and hopped out to see steam vents, etc. We were rewarded with the most amazing rainbow! We could then hike to the Petroglyphs and to the Sea Arch and went back to steam vents. At 6:40 we lined up for the caldera but after talking to the Ranger, we decided to eat dinner first since it wouldn’t really be good viewing until after 7:15-7:30. I had tried to get a reservation at the Volcano House a day in advance but they were booked. However you can order from other side of restaurant at very reasonable prices. I highly recommend the Hawaiian special with macadamia nut crusted fish with remoulade rice Mac salad and roasted vegetables for $19 and 3 homemade cookies for $2.
Written March 18, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Emily R
22 contributions
Sep 2022 • Couples
We went to the Volcano park one afternoon and then the next morning. Parking for a car is 30 dollars and is good for 7 days after purchase. The park is open 24/7 so you can stay late to better view lava and stars. I recommend taking one of the scheduled hikes (more like a walk) with a ranger because it gives you alot of information about the plants and the volcano in a short amount of time. Also arriving early before 9 or after 1 pm is best. There seemed to be a long line at the entrance when I left the last day at 11 am. We did the crater trail, sulfur vent trail, and the Thurston lava tube, but I would have loved more time at the park to see the lava at night. Ask a ranger which area is best for lava viewing.
Written September 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
ADevaraj
Richland, WA33 contributions
Dec 2020 • Couples
We went to national park on 21st Dec 2020 early morning as soon as we heard it started erupting and then we went again in the evening after sunset. From the view point by the rim, the whole sky was lit red with the lava flowing out of fissure and the lava lake! We are here for another two days we are hoping to see the actual lava lake hopefully in a day or two if we are lucky. The park in general is very crowded in the evenings. Yesterday when we were driving out at 8:30 pm we saw 100 + cars lined to get in to the parking lot. Lots of people falling in to small holes and tripping over stuff at night along the rim. Be careful, carry a flash light, dont stand very close to the rim cliff. In case you slip or if an earthquake hits and you fall down, that will be the end. We were standing near the rim on april 30th 2018 and felt that quake. It was intense. In any case amazing view now before/after sun down!
Written December 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Matt P
Petoskey, MI75 contributions
Mar 2022 • Family
This was a nice visit, but we definitely didn’t plan enough time to even see part of the park. We had only planned a couple of hours to visit, but you really need 6+ hours (or more) to really get a chance to hike different trails & see different overlooks & if you want to drive all the way to the water. The scenery is breathtakingly beautiful though. From the black of previous lava flows to open grassy plains to lush almost rainforest, the variety is amazing and all beautiful. Had we planned better (or known better that we needed much more time than we planned) this would have been 5/5, but we just didn’t realize how much time we needed (this is after needing the 2 hour drive to get there). LOTS to see & hike. Also, no active lava flows to see, can only see the glow of the lava right at sunrise we learned when we got there (meaning you have to be parked around 5am to get to the viewing spot).
Written March 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Stephen K
Corpus Christi, TX1,670 contributions
Mar 2022 • Couples
The red glow from the Halema’uma’u Pit Crater within the Kilauea Calder is a sight not to miss. The attached photo was taken from the viewing area just outside the windows of the Volcano House restaurant in the National Park. The photo, taken with an IPhone 12, was shot a little over one hour after sunset at the end of March 2022. The Volcano House is open 24/7 because it is a hotel as well as housing an excellent restaurant and very nice gift shop. It is my understanding that the eruptions have been going on for about six months now. It was an experience of a lifetime to see in person. If you are there in early 2022, also take the 1 mile easy hike during the day to see the steam coming out and view the red glow at night from the comfort of the patio just outside the Volcano House restaurant. And while there, enjoy the good food (the fish and chips was actually very good with fresh fish).
Written April 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kelly K
13 contributions
Apr 2022
First of all, make sure you plan plenty of time to get to and from this park and to see all there is to see! This is a full day trip minimum if you plan to do any hiking, which I would highly recommend for the best experience. There are places to stay within the park for those who would want even more time. Volcano House has some pretty good food. We went for lunch around noon and had no trouble getting a table. From the restaurant's huge windows you have a fantastic view of the volcano. Go see the Thurston Lava Tube! This is a really quick little hike and requires very little effort. From the same parking lot, you can hike down into Kilauea Iki crater. This was AWESOME! It's a significant hike - a 4 mile loop. It took us about 2 hours and the climb out on the opposite side of the crater was tough with steep stairs. After exploring the crater, you might consider going back the way you came, heading back to the parking area near the lava tubes vs. crossing over.The climb out is much less steep and you will not miss anything. If you run out of time for Old Crater Rim trail, you can get a pretty good view of the active part of the volcano by heading right from the visitor center. The steam vents are also on that side of the park and they are pretty cool! If you're lucky, you may get the opportunity to experience native Hawaiians observing their cultural/spiritual traditions in this area or from the crater vantage points. That made the volcano park visit even more special for us!
Written April 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
nationalparky
Indiana30 contributions
We would like to spend two full days at the park (family of four with 9 & 12 year old).
Day 1: Visit Visitor Center, do longer 5-6 mile Kīlauea Iki loop starting at the Visitor Center or Devastation Trailhead (if open, trip is in future). If we are still up for it we would then do sites along Chain of Craters Road. If not, leave it for Day 2.
Day 2: If we get everything in above, what would you do on day 2? Kahuku Unit? Muana Loa road?
Christine W
3 contributions
My recommendation to you is to arrive at trail head early, spots filled very fast. We hiked first then did the Chain of Craters Road after. Excellent day.
butterflytravelgal
Tucson, AZ1 contribution
We will be with my 80 yr old mom who doesn’t want to walk on uneven surfaces and my 3 kids, ages 6 and 4 yr old twins. Any trails or itineraries that are not too long/dangerous/uneven? Thanks
Catherine H
82 contributions
I would suggest going to the volcano visitor center. There are park rangers that will answer all of your questions, and where the best place to go if you’re not interested in hiking. Also across from the visitor center is the volcano house. We stayed there one night and had a really good view of the glow. We took so many pictures. Seeing the actual lava lake is hit or miss when going on a hike. Hope this helps. Have a wonderful time!
Susan Bolton
Lincoln, CA
Hi. We are planning to go here but my hubby has recently developed a fear of heights, e.g., walking near cliffs. Are there “heights” like this along the trail?
JRM10009
New York City, NY83 contributions
No problems with heights, since I have the same fear. Most trails have plenty of land past the railing so you don't feel like you are looking straight down. Use your judgement & all will be good!
How many days should I plan to visit VNP? Also looking for recommendations while in the park.
Matt A
Hermosa Beach, CA466 contributions
1 or 2....or, if you will be on the island for 10 days or longer, or if this is your #1 priority, or if you are dedicated hiker or naturalist, maybe 3. VNP is huge, with many hours worth of drives and hikes. Also, it will likely be sunny in the morning then start to rain the afternoon, so you may not have full days. With all that said, I spent one day, about 8 hrs, in the park and felt completely fulfilled. TOP SITES (IMO): 1) Kilauea Iki Trail - amazing hike through old crater, 2hr 2) Crater Rim Drive - incredible drive from visitor center down to ocean, through massive lava fields, 2-4hr 3) Halema’uma’u trail - beautiful hike through a rainforest down to the active Kilauea crater, 1.5hrs 4) Kikaeau overlook - this is the active volcano, you can also see the glow at night, 1hr—-This is my “best of” list and a good full day, you can see it adds up to 6-8hrs. If you feel like you will want to do more hiking than this, add another day. Hope this helps!
hellenTorres
Sao Paulo1 contribution
Olá, é necessário contratar um guia ou posso me auto guiar com meu carro?
Chrialaumo
8 contributions
Bonjour
Nous pensons visiter le Kilauea à l été 2020. Quelqu un sait il si l accès aux trails et plient de vue est possible ?
LJucha
Carlsbad, CA266 contributions
Hi, We will be in Hawaii at the end of January and staying in Waikola Village. We only have one day to go to the volcano/Hilo side. Is it realistic to see the volcano, the botanic gardens and a waterfall or 2 on the way home in one day? Travelling with 4 adults...
Michael M
Omaha, NE32 contributions
Hi - there is a lot to see at Volcanoes, and one of my favorite hikes is the Kilauea Iki Trail. It's fairly short at 4 miles, but involves some elevation. I walked it "clockwise" as you view the caldera, but think it may be easier to go "counter-clockwise". The reason I say that is the elevation paths are different - one is steps & the other is switchbacks through the jungle. The steps got pretty tiring going up & I thought the switchback would be a more enjoyable way to go up the 400 feet of elevation.
gmwnmw
Decatur, IN14 contributions
If someone only has three hours to visit the park, what would you recommend?
Nattysimps
Bermuda4,358 contributions
Definitely the visitors center. Take a short walk to the sulfur springs/steam vents and then head over to the crater rim. Drive down to some of the old lava flows - pretty spectacular.
Anne E
Sydney, Australia1 contribution
After visiting the Big IS, my family of 3 needs to stay overnight in Honolulu before heading home the next morn. Can anyone advise an inexpensive good place with a free/included reliable shuttle service to the airport? thanks, Anne
Raymond S
Melbourne, Australia115 contributions
Inn on the park Honolulu might be okay, not sure of your budget or how many nights, it is listed on booking, if that helps.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
- We recommend booking Hawaii Volcanoes National Park tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 35 Hawaii Volcanoes National Park tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Hawaii Volcanoes National Park:
- Big Island in a Day: Volcanoes Waterfalls Sightseeing and History (From $226.96)
- Private Tour: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Eco Tour (From $170.00)
- Big Island - Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Driving Tour (From $19.99)
- Small Group Big Island Twilight Volcano and Stargazing Tour (From $260.17)
- Private Guide: Meet In Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (From $595.00)
- Hotels near Hawaii Volcanoes National Park:
- (0.09 mi) Volcano House
- (1.13 mi) Crater Rim Cabin
- (1.22 mi) Volcano Teapot Cottage
- (1.32 mi) Aloha Junction Bed and Breakfast
- (1.66 mi) Volcano Places
- Restaurants near Hawaii Volcanoes National Park:
- (0.10 mi) The Rim
- (0.09 mi) Volcano House
- (0.09 mi) Uncle George's Lounge
- (0.05 mi) Kilauea Military Camp
- (1.80 mi) Tuk Tuk Thai Food Truck
- Attractions near Hawaii Volcanoes National Park:
- (0.01 mi) Kilauea Visitor Center
- (0.08 mi) Sulphur Banks
- (0.09 mi) Byron Ledge
- (0.23 mi) Hawaii Volcano Tours
- (2.10 mi) Akamai Adventure Tours & Travel