Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
HI
Park Alerts (5)
About Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park protects some of the most unique geological, biological, and cherished cultural landscapes in the world. Extending from sea level to 13,680 feet, the park encompasses the summits of two of the world's most active volcanoes - Kīlauea and Mauna Loa - and is a designated International Biosphere Reserve and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Things To Do
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Park Bookstore
Hawaiʻi Pacific Parks Association operates the official park bookstores at the Welcome Center and the Kahuku Unit.
Kūpinaʻi Pali (Waldron Ledge)
Walk along an old road damaged by an earthquake in 1983 and get panoramic views of Kaluapele
Devastation Trail
Stroll on a paved path through a recovering landscape that was buried by falling cinder from the 1959 Kīlauea Iki eruption.
Nāhuku Lava Tube Trail
Walk through lush rainforest and see a cave where a river of lava flowed 500 years ago.
Backcountry Camp at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
Looking for solitude or adventure? The vast backcountry on Kīlauea and Mauna Loa provides ample opportunities.
Visit Kahuku: Palm Trail
Hike or bike to some of the best views of Kahuku and along the fissure of the 1868 Mauna Loa eruption
Available Activities
Weather
The weather the summit of Kīlauea (~4000' elevation) varies daily and may be rainy and chilly any time of the year. Temperature varies by elevation. At the summit of the volcano, temperatures may be 12 to 15 degrees cooler than at sea level.
The coastal plain at the end of Chain of Craters Road is often hot, dry, and windy with the possibility of passing showers.
Getting There
Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park is located on the Island of Hawai‘i. From Hilo: 30 miles southwest on Highway 11 (45 minute drive); from Kailua-Kona: 96 miles southeast on Highway 11 (2 to 2.5 hour drive), or 125 miles through Waimea and Hilo via Highways 19 and 11 (2.
5 to 3 hours).
Plan Your Visit
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Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park
Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park is open 7 days a week, 24 hours a day including holidays.
Kahuku Unit
The Kahuku Unit is open on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is closed on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays.
Entrance Fees
Entrance - Private Vehicle
Private Vehicle Pass - The private vehicle pass admits the passholder and up to 14 passengers of a single, private (non-commercial) vehicle.
Entrance - Motorcycle
Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.
Entrance - Per Person
Pedestrian/Cyclist Pass - Admits one individual bicyclist, hiker, or pedestrian visiting without a private vehicle. An individual pass is not required for visitors aged 15 and under.
Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus
The commercial entrance fee for a Road Based Guided Tour is based on vehicle seating capacity. For a 16-25 passenger vehicle the user fee is $100.
Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach
The commercial entrance fee for a Road Based Guided Tour is based on vehicle seating capacity. For a 26+ passenger vehicle the user fee is $200. Large vehicles, defined as more than 26 feet in length and/or more than eight feet wide, are only allowed to operate on Crater Rim Drive to Kilauea Visitor Center, Kūkamāhuākea (Steam Vents), and Uēkahuna. Mauna Loa Road to the Kīpukapuaulu turnabout.
Commercial Entrance - Per Person
$15 per person for Commercial Non-Road Based Guided Tours. This includes hiking more than one mile on one trail, bird watching on foot for more than one hour at one location, and/or or bicycling tours.