What to Do in Volcanoes National Park on Big Island of Hawaii

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is a unique and captivating place that offers visitors the opportunity to witness and explore the forces of nature.

What to Do in Volcanoes National Park

Kilauea Volcano: The most active volcano in the world, Kilauea is a must-see attraction in the park. Visitors can take a scenic drive to the summit, where they can view the caldera and the steam vents. It’s also possible to hike to the caldera and see the vents up close.
Mauna Loa Volcano: The largest volcano on Earth, Mauna Loa covers half of the Big Island of Hawaii. Visitors can take a scenic drive to the summit, where they can see the stunning views of the island and the ocean.
Lava Tubes: The park is home to several lava tubes, which are tunnels formed by flowing lava. Visitors can take guided tours of some of the tubes, which offer a unique and eerie experience.
Sulfur Banks: Located near the summit of Kilauea, the sulfur banks are a unique feature of the park. Visitors can witness the steam vents and smell the strong sulfur odor.
Jaggar Museum: The museum is located near the summit of Kilauea and offers exhibits on the geology and history of the volcano. Visitors can also view the caldera and the steam vents from the museum’s overlook.
Thurston Lava Tube: Also known as Nāhuku, the Thurston Lava Tube is a large and easily accessible lava tube in the park. Visitors can explore the tube and see the unique features formed by flowing lava.
Crater Rim Drive: This scenic drive offers views of the summit of Kilauea and the caldera, as well as other volcanic features in the park. The drive is approximately 11 miles and takes about 2 hours to complete.
Kilauea Iki Trail: This 4-mile trail takes visitors through a volcanic landscape and offers stunning views of the Kilauea caldera. The trail takes about 2-3 hours to complete.
Halema’uma’u Trail: This 2-mile trail takes visitors to the Halema’uma’u Crater, where they can witness the steam vents and the caldera. The trail takes about 1-2 hours to complete.
Petroglyphs: The park is home to several petroglyphs, which are rock carvings made by early Hawaiian residents. Visitors can view the petroglyphs at various locations in the park, including the Pu’u Loa Petroglyph Field.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Road Trip

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is a must-see destination for anyone visiting the Big Island of Hawaii. A road trip through the park is a great way to experience the natural beauty and geological wonders of this unique area. Here’s a suggested itinerary for a road trip through Hawaii Volcanoes National Park:

Day 1:

Morning: Start your day at the park’s visitors center, where you can get information about the park and purchase any necessary permits.
Afternoon: Take a scenic drive on Crater Rim Drive, which offers stunning views of the park’s many volcanic features.
Evening: Hike the Kilauea Iki Trail, which takes you through a volcanic landscape and offers views of the Kilauea caldera.

Day 2:

Morning: Visit the Jaggar Museum, which offers exhibits on the geology and history of the volcano. From the museum, you can view the caldera and the steam vents.
Afternoon: Drive to the summit of Mauna Loa and enjoy the stunning views of the island and the ocean.
Evening: Take a guided tour of the Thurston Lava Tube, which is a large and easily accessible lava tube in the park.

Day 3:

Morning: Hike the Halema’uma’u Trail, which takes you to the Halema’uma’u Crater, where you can witness the steam vents and the caldera.
Afternoon: Explore the park’s petroglyphs, which are rock carvings made by early Hawaiian residents. The Pu’u Loa Petroglyph Field is a popular location for viewing the petroglyphs.
Evening: Drive back to your accommodations, enjoying the scenic views of the park one last time.

This road trip itinerary offers a great introduction to the many attractions of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Depending on your interests, you may want to modify the itinerary to include more or less hiking, scenic drives, or other activities. Additionally, the park offers many other trails, scenic drives, and attractions, so feel free to add or subtract activities based on your interests and time constraints.

Note: The park is home to active volcanoes, and conditions can change quickly. It’s important to check with park rangers or the visitors center before engaging in any activities to ensure that they are safe and open.

In conclusion, a road trip through Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is a unique and memorable experience that offers visitors the chance to witness the beauty and power of nature. Whether you’re interested in hiking, scenic drives, or exploring the park’s many attractions, this itinerary provides a great starting point for your journey through this captivating destination.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Hiking

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is a hiker’s paradise, offering a wide range of trails with stunning views of the park’s volcanic landscapes and lush rainforests. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just starting out, there’s a trail that’s perfect for you. Here are some of the top hikes in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park:

Kilauea Iki Trail: This 4-mile trail takes you through a volcanic landscape, with views of the Kilauea caldera and the Kilauea Iki crater. The trail is a moderate hike that’s suitable for most visitors.
Halema’uma’u Trail: This 2-mile trail takes you to the Halema’uma’u Crater, where you can witness the steam vents and the caldera. The trail is a moderate hike with a steep ascent to the crater rim.
Devastation Trail: This 1-mile trail takes you through a landscape that was destroyed by a volcanic eruption in the early 1900s. The trail is an easy hike that offers views of the park’s recent volcanic activity.
Mauna Ulu Trail: This 5-mile trail takes you through a volcanic landscape that was formed by the Mauna Ulu eruption in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The trail is a moderate hike that’s suitable for experienced hikers.
Keanakāko’i Crater Trail: This 2.5-mile trail takes you to the Keanakāko’i Crater, which is a large volcanic crater in the park. The trail is a moderate hike with a steep ascent to the crater rim.
Nāmakanipaio Campground Trail: This 1.5-mile trail takes you through a rainforest, with views of the park’s lush vegetation and wildlife. The trail is an easy hike that’s suitable for families.
Crater Rim Trail: This 11-mile trail takes you along the rim of the Kilauea caldera, with views of the caldera, steam vents, and the surrounding landscape. The trail is a strenuous hike that’s suitable for experienced hikers.
Kipukapuaulu Trail: This 1.5-mile trail takes you through a rainforest that was spared by a volcanic eruption in the early 1900s. The trail is an easy hike that’s suitable for families.

These hikes offer a range of experiences, from easy walks through lush rainforests to strenuous hikes along the rim of a volcanic caldera. When planning your hikes in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, be sure to check with park rangers or the visitors center for the latest trail conditions and to get recommendations for trails that are suitable for your abilities and interests.

In conclusion, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park offers a wide range of trails for hikers of all abilities. Whether you’re looking for an easy walk through a lush rainforest or a strenuous hike along the rim of a volcanic caldera, there’s a trail that’s perfect for you. By exploring the park’s many trails, you’ll get an up-close look at the beauty and power of nature, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

In conclusion, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is a unique and fascinating destination that offers visitors the opportunity to witness and explore the forces of nature. Whether you’re interested in hiking, driving, or exploring the park’s many attractions, there’s something for everyone at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.