How to Spend Your Day at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is a spectacular destination filled with natural beauty, geological wonders, and a fascinating history of Native Hawaiians. Covering more than 300,000 acres, the park is home to two of the world’s most active volcanoes—Kīlauea Volcano and Mauna Loa and is widely regarded as the crown jewel of the Big Island.

Spending a day at this park offers visitors a truly immersive experience into the raw and powerful forces that shape our planet. I’m lucky to live close enough that I can often see the red night glow in the sky when Kīlauea Volcano is erupting.

Whether you’re a nature lover, a photography enthusiast, or someone fascinated by Earth’s geology, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park delivers a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Here’s how to spend a full, unforgettable day exploring.

Changes to Watch For at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park in 2025

Buildings and infrastructure are finally scheduled to be restored and rebuilt after surviving frequent earthquakes, start-and-stop eruptions, and the effect of human traffic on this fragile volcanic environment.

Construction projects in sections of the park might delay visitors and tour operators at the entrance to the park from the main highway. Some areas may be temporarily closed and parking will be affected.

Whether it’s an eruption or peak travel season (December – January and June – August) you’ll need a little extra patience because more people will be in the park.

Planned renovations were put on the back burner for years, but no longer. The disastrous eruption in 2018 destroyed 700 homes and large parts of the Puna district 35 miles away from the National Park. Kaluapele, the traditional Hawaiian name for Kīlauea Caldera, went through permanent physical changes. The caldera floor partially collapsed and fell 1,600 feet. Jaggar Museum and the Volcano Observatory near the Caldera’s edge were damaged beyond repair and the national park is finally being restored.

The Kilauea Visitor Center is Being Renovated

The Kilauea Visitor Center was always the first stop that tourists were advised to make once they entered the park. Now there’s a temporary Welcome Center at the Kilauea Military Camp’s accessible Koa Room about a mile west of the entrance to the park.

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park rangers and volunteers are stationed at the temporary Welcome Center to greet visitors with educational materials and to answer questions. Ranger programs will continue but visitors should expect some limitation in services.

Parking is on the adjacent ball field.

The renovation is expected to take two years to rebuild the interior, restrooms, sidewalks, water station, and parking lot in order to accommodate the 1.5 million people that travel to Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park annually.

A Guide to Spending Your Day at Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park

Early Morning: Arrival and Welcome Center

Start Time: 8 a.m.
Location: Welcome Center at Kīlauea Military Camp (KMC), Koa Room

Begin your day early at the temporary Welcome Center at the KMC. This is the best place to get oriented, check current conditions (especially volcanic activity), grab hawaii volcanoes national park maps, and get advice from park rangers. The center opens at 9 a.m., but arriving around 8 will allow you time to enjoy the crisp morning air and explore the grounds. Park on the ballfield adjacent to the Center.

Here you can:

• Watch a short film about volcanic activity and Hawaiian culture.
• Ask rangers about current lava flows, road closures, and air quality alerts.
• Pick up a Junior Ranger booklet if you’re traveling with kids.
• Purchase guidebooks and maps at the bookstore.

Pro Tip: Conditions in the park can change quickly due to volcanic activity. Always check real-time updates before heading out to trails or viewpoints.

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Mid-Morning: Crater Rim Drive and Volcano Overlooks

Start Time: 9:30 a.m.
Duration: 2-3 hours

After your visit to the Center, drive along Crater Rim Drive, which loops around Kīlauea’s summit caldera. This scenic road provides access to some of the most iconic overlooks and trails in the park.

Must-See Stops Along Crater Rim Drive:

1. Steaming Bluff and Sulphur Banks
   • Walk the short boardwalk trail and observe steam vents rising from the earth.
   • The smell of sulfur is strong, but the views are striking.
   • This is a great introduction to the geothermal activity in the park.
2. Wahinekapu (Sacred Woman)
   • A culturally significant area with interpretive signs.
   • Take a moment to learn about how Hawaiian spirituality is deeply connected to the land.
3. Kīlauea Overlook
   • One of the best spots to view Halema‘uma‘u Crater inside the Kīlauea Caldera.
   • Depending on volcanic activity, you might see a lava lake glowing in the distance or steam rising from the crater.
4. Jaggar Museum (Currently Closed But Viewpoint Is Open)
   • Even though the museum is currently closed due to earthquake damage, the viewpoint outside offers one of the best panoramic views of the crater, especially if there’s visible lava. Follow all signage for your own protection.

Optional Short Hike:
The Sulphur Banks Trail is an easy 1.2-mile loop that provides unique geothermal features and a good leg-stretcher before heading to more strenuous hikes.

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Late Morning: Nāhuku (Thurston Lava Tube)

Time: 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Drive a few minutes to Nāhuku, previously known as the Thurston Lava Tube, one of the most accessible lava tubes in the world.

• Take the short rainforest hike (about 20 minutes round trip) to the entrance.
• The walk through the lush forest is magical, with tree ferns and native birds all around.
• Inside the lava tube, you’ll walk through a dimly lit tunnel formed hundreds of years ago by flowing lava.

This is a must-see stop, as it provides a literal walk through a piece of volcanic history.

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Lunch Break: Volcano House or Picnic

Time: 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Option 1: Volcano House

• The park’s historic Volcano House Hotel and restaurant offer beautiful views overlooking Kīlauea Caldera.
• Enjoy a locally inspired meal with views of steam rising from the crater.
• The food is fresh and the setting serene—perfect for recharging before more adventure.

Option 2: Picnic in the Park

• Pack a lunch and enjoy a meal at Kīlauea Iki Overlook or one of the park’s many picnic areas.
• You can stop at one of the small convenience stores in Volcano Village before entering Hawaii Volcanoes National Park for the day to buy lunch and drinks. Buy a cheap cooler to bring with you. Pack plenty of water for hydration.
• Picnic tables, restrooms, and scenic views make it a peaceful and budget-friendly choice.

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Early Afternoon: Kīlauea Iki Trail

Time: 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 4 miles round trip

This is one of the most popular and rewarding hikes in the park.

Highlights:

• Descend from the crater rim through a lush rainforest.
• Hike across the solidified Kīlauea Iki Crater, which last erupted in 1959.
• Walk past steam vents and cracks where heat still radiates from below.

The contrast of the verdant jungle and stark black lava is breathtaking. You’ll feel like you’re walking on another planet. It’s a moderately strenuous hike, so bring water, wear sturdy shoes, and be prepared for uneven terrain.

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Late Afternoon: Chain of Craters Road Scenic Drive

Time: 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Length: 19 miles (one way)

After finishing your hike, drive down Chain of Craters Road, a stunning route that descends from the summit to the coast at sea level.

Key Stops:

1. 1. Devastation Trail
      • A short, easy trail through a landscape buried by the 1959 eruption.
      • Great for photos and understanding the destructive force of lava.
   2. Pu‘uloa Petroglyphs
      • A 1.4-mile round trip hike leads to over 20,000 ancient Hawaiian petroglyphs.
      • A sacred and fascinating cultural site.

1. Holei Sea Arch
   • At the end of the road, you’ll find a dramatic sea arch carved by the ocean into the lava cliffs.
   • This area offers spectacular ocean views, especially at sunset.

Note: There are no gas stations or food vendors on this road, so plan accordingly. Vault-type toilets are at the Maunaulu parking area and at the end of the road.

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Evening: Lava Viewing (If Active) at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Time: 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. (or later)

The park is open 24/7 although rangers are not often present at night. Depending on current conditions, the highlight of your day might be witnessing glowing lava flows, lava fountains, or bubbling magma in an illuminated crater after dark.

• Kīlauea Overlook or Keanakāko‘i Crater Viewpoint are popular evening spots.
• If there’s an active lava lake in Halema‘uma‘u Crater, it often glows brilliantly at night.
• Park rangers sometimes guide evening programs or talks near the overlook.

Bring a flashlight or headlamp, wear warm layers (temperatures drop after dark), and be respectful of park guidelines and sacred spaces.

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Additional Tips for Visiting Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

What to Bring:

• Pack plenty of water (at least 2 liters per person)
• Sunscreen and a hat (the sun can be intense on exposed lava fields)
• Rain jacket or poncho (weather is unpredictable – check current conditions of hawaii national volcano park weather here)
• Sturdy hiking shoes or boots
• Flashlight or headlamp for evening viewing
• Binoculars for birdwatching or crater views

Safety Notes:

• Stay on marked trails—lava rock can be unstable and sharp.
• Obey all posted signs and warnings, especially around active volcanic areas.
• Volcanic gases like sulfur dioxide can be harmful, especially for those with respiratory issues.

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A Choose Your Own Adventure

Your day in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park can be as adventurous or relaxing as you choose. A balanced mix of scenic drives, hiking, cultural sites, and awe-inspiring geology, gives you a comprehensive look at one of the most extraordinary landscapes on Earth.

From steaming craters to ancient petroglyphs, fern-filled lava tubes to ocean-carved arches, the park is a place where natural history and Hawaiian culture intertwine. You’ll leave with incredible memories and a deeper appreciation for the dynamic power of nature and the resilience of life in even the harshest environments.

So, pack your gear, hit the trail, and prepare to be amazed— Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is waiting.