Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park: How to Plan Your Visit

While the biggest draw to the park is naturally one of the most active volcanoes in the world, catching Kīlauea erupting often depends on luck. If you happen to miss an eruptive episode, never fear — there's still plenty to do and see in the park. It's a world away from the hot, sunny shores of the west side of the island, with higher elevations, colder temperatures and rainforests full of beautiful, endemic plants and birds. You'll also have smaller crowds to share the experience with, giving you plenty of time to enjoy what the park has to offer.

The following park attractions are available and recommended to visitors, whether Kīlauea is erupting or not.

Nāhuku (Thurston Lava Tube)

20-40 minutes

While starting your journey at the Welcome Center seems the obvious way to begin, it doesn't open until 9 a.m. What is open, however, is the most popular spot in the park, Nāhuku, also known as the Thurston Lava Tube. Nāhuku, one of the most accessible lava tubes in the world, is a must-see stop, as it provides a literal walk through a piece of volcanic history. It's only a short 8-minute drive from the park entrance, and it's fairly quick and easy for most visitors of average physical ability — about a 20- to 30-minute hike. Parking is extremely limited here, and the closest alternative is to hike from the Kīlauea Iki Overlook (about a half mile away). The low tunnel lights turn on in the lava tube at 8 a.m. — I suggest arriving then.

Take the rainforest hike through the lush forest — it's magical, with tree ferns and native birds all around. Cross a newly installed bridge that leads into the lava tube. Be sure to mind the low ceiling at the entrance. Once inside the lava tube, you'll walk through a tunnel with low lights, formed hundreds of years ago by flowing lava. If you decide to visit the lava tube outside of regular hours (8 a.m. to 8 p.m.), you'll need to bring your own flashlight or headlamp (I recommend one with red light in order to preserve your night vision).

Welcome Center at Kīlauea Military Camp (KMC), Koa Room

30 minutes to 1 hour

This is the temporary Welcome Center, while the original is being renovated. It is the best place to get oriented to the park. Here, you can pick up maps of the park and junior ranger booklets if you're traveling with kids, have your National Park Passport stamped, watch a short film about volcanic activity and Hawaiian culture and ask rangers about current volcanic activity, road closures and air-quality alerts. The park store carries guidebooks, essentials you may have forgotten and souvenirs. If you are hiking with a guide, this will be your meeting point. The center opens at 9 a.m. Park on the baseball field adjacent to the center.

Crater Rim Drive and Volcano Overlooks

2 to 3 hours

Spend time driving along Crater Rim Drive, which meanders around Kīlauea's summit caldera. Though it no longer completes a full loop due to eruption activity, this scenic road provides access to some of the most iconic overlooks and trails in the park. Start at the end of this northwestern section of Crater Rim Drive, then double back toward the Welcome Center.

ʻUekahuna

15-20 minutes

From the Welcome Center, head west to the last parking lot at the western end of Crater Rim Drive to find ʻUekahuna, one of the best lookouts for panoramic views of Halemaʻumaʻu Crater. It's also a great place to see lava fountaining during an eruption and to interact with park rangers. This is where the Jaggar Museum once stood, before earthquakes from the 2018 eruption caused irreparable damage.

Kīlauea Overlook

15 minutes or longer, depending on lava

One of the best spots to view Halemaʻumaʻu Crater inside the Kīlauea Caldera. Depending on volcanic activity, you may see lava glowing in the distance or steam rising from the crater.

Wahinekapu (Sacred Woman)

15 minutes

A culturally and geologically significant area with interpretive signs. Take a moment to learn how Hawaiian spirituality is deeply connected to the land.

Steaming Bluff and Sulphur Banks

20-30 minutes

Walk the short boardwalk trail to 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. The Sulphur Banks bridge is closed, but the boardwalk and trail are open and accessible from the west side of the vents.

Kīlauea Iki Trail

2-3 hours

This moderate 4-mile round-trip hike (leaving from the Overlook) is one of the most popular and rewarding hikes in the park. You'll descend the crater rim, hiking through a lush rainforest, then emerging onto the solidified Kīlauea Iki Crater — which last erupted in 1959 — and past steam vents and cracks where heat still radiates from below. The contrast between the verdant jungle and stark black lava is breathtaking. I felt like I was walking on another planet. Make sure to bring plenty of water, wear sturdy shoes and be prepared for uneven terrain.

Chain of Craters Road

30-45 minutes one-way

The Chain of Craters Road is 19 miles long, one way, and descends from Kīlauea's summit to the coast at sea level. There are no gas stations or food vendors along this stretch, so plan accordingly. Vault-type toilets are available in the Maunaulu parking area and at the end of the road. Key stops include:

Devastation Trail — A short, easy trail leading through a landscape that was buried by the 1959 eruption. It's a great spot for taking photos and understanding the destructive force of lava.

Puʻuloa Petroglyphs — A 1.4-mile round-trip hike to over 20,000 ancient Hawaiian petroglyphs, a sacred cultural site.

[Closed] Hōlei Sea Arch — Sadly, in the fall of 2026, the Hōlei Sea Arch collapsed during Hurricane Nolo, leaving behind a sheer cliff face. Visitors are warned to stay away from the cliff edges due to hazards.

Volcano House

~1 hour

The park's historic Volcano House Hotel and Restaurant offers beautiful views overlooking Kīlauea Caldera. You can come here for lunch or dinner to enjoy a locally inspired meal with views of steam rising from the crater. The food is fresh and the setting is serene. It's perfect for recharging before heading back into the park for more adventure.

Kīlauea Military Camp

10-Pin: A fast-casual restaurant in a bowling alley and arcade. Best for kids and a quick lunch.

[Currently Closed] Crater Rim Cafe: Casual sit-down dining, with takeout options. Good for lunch.

KMC General Store: Snacks, drinks, souvenirs and more. Stop here at the beginning of your trip.

Lava Lounge Bar & Grill: Family-friendly nightlife inside the park, including food and drinks. A nice way to unwind after a long day.

Java Cafe: Coffee, smoothies, muffins and other breakfast items. Grab something here to get your day started.

I'm lucky to live close enough to the park that I can often see the red night glow in the sky when Kīlauea Volcano is erupting. For visitors, the park is open 24/7 and rangers are typically present at night during eruptions to guide evening programs or give talks near the overlooks. On occasion, an eruption and associated earthquakes may cause park closures due to safety hazards — be sure to check alerts on the website, talk with park rangers and obey all safety and closure signs. During an eruption, you can come to the following locations to see glowing lava fountains after dark.

Kīlauea Overlook and Keanakākoʻi Crater Viewpoint — These are the most popular evening viewing spots. If there's an active lava lake in Halemaʻumaʻu Crater, it often glows brilliantly at night.

Kūpunaʻi Pali (Waldron Ledge) — This is just past Volcano House and a short walk from the Welcome Center. Since it is less well known, it's not as crowded as the other viewing areas. It's also a good option if you have wheelchairs or strollers in your party.

Local Tip: Bring a (red) flashlight or headlamp, dress in layers (temperatures drop after dark) and be respectful of park guidelines and sacred spaces.

Although you can't predict an eruption, or plan your trip around one, you can check to see if Kīlauea is erupting when you are on Hawaiʻi Island (or any other Hawaiian island) and rush over to try and see it before it stops. According to the United States Geological Survey, eruptions can last anywhere from two weeks to over a year, starting vigorously and waning over time.

For daily Kīlauea activity updates, visit: usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/volcano-updates

While HVNP is open to the public 24 hours a day, seven days a week, it sometimes closes certain areas or shuts down completely due to weather or seismic activity. Before arriving, you can check for closures at nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/conditions.htm.

Currently, the Kīlauea Visitor Center is closed for renovations. Expected to be complete by the end of 2026, the renovation will include a full rebuild of the visitor’s center's interior, restrooms, sidewalks, water station and parking lot. Until then, the temporary Welcome Center is located at Kīlauea Military Camp's Koa Room, about a mile west of the park entrance.

Your day at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park can be as thrilling or tranquil as you make it, whether you're in the mood for scenic drives, invigorating hikes, cultural landmarks or jaw-dropping geological wonders. You can also book a guided tour for deeper insights. Typically, a first-timer will spend one to two days traversing the park. You should prioritize hiking Nāhuku, driving Crater Rim Drive and Chain of Craters Road with stops along the way, and hiking Devastation Trail.

While logically it makes sense to plan your day based on moving from location to location efficiently, the park no longer completes a full circuit thanks to eruption closures. Additionally, some parts of the park are more popular than others and become inaccessible at times due to limited parking. Prioritize high-traffic areas like Nāhuku in the morning, and if lava is present, try visiting during early morning hours while it's still dark, rather than at night.

Where you are traveling from will also dictate how long your stay at the park will be, unless you plan to stay the night nearby. The drive from downtown Hilo takes about 1 hour versus about 2.25 hours from downtown Kailua-Kona.

If you are staying near the park and can arrive first thing in the morning, I recommend the one-day itinerary below. If you'd like to add more of the attractions I've listed in this guide, stay overnight in Hilo or Volcano and return the following day to complete what you didn't have time for on the first day. If you are staying in Kona and do not plan on staying the night near the park, the best you will be able to do is a half-day visit.

One-Day Itinerary

8 a.m. — Nāhuku (Thurston Lava Tube)

9 a.m. — Welcome Center at Kīlauea Military Camp (KMC), Koa Room

9:30 a.m. — Crater Rim Drive and Volcano Overlooks

Noon — Lunch at Volcano House

1:30 p.m. — Kīlauea Iki Trail

4:30 p.m. — Chain of Craters Road Scenic Drive

• Plenty of water — at least two liters per person
• Sunscreen and a hat — the sun can be intense on exposed lava fields
• Rain jacket or poncho — the weather at HVNP is unpredictable; check current weather conditions at nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/weather.htm
• Sturdy hiking shoes or boots
• Flashlight or headlamp for evening viewing
• Binoculars for birdwatching or crater views

• Stay on marked trails — lava rock can be unstable and sharp.
• Obey all posted signs and warnings, especially around active volcanic areas.
• Conditions in the park can change quickly due to volcanic activity. Always check real-time updates before heading to the trails or viewpoints.
• Volcanic gases like sulfur dioxide can be harmful, especially for those with respiratory issues. This is referred to as vog, and the effects can be felt as far away as Oʻahu. To find out about current vog levels in the air, visit: vog.ivhhn.org
• The weather can be rainy and cool in the park.
• Dress in close-toed shoes, wear layers and be prepared for rain with ponchos or umbrellas.

Volcano Village — Located on the border of the park near the southeast end of Kīlauea, this charming artists' community offers some nice accommodations for those who want to spend more time in the park. You can stop at one of the small convenience stores here before entering the park for the day to buy lunch and drinks. Buy a cheap cooler to bring with you and pack plenty of water for hydration.

Punaluʻu — This black sand beach in southeastern Kaʻū, off Highway 11, is a popular destination for spotting honu, or Hawaiian sea turtle, and experiencing what a volcanic coastline looks and feels like. If you want to do both in one day, there is a tour for that.

Tour from West Side — If you are staying in or near Waikōloa, the Volcano, Chocolate and Waterfall Tour will pick you up and take you to HVNP and a chocolate farm, providing lunch and snacks along the way.

Accommodations — The closest hotels are in Volcano or Hilo. I recommend Volcano House in Volcano, or SCP Hilo Hotel and Hilo Hawaiian Hotel in Hilo.