Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is one of the most popular national parks in U.S. Located in the state of Hawaii on the Hawaii Island, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park showcases the thrilling volcanism of thousands of years, its migration and evolution. Established on August 1, 1916, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is also the home to one of the most active volcanoes in the world – Kilauea. In fact this U.S. national park is for those who want to experience the ultimate thrill with volcanoes. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park was named as International Biosphere Reserve in 1980. It was also designated a World Heritage Site in 1987.

Visiting Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Over the half of 1,348 sq km area of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is designated wilderness. One would find some of the most unique hiking and camping opportunities here. Diverse environments are the unique features of this national park of USA that ranges from sea level to the summit of Mauna Loa volcano. You have plenty to do and visit here, it is truly enticing.

Lava Watching: It is one of the most thrilling activities in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Currently there are two main areas of volcanic activity in the park. Enjoy the thrilling eruptions. However, you need to abide by the rules of the park for safety reasons.

Hiking: Hiking is another popular activity and also a great way to explore Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The park has over 150 miles of hiking trails. There could be various difficulty levels of the trails. Rangers on duty will help you by providing information on the trails. In Day Hikes, you can go for Crater Rim, Waldron Ledge, Iliahi, Kilauea Iki, Devastation, Kipukapuaulu, Pu’u Huluhulu, Napau, and Pu’u Loa Petroglyphs etc.

Camping: Camping is another enticing activity in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The park has two drive-in campgrounds – Namakanipaio and Kulanaokuaiki. There is no charge for camping.

Thomas A. Jaggar Museum: It is a popular museum located west on Crater Rim Drive. It showcases exhibits and also offers a close view of active vent Halema’uma’u of Kilauea. There is Hawaiian Volcan Observatory, adjoining the museum. However, it is not accessible for the public.

Opening Hours

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park remains open throughout the year, round the clock.

Kilauea Visitor Center: 7.45 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Jaggar Museum: 8.30 a.m. to 9.30 p.m.
Jaggar Museum Bookstore: 8.30 a.m. to 7 p.m.

How to Reach

For reaching Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, you need to land at Kona Airport first, located in the island of Hawaii, also known as Big Island. Only from there, you will find flights for Hilo Airport