Without a doubt, Hawai’i is a dream destination for most Americans. Even native Hawaiians love island hopping and exploring the breathtaking treasures that lie in their own backyards. If you’re visiting the Big Island, exploring Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is a must. This unique park offers dramatic volcanic landscapes, pockets of rare flora and fauna, and a glimpse of traditional Hawaiian culture.

This 523-square-mile park contains some of the world’s most awe-inspiring wonders, not to mention the two active volcanoes. This place is downright otherworldly. You can bring a camera, but it’s hard to capture the absolutely staggering beauty of this place.

You'll find Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island, about 30 miles southwest of Hilo International Airport on the island's southeastern shore.
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No matter where you're coming from, this spectacular slice of nature is worth the trek.
The park encompasses two active volcanoes, which means you'll see some seriously dramatic landscapes.
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There's Kīlauea, one of the world's most active volcanoes, and Mauna Loa, the world's largest shield volcano. Seriously, this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Bucket list doesn't even begin to describe it.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park was known as Hawai'i National Park when it was founded in 1916. In 1961, it was established under its current name.
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It is now one of Hawaii's top destinations, often welcoming between one and two million visitors each year. We're not surprised! Such a stunning landscape is a must see while visiting Hawaii.
To see some of the best scenery by car, you'll have the choice of two roads.
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This is a great option for those that want to see a lot in a short amount of time or that have accessibility needs that make driving an easier option.
Chain of Craters Road is an 18-mile stretch of winding road that is known for being especially scenic.
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You'll go from 4,000 feet elevation to sea level and see hardened lava flows, petroglyphs, craters, and possibly even flowing lava.
At the end of Chain of Craters Road, you'll reach the scenic Hōlei Sea Arch.
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Please note that this road is occasionally obstructed and closed during active lava flows. Definitely check online to see what condition the park is in before you go, they'll notify you there about closures.
Of course, you can also explore on foot - this park has plenty of inviting hiking trails to choose from.
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The Halema’uma’u Steam Bluff and Sulfur Banks Trail is a popular pick, a 1.5-mile, family-friendly trail where steam can often be seen rising from cracks in the ground. You'll feel like you're exploring another planet in a Star Wars movie.
The Kīlauea Iki Trail is a popular option, as it descends to the surface of a solidified lava lake in the Kīlauea Iki crater.
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The transition from lush, tropical rainforest into the rocky, barren landscape is stark and feels almost otherworldly. There are only a few places on earth where you can find these kinds of landscapes next to each other.
Though it occasionally closes due to current conditions, the Thurston Lava Tube is an enchanting wonder.
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Also known as Nāhuku, this 500-year-old lava cave sits at the end of a short, easy day hike.
Once upon a time, a river of 2,000-degree lava flowed right through this area. When conditions cooled it created this tunnel.
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When the lava tube is open, it is lit from 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. and available to explore at your own risk.
Another point of interest, especially for history buffs, is the Puʻu Loa Petroglyphs Trail.
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Pu’u Loa, which means "long hill" or "hill of long life," is a sacred place for the Hawaiian people. The largest group of Hawaiian petroglyphs can be found here, dated to 1200-1450 A.D. There are an estimated 23,000 petroglyphs at this site. Talk about history! So much of our earth's past can be peeked at this park.
If you plan to visit Halemaʻumaʻu Crater - and you absolutely should - go at dusk or at night.
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This pit crater sits within the much larger Kīlauea Caldera and is one dazzling highlight.
The nighttime glow of the lava is captivating - and this is also the ultimate spot for stargazing.
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Don't worry, many people visit these parks, they are completely safe if you follow all the park rules.
Spending the night? Book a stay at the Volcano House, one of the top national park hotels in the US.
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Perched on the edge of Kīlauea caldera with breathtaking views of the park, this property - which dates back to 1846 - has 33 historic guest rooms.

There are also two main campsites in the park: Nāmakanipaio Campground and Kulanaokuaiki Campground. As you can imagine, you'll want to book your spot at either campsite (or the A-frame cabins at Nāmakanipaio) well in advance.
It isn't every day that you can watch lava flow right into the ocean...
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...and new land being created right before your eyes.
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These two forces merging is absolutely breathtaking. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is truly a remarkable place.

Ready to visit? The extraordinary natural diversity of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park will win you over in no time.

General Information:

Accessibility: Park staff and partners are working hard to correct and resolve accessibility deficiencies throughout the park. From designing and building new facilities to the rehabilitation of older structures, improving accessibility is a top priority. The Kīlauea Visitor Center, Volcano House, and Volcano Art Center are wheelchair accessible, as is most of the Ha’akulamanu (Sulphur Banks) Trail. The short gravel trail from the Steam Vents parking lot to the Steaming Bluff (Wahinekapu) also has access for wheelchairs, which may be available for use at the Kīlauea Visitor Center.

Pet-Friendly: Dogs are allowed in some parts of the park.

Parking: Kīlauea Visitor Center Parking is used to access the visitor center, Volcano House Hotel, Volcano Art Center Gallery, and various trails. There are numerous other parking lots throughout the park, but during peak visiting season, they fill up very quickly.

Seasonal Access: The park is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, as well as on all holidays. The Kīlauea Visitor Center is open daily from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. but may be closed on some major holidays.

Cost: Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park charges $30 per vehicle, $25 per motorcycle, and $15 per pedestrian or bicycle. Each entrance fee is good for 7 days.

Feeling inspired to fill your Bucket List? Check out our previous features of Hoh Rain Forest in Washington, Maroon Bells in Colorado, and Letchworth State Park in New York, then subscribe to our weekly Bucket List newsletter to discover new destinations across the country that definitely deserve a visit.

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National Park In Hawaii

CC | March 06, 2023

What are other natural wonders in Hawaii?

This is one of the most exciting national parks on the islands, but there’s a lot more to see. After your visit, consider checking out these other natural sites in Hawaii.

  • MacKenzie State Recreation Area, Hawaii Island
  • Wa’ahila Ridge State Recreation Area, Oahu
  • Russian Fort Elizabeth State Historical Park, Kauai
  • Halekiʻi-Pihana Heiau State Monument, Maui
  • Kalopa State Recreation Area, Hawaii Island
  • He’eia State Park, Oahu
  • Pua’a Ka’a State Wayside, Maui
  • Kehaka Kai State Park, Hawaii Island
  • Ulupo Heiau State Historic Site, Oahu
  • Wailua Valley State Wayside, Maui
  • Lava Tree State Monument, Hawaii Island
  • Ahupua’a Kahana State Park, Oahu
  • Wailoa River State Recreation Area, Hawaii Island
  • Ahukini State Recreational Pier, Kauai
  • Kaumahina State Wayside, Maui
  • Kiholo State Park Reserve, Hawaii Island

 

How should I prepare to visit a national park?

Always check the park's website before visiting to make sure there aren’t any closures or changes, especially in Hawaii where the environment is volatile. Wear comfortable and durable hiking shoes, bring lots of water, and carry a trail map with you always.

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Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, HI 96785, USA