Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Travel Tips

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is located on the big island of Hawaii and offers an experience unlike any you are likely to find anywhere else in the world. If you have ever marveled at nature’s beauty, been curious about how the islands formed, or simply wish to see something truly unique set aside a few hours on your vacation for this trip. You will not be disappointed.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Travel Tips

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is located about thirty miles from Hilo and ninety-six miles from Kona so it is an easy drive that won’t wear you down.

The Kilauea visitor center is open about eight hours each day and you need to make to start and end your visit. At the visitor center, it is suggested you take time to watch the twenty-minute film “Born of fire- Born of the sea” which provides some excellent information concerning the arrival of Polynesians to the island and their adaptation to their new environment. The Jaggar Bookstore on the way out will give you the chance to buy souvenirs of all sorts to help commemorate your visit.

Before hopping in your car and making the trip it is essential you first check the status of the park. As you are visiting an active and dormant volcano nature works on its own schedule. There are times when part of the park is closed down and others when the entire park is closed due to safety issues. This information is easily attainable either through your concierge, a call to the park, or most usually it is listed in the newspaper. Even if there is no “Significant” volcanic activity air quality is a major concern as sulfur dioxide emissions are dangerous, and this is the usual reason the park experiences closures.

Assuming everything is safe and the full park is open it is a good idea to plan on spending five or more hours at the park to really take advantage of its full benefits, although a quick visit of an hour or so can certainly be done as well. If you are lucky you may get to see some actual lava flows! If you have a limited amount of time the best way to spend it is by making the Crater Rim drive which is about eleven miles long and while provide you some breathtaking views.

The morning that you plan on going to the park, it is vital that you call the park in order to get the most current weather and lava flow advisories. Remember you are visiting a volcano and you should be aware of any conditions that could turn your trip from memorable into terrifying.

Make sure you bring sunscreen (the reflection off of the black lava fields will get you even if you wear a hat) and wear appropriate clothing: No flip-flops or sandals if you plan on hiking and a windbreaker or a warmer layer that you can slip on; the summit of the volcano can be chilly and windy. If you plan on sticking around until dusk, to watch the golden glow of lava empty into the ocean long after the sun has disappeared, make sure you bring flashlights to find your way back to your transportation.

Your cell phone service will most likely be spotty if it works at all within the park.

Be prepared for rain at any time. When it does rain it comes down! Rainjackets or garbage bags are a great thing to have with you.

Keep an eye out for Nene Goose on the side of the road and in parking lots. The Nene is protected and should not be fed or touched

Size – 333,086 Acres

Visitors – 1,693,005 in 2014

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is ever-changing as Kilauea continually erupts. One of our best tips is to check the National Park website for any current closures or volcano updates prior to heading to the park. Many days there are strong fumes in the area that can be hard for anyone with respiratory issues.

For current lava conditions and road closures check out the Hawaii Volcanoes Website or call 808-985-6000 between 9 am-5 pm.

Resources for more information about the lava flows:

USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory
by phone at: (808) 967-8862
by web at http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov/activity/kilaueastatus.php

County of Hawai’i Civil Defense
by phone at: (808) 935-0031 (7:45 am – 4:30 pm)
by web at http://www.hawaiicounty.gov/active-alerts/

For current weather, updates visit this page.

Dress in layers for the park and be prepared for rain. We have been caught in a few torrential downpours while visiting the park.

Bring food and water with you to the park. Once you are past the Volcano House there are little to no places to find a snack or water.

If you plan on hiking within the park make sure you are wearing sturdy hiking boots. The lava can be very uneven and rough to hike on.

You can download or print current park brochures including maps, driving guides, day hikes, campground info, and trail guides on this page.

Crater Rim Drive between Jaggar Museum and the Chain of Craters Road junction is currently closed due to dangerous volcanic gases from Halema‘uma‘u Crater.

There are no services (water, gasoline, or food) on Chain of Craters road.

How much does it cost to visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park?

$25.00 per vehicle – 7 days
$12.00 per individual or bicycle – 7 days
$20.00 per motorcycle – 7 days
$30.00 Hawai‘i Tri-park Annual Pass

America the Beautiful—National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Annual Pass: $80
Annual pass covering the entrance and standard amenity fees for national parks and other federal fee areas. This replaces the National Parks Pass and Golden Eagle Pass.

Annual 4th Grade Pass: Free
Annual pass covering entrance fees for 4th-grade students for the 2017-2018 school year.

Annual Pass for US Military: Free
Annual pass covering the entrance and standard amenity fees for all active military personnel and their dependents. (For active-duty military personnel and dependents with proper identification (CAC Card or DD Form 1173).)

Access Pass: Free
Lifetime admission and discount pass for US citizens or permanent residents with permanent disabilities.

Senior Pass: $80
Lifetime admission and discount pass for US citizens or permanent residents who are age 62 or older.

Free Entrance Days

The National Park Service offers the following Entrance Fee Free Days this year:

January 21: Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.
April 20: First day of National Park Week
August 25: National Park Service Birthday
September 28: National Public Lands Day
November 11: Veterans Day

Other fees such as reservation, camping, lodging, tours, concession and fees collected by third parties are not included unless stated otherwise.

How do I get to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park?

You can reach the park from either the Kona side or Hilo side of the island. Hilo is approximately 30 miles to the park entrance. From Kona, it is 96 miles. If you are leaving from Kona, we suggest going towards South Point and visiting the Punalu’u Bake Shop! Have a lilikoi malasada! You will not be disappointed.

From Hilo: 30 miles southwest on Highway 11 (a 45-minute drive);

From Kailua-Kona: 96 miles southeast on Highway 11 (2 to 2 1/2 hour drive), or 125 miles through Waimea and Hilo via highways 19 and 11 (2 1/2 to 3 hours).

There is no public transportation available within Volcanoes National Park.

Where are the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Visitor Centers?

Kilauea Visitor Center – Open 9 am to 5 pm daily

This visitor center is a great place to stop for the latest information on the current eruption, hiking information, things to do and the daily schedule of ranger-led activities.

The featured film, “Born of Fire, Born of the Sea”, is shown on-the-hour in the visitor center auditorium, starting at 9:00 a.m. with the last showing at 4:00 p.m.

Twice a day at 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., the 1959 eruption video of Kīlauea Iki is featured in the auditorium.

Jagger Museum -Closed Indefinitely due to damage from the volcano

Thomas A. Jaggar Museum is located along Crater Rim Drive, 3 miles from the Kīlauea Visitor Center.

Both visitor centers have a store and souvenirs available. They are also the place to stop for your National Park stamps.

Where can I find out about staying/camping in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park?

Lodging within the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park lodging is at the Volcano House

There are two drive-in campgrounds in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, Nāmakanipaio, and Kulanaokuaiki.

Nāmakanipaio Campground has restrooms with water and moderately accessible campsites.

Kulanaokuaiki Campground has an accessible toilet, but no water.

For more information on camping in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Hawai’i Volcanoes Lodge Company operates rustic camper cabins and the campsites at the Nāmakanipaio campground. The cabins sleep 4 (1 double bed and 2 bunk-style twin beds). Each cabin has a picnic table, an outdoor barbecue grill, and an outdoor firepit. Reservations are required.

Kīlauea Military Camp This recreational facility is for active duty and retired military, reservists, DoD civilians, families, and sponsored groups. Call 808-967-8333 or visit http://www. kmc-volcano.com/for more information.

Is there a Junior Ranger Program at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park?

Yes! Hawaii Volcanoes National Park offers a couple of different Junior Ranger Programs. You can check out the programs ahead of your trip and print them from home if you would like.

To learn more about the Hawaii Volcanoes Junior Ranger Program visit this page.

Can I bring my Dog/Pet with me to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park?

Pets are prohibited in all of the undeveloped areas of the Park. This includes all designated wilderness and all trails. Pets are allowed in developed areas of the park; including paved roadways, parking areas, and Namakanipaio Campground. However, please note: parking and camping areas are sites where the endangered nene goose frequent.