Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Travel Tips

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Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Travel Tips

Size – 333,086 Acres

Visitors – 1,693,005 in 2014

For lava flow updates call 808-985-6011 or 808-961-8093

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 in 2018 The National Park Service offers the following Entrance Fee Free Days this year:

Jan. 15, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
Apr. 21, the first day of National Park Week.
Sept. 22, National Public Lands Day.
Nov. 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?

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 -This is a great place to view the lava lake
Open from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. daily.

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?

To learn more about lodging within the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park lodging including the Volcano House visit this page.

You can also visit please visit their website at http://www.hawaiivolcanohouse.com/ or call reservations: 1-866-536-7972

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 visit this page.

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. For more information please visit http://www.hawaiivolcanohouse.com/cabins-campsites/.

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.