Getting to Hawaii Volcanoes NP
Hawaii Volcanoes sits in the south-eastern part of the island of Hawaii, otherwise known as the Big Island (BI). There are two airports on the Big Island: Kona and Hilo. Hilo is much closer, but if you have the time I suggest flying into Kona and driving clockwise around the island. Then when you leave, continue clockwise back up to the airport, that way you have driven the entire perimeter of the island.
If you are on Oahu and can spare 2 or 3 days to hop over to the BI, make it happen! Inter-island travel is quick and cheap.
Fees
The cost to enter Hawaii Volcanoes is $30 per vehicle, which is good for 7 consecutive days. Your America the Beautiful pass gets you in for free. Unless you camp, this is the only fee you should have to pay.
Time Required
The more you want to hike, the more days you will need. You can see the whole park in 1 full day, but that will probably only allow you to see the major touristy things. This would include the drive all the way down Chain of Craters road and one or two short hikes and overlooks. If you are a hiker I would recommend 2 or 3 days. More if you want to hike as much as possible or do any back country hiking.
I was on the BI for 3 nights and 4 full days. Even though my lodging was in Hawaii Volcanoes all 3 nights, we only spent 2 days in Volcanoes. We saw and did a lot, but there were still other hikes we didn’t have time for. I would stay for at least 2 days. I can’t imagine being all the way in Hawaii and rushing through the park. Take time to soak it all in.
Cancellation Stamp
You can get your cancellation stamp at the visitor center right at the front of the park.
Camping inside Volcanoes
There are two campgrounds inside Hawaii Volcanoes
Nāmakanipaio – bathrooms, water, picnic tables, barbecue pits. Fires only allowed in barbecue pits. Also have primitive camper cabins available. Only $15 a night.
Kulanaokuaiki – vault toilets only, picnic tables, no fires. Only $10 a night!
Lodging inside Hawaii Volcanoes
Volcano House – This is right inside the front part of the park, a very short distance from the visitor center. They have 33 rooms and a restaurant that overlooks the Kīlauea Volcano. There is also a lounge area, snack bar, and gift shop. Volcano House isn’t cheap, and the restaurant is more on the “fine dining” side, but if you value location and amazing views, it will be worth it.
Kilauea Military Camp – This is only available if you visit HVNP with someone who has a valid military ID. I actually did travel with someone that is currently in the Navy. He said friends and family of military members can use the cabins without them as long as the military member writes a letter on your behalf, but I’m not quite sure how that process works. If you or someone in your traveling party is part of the military, this is an amazing opportunity. You get to stay in your own cabin, inside the park, and at a very cheap rate. I’m fortunate to have had the ability to stay here.
Getting around Hawaii Volcanoes
There is no shuttle system, as this park is very easy to drive around. Peak tourism is when the volcano is active. Otherwise, I don’t think the crowds get too insane. Don’t get me wrong, it can get busy! But it’s not like people can pack up for the day and head to Hawaii Volcanoes like they can at other major parks like the Grand Canyon.
There are certain parking lots that fill up quickly, but it’s easy to work around that, or go do something else until you find a spot.
Must-do’s while in Hawaii Volcanoes NP
There are a lot of hikes in Volcanoes. Here is what I would prioritize, and I’ll try and make it into an actual itinerary you can follow, but once I get all my content up I will make an actual itinerary.
Morning
- Get up early to watch the sunrise at the Kilauea overlook
- Go straight to the Thurston Lava Tube. Parking will fill up by early morning. I was able to get pictures without a single other person in them!
- Head straight to the Kilauea Iki trailhead, which you can do from the lava tube, they are right next to each other. You can do the Kilauea Iki trail from other starting locations, but if you you found a parking spot at the lava tube, I would just stay there.
- Eat a packed lunch (you could eat at Volcanoes but that will take up precious time!)
Afternoon
- Drive Chain of Craters road all the way down to the Holei Sea Arches. There are other stops and overlooks along the way. It’s approximately 20 miles long each way. If you stop at all the stops this will probably take 2-3 hours.
- Stop and do either the Devastation or Byron Ledge Trail. I think the Devastation Trail is more popular, but the Byron Ledge Trail was amazing, so much unique vegetation and things to see.
- Do the Ha’akulamanu Trail, which is the sulphur banks. It’s a boardwalk, very easy. Don’t spend too much time, the sulphur could give you a headache and/or start to bother your throat!
If you have another day there are a few other craters you can walk down into, or around the edge. There is also the petroglyphs and footprints! Keep reading for reviews of all the hikes we did.
Hiking in Hawaii Volcanoes
Kīlauea Iki
Distance: 3.75 miles (Moderate) – Loop
Review: We started from the Thurston Lava Tube, but as I previously mentioned, this hike can be done a few different ways. The longest being 6 miles if you start from the Devastation Trail trailhead. It was incredible. It was my favorite thing I did in my 4 days on the Big Island. I was in Hawaii 16 days and it’s one of my favorite parts of the whole trip. You get to walk the entire way across the crater floor. There are so many cool plants and trees growing out of the lava cracks, in some sections there is even steam coming out! Do NOT miss this trail!
Nāhuku (Thurston Lava Tube)
Distance: .5 miles (Easy) – Out & back
Review: It’s only .5 miles if you park, go through the tube, and turn around. If you go from the Kilauea Iki overlook it’s a little over 1 mile. I recommend getting here right when the lights in the tube turn on, which is 8am. You could park and walk around earlier if you want. The tube is so cool, and you have to get a picture in front of it!
Ha’akulamanu (Sulphur Banks)
Distance: 1.2 miles (Easy) – Out & back, starting at the visitor center
Review: You can start at the visitor center, or you can park right across from the boardwalk, which is what we did. It seems so basic, but I wouldn’t skip this. It’s easy and fun, definitely gives off Yellowstone vibes! The colors are really cool too.
Uēaloha (Byron Ledge)
Distance: 1.1 miles (Easy) – Out & back
Review: This trail is amazing. There are so many unique plants and trees to see, craters, and drift wood, I loved it. It was more fun than anything, it’s an easy walk. You can just do this trail, or at the end of it there is an intersection to hop on the Kilauea Iki trail.
Keanakāko’i Crater
Distance: 2 miles (Easy) – Out & back
Review: This “hike” is actually on the part of Crater Rim Drive that is closed to cars. It goes just past the Keanakākoʻi crater, and then is closed to both cars and pedestrians. The road part isn’t that interesting, but looking out at the crater is breath-taking. What is interesting is that there used to be a parking lot on that road that is now inside the crater. There are some signs near the craters to read up about it.
Last updated: December 28, 2022
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