Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Guide: Best Hikes, When to Visit & Where to Stay

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park encompasses 335,000 acres on the southeast flank of the Big Island of Hawaii, protecting two of the most active volcanoes on Earth: Kilauea and Mauna Loa. Kilauea, one of the youngest and most active shield volcanoes in the world, has been erupting intermittently for centuries, and its activity has shaped and reshaped this landscape in ways visible on timescales measured in months rather than millennia. The 2018 eruption dramatically altered the park's southeastern rift zone, collapsing the floor of Halemaumau Crater by over 1,500 feet and destroying hundreds of homes in the surrounding communities. Subsequent eruptions in 2020, 2023, and beyond have continued to reshape the caldera.

Mauna Loa, the world's largest active volcano by volume, rises 13,681 feet above sea level and extends another 16,000 feet below the ocean surface to the sea floor. Its most recent eruption in late 2022 sent lava flows down its northeast rift zone, visible from Hilo and the Saddle Road. Together, these two volcanoes represent the raw, ongoing process of island creation, the same process that built the entire Hawaiian archipelago over millions of years as the Pacific Plate drifted northwest over a stationary volcanic hotspot.

The park spans an extraordinary range of environments, from sea level to the summit of Mauna Loa. Tropical rainforest on the windward slopes receives over 100 inches of rain annually, nurturing dense groves of tree ferns and ohia lehua trees. Barren lava fields, some still warm to the touch, extend for miles in areas of recent volcanic activity. High-altitude alpine deserts on Mauna Loa resemble the surface of another planet. Endangered species, including the Hawaiian goose (nene), Hawaiian hawk, and Hawaiian petrel, inhabit the park. Native Hawaiian cultural sites, including petroglyphs, heiau (temples), and traditional gathering areas, are woven throughout the landscape. In Hawaiian tradition, the volcano is the home of Pele, goddess of fire.

Best Hikes

Kilauea Iki Trail - The most popular hike in the park, this 4-mile loop descends 400 feet through lush rainforest into the floor of Kilauea Iki Crater, which last erupted in 1959 with a lava fountain that reached 1,900 feet. The trail crosses the solidified lava lake, still venting steam through cracks in places, before climbing back through dense ohia and tree fern forest. The contrast between the lush forest rim and the barren crater floor is extraordinary. Allow two to three hours.

Devastation Trail - A short, paved 1-mile round trip trail through a landscape of cinder and recovering vegetation left by the 1959 Kilauea Iki eruption. Once-buried ohia trees are slowly recolonizing the cinder field, offering a visible example of ecological succession on volcanic terrain. The trail connects to the Kilauea Iki Trail and is wheelchair accessible.

Crater Rim Trail - Sections of this trail that loops around the Kilauea Caldera remain open, though portions were closed following the 2018 collapse. The accessible segments pass through rainforest, across steam vents, and along the rim of the caldera with views of the Halemaumau Crater far below. The steam vents area, where hot water vapor rises through cracks in the earth, is particularly atmospheric on cool mornings. Check current trail status at the visitor center.

Pu'u Loa Petroglyphs Trail - A 1.4-mile round trip across a relatively flat lava field to one of the largest and most significant petroglyph fields in Hawaii. Over 23,000 images are carved into the smooth pahoehoe lava surface, including human figures, circles, and geometric designs created over centuries by Native Hawaiians. A boardwalk protects the petroglyphs while allowing close viewing. The carvings are best seen in low-angle morning or afternoon light.

Mauna Loa Summit Trail - A strenuous 38-mile round trip ascending from the Mauna Loa Lookout at 6,662 feet to the summit at 13,681 feet. Most hikers take three to four days, overnighting at the Red Hill cabin at 10,035 feet and the summit cabin at 13,250 feet. The trail crosses vast lava flows of varying ages, passing through alpine desert where the air is thin and the sun intense. Summit weather can include freezing temperatures, high winds, and altitude sickness. This is a serious mountaineering endeavor requiring advance planning and cabin reservations.

Napau Trail - A 14-mile round trip through the East Rift Zone, passing through rainforest, across lava flows from multiple eruptions, and to the Napau Crater. The trail provides an intimate look at the volcanic processes that continually reshape this landscape. A backcountry permit is required. Portions of the trail may be closed due to volcanic activity or hazardous conditions.

When to Visit

Year-Round Destination - Hawaii Volcanoes is open every day of the year and does not have a traditional seasonal closure. The tropical latitude means temperatures are relatively stable year-round, moderated more by elevation than by season. However, the park spans from sea level to over 13,000 feet, so conditions vary dramatically depending on where you are.

December to February (Winter/Wet Season) - Rainfall is heaviest on the windward slopes, and the summit area of Kilauea (at 4,000 feet) can be cool and misty with temperatures in the 50s and 60s. Winter storms occasionally bring snow to the summit of Mauna Loa. Visitor numbers are moderate, with peaks around holidays. Whale watching is possible from coastal areas as humpback whales are present in Hawaiian waters from December through April.

March to May (Spring) - Rainfall begins to decrease, and temperatures are pleasant across the park. Native birds are active, and the ohia lehua trees bloom with their distinctive red flowers. This is an excellent time to visit with moderate crowds and comfortable hiking conditions.

June to September (Summer/Dry Season) - The driest months, with the most reliable hiking conditions. Temperatures at the summit area range from 55 to 75 degrees. The coastal areas are hot, with temperatures in the 80s and 90s. This is peak tourist season for Hawaii in general, and the park sees its highest visitation. The Mauna Loa summit trail is most accessible during this period.

October to November (Fall) - A transitional period as the wet season approaches. Crowds thin after summer, and conditions remain generally good for hiking. This can be an ideal time to visit with fewer visitors and reasonable weather.

Where to Stay

Volcano House Hotel - The only lodging within the park, this historic hotel sits on the rim of Kilauea Caldera with views directly into Halemaumau Crater. Originally established in 1846, the current building dates to 1941. Rooms on the crater side offer one of the most dramatic hotel views in the national park system. The hotel includes a dining room, lounge with a fireplace, and gift shop. Reservations should be made well in advance.

Volcano Village - This small community just outside the park entrance at the one-mile marker on Highway 11 offers bed and breakfasts, vacation rentals, and small inns set among lush rainforest. Aloha Junction B&B, Kilauea Lodge, and numerous Airbnb properties provide comfortable accommodations ranging from budget to upscale. The village has a general store, restaurants, and an art gallery scene.

Camping - Namakanipaio Campground, located three miles from the park entrance, has tent sites and simple A-frame cabins. The campground is set in a eucalyptus grove at 4,000 feet elevation, where nights are cool. Kulanaokuaiki Campground, nine miles down Hilina Pali Road, offers a more remote experience with fewer amenities. Backcountry camping is available along the Mauna Loa Trail and other backcountry routes with a free permit.

Hilo - The county seat, 30 miles northeast of the park, offers a full range of hotels, restaurants, and services. Hilo's historic downtown, farmers market, and botanical gardens make it a worthwhile base. The drive from Hilo to the park takes approximately 45 minutes.

Getting There

By Air - Hilo International Airport (ITO) is the closest airport, approximately 30 miles from the park entrance, a 45-minute drive south on Highway 11. Kona International Airport (KOA) on the west side of the island is approximately 96 miles from the park, a two-and-a-half-hour drive via Highway 11 through Ka'u or Highway 190 and Saddle Road. Both airports receive direct flights from Honolulu and mainland cities.

By Car - The park is located on Highway 11 (Hawaii Belt Road) between the mile markers 28 and 29, approximately 30 miles southwest of Hilo and 96 miles southeast of Kona. Chain of Craters Road within the park descends 3,700 feet from the crater area to the coast, ending abruptly where lava flows have buried the road. Crater Rim Drive loops around the summit caldera, though sections remain closed due to the 2018 collapse.

By Bus - The Hele-On Bus, the Big Island's public transit system, operates limited service between Hilo and the park. The service is infrequent and primarily serves commuters, so a rental car is strongly recommended for park visitors.

Essential Tips

• Check volcanic activity before you go. Eruption conditions change rapidly and can close trails, roads, and entire sections of the park. The USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory and the park website provide real-time updates on volcanic activity, air quality, and closures.
• Volcanic fumes are a serious health hazard. Sulfur dioxide and other volcanic gases are present near active vents and can cause respiratory distress, particularly for people with asthma, heart conditions, or respiratory illnesses. Heed all warning signs and do not enter closed areas.
• Wear sturdy shoes on lava. Fresh lava rock is extremely sharp and will shred sandals and lightweight shoes. Closed-toe hiking shoes with good soles are essential for any trail that crosses lava flows.
• Bring layers. The summit area at 4,000 feet is significantly cooler than the coast, and rain can arrive without warning. A rain jacket and warm layer are essential year-round.
• Respect Hawaiian culture. The park is a sacred landscape to Native Hawaiians. Do not remove rocks, stack stones, or disturb any cultural sites. Pele's curse, the belief that removing lava rock brings bad luck, reflects deep cultural values about respect for the land.
• Entry fee is $30 per vehicle, valid for seven days.

Nearby Attractions

Punaluu Black Sand Beach - Located 27 miles southwest of the park, this striking beach of jet-black volcanic sand is a nesting site for endangered Hawaiian green sea turtles. Turtles regularly haul out onto the warm sand and can be observed from a respectful distance. Swimming is possible but currents can be strong.

Mauna Kea - The highest point in Hawaii at 13,796 feet, Mauna Kea hosts some of the world's premier astronomical observatories. The visitor information station at 9,200 feet offers stargazing programs. Four-wheel-drive vehicles can access the summit, where sunset above the clouds is an unforgettable experience.

Akaka Falls State Park - Twelve miles north of Hilo, this state park features a short loop trail through tropical rainforest to a viewpoint of Akaka Falls, which plunges 442 feet into a gorge lined with lush vegetation. The park also includes the smaller Kahuna Falls.

Hilo Farmers Market - Open daily but fullest on Wednesdays and Saturdays, this vibrant market in downtown Hilo offers tropical fruits, flowers, local crafts, and prepared foods. It is one of the best farmers markets in Hawaii and a window into Big Island culture and agriculture.