What To Know Before Visiting Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii
Aloha! | E Komo Mai
Are you planning a trip to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park? You probably want to know what to expect. From lava tubes to hiking and epic views, knowing what to expect could make or break your trip.
What to know before visiting Volcanoes National Park includes details like what to pack, the best time to visit, and where to stay. With two active volcanoes, stunning geological formations, and steam vents, knowing a few tips can greatly enhance your trip.
Planning Your Visit
If you are looking for the most current park information, start by visiting the official Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park website. When visiting any park, it is a great resource to have.
Best Time to Visit Volcanoes National Park
The park is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The best time for your visit really depends on you. However, most travelers find the weather to be most pleasant from September to November or from April through May, especially for the hiking trails at Volcanoes National Park.
How Long to Spend in Volcanoes National Park
Are you an avid hiker who likes to see everything? You could spend 3 to 4 days in the park. Most travelers are happy with a jam-packed one day itinerary or even two.
Getting to Volcanoes National Park
There are two major airports on the island, in Hilo and Kona. Hilo is the closest airport, located about 45 minutes away. Kona is about a 2-hour drive. You can visit parts of the park without a car, but renting a vehicle is recommended. This will give you the freedom to explore on your own time.
Entrance Fees and Passes
The park has an entrance fee. Consider purchasing a National Park Pass to save money if you plan on visiting other parks within a year.
| Entrance Pass Type | Cost | Details |
| Per Vehicle | $30 | Admits one single, private, non-commercial vehicle and all its passengers. This is valid for 7 days. |
| Per Individual | $15 | Admits one individual on foot or bike. This is valid for 7 days. |
| Motorcycle | $25 | Admits one motorcycle. This is valid for 7 days. |
| National Park Pass | $80 | Admits pass owner and passengers in a non-commercial vehicle at per-vehicle fee areas. It also admits the pass owner + 3 adults (16 and older) at per person fee areas. Children 15 and under are always free. Valid for one year from the month of purchase. |
| America the Beautiful Pass | $80 | Covers entrance fees at national parks and national wildlife refuges. It also covers standard amenity fees at national forests and grasslands. The pass is valid at lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Valid for one year. |
Where to Stay in Volcanoes National Park
Wondering if you should stay inside the park? You can find amazing Volcano National Park lodging just outside the entrance, too.
Stay Inside the Park
Want to be steps away from the trails? How about waking up to the sunrise over the Kilauea caldera? If this sounds like you, book a stay at the historic Volcano House, the only hotel in the park. Established in 1846, this is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the park.
Notable guests of this stay include Mark Twain. They offer 33 guest rooms and 10 cabins. There’s also Namakanipaio Campground, with 16 campsites, which is great for camping at Volcanoes National Park. Surrounded by fragrant eucalyptus and ohia trees, you will be one with nature.
Lodging Near the Park Entrance
Looking to be close to the action, but on a budget? You can find affordable and rustic stays just outside the park’s main entrance in Volcano Village. With inviting names, like Kilauea Lodge and Volcano Rainforest Retreat , your perfect stay is waiting.
What to Expect When Visiting Volcanoes National Park
If you plan on hiking in the park, many trails lack adequate shade. Be prepared before setting out for the day. Check the weather often as conditions can change quickly.
Volcanoes National Park Hiking
What to know before visiting Volcanoes National Park includes tips about trails. When it comes to hiking in the park, there is something for every fitness level. Some trails worth checking out include:
- Thurston Lava Tube – Take a short hike on this easy trail which showcases a 500-year-old lava tube.
- Kilauea Iki Trail – For experienced hikers, embark on this five-mile trek to the floor of a solidified lava lake.
Volcanoes National Park Lava Viewing
One of the things many travelers look forward to is seeing flowing lava. However, recent volcanic activity has changed some of the traditional views. Jaggar Museum, once a great spot to see Halemaumau Crater, is now permanently closed. This is because of significant damage from the 2018 eruption.
You can get a great view of the crater from the Kilauea overlook. The park’s website recommends viewing the crater in the evening.
Pu’uloa Petroglyphs at Hawaii’s Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park in Hawaii is not only home to amazing lava flows and active volcanoes but also features fascinating petroglyphs. These ancient rock carvings were created by Native Hawaiians long ago and display unique patterns and symbols.
You can find the Pu’uloa Petroglyphs at Hawaii’s Volcanoes National Park on various trails throughout the park, making it easy to see while you hike.
The park takes great care to protect these special artworks by keeping areas safe and adding signs to guide visitors. When you visit, please respect the petroglyphs by not touching them and staying on the marked paths to help preserve them for future generations.
Other Things to Know Before Visiting Volcanoes National Park
Here are some helpful tips so you have a great time. It is also important to practice the spirit of Malama Aina when visiting. This means “to take care” of the land. Be sure to respect marine life, animals, and plants.
Always pack out anything you pack in, stay on marked trails, and avoid unstable areas, such as cliff edges.
- Bring plenty of water
- Wear layers because the weather is unpredictable
- Protect yourself from the sun with sunscreen, hats and sunglasses
- Carry cash in case card readers are not working
- Consider packing hiking poles
- Gas up your car ahead of time, gas stations are not always close
- Tell someone your plans, especially if you plan on exploring any backcountry areas
- Wear hiking boots
Conclusion:
If you’re heading to the Big Island of Hawaii, visiting the Volcanoes National Park is a must. By keeping these tips in mind, you can plan a fun trip. Always prioritize your safety and stay up-to-date with the latest volcanic conditions and alerts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do you need to know about Hawaii Volcanoes National Park?
When planning a trip to this National Park, be prepared for any and all weather conditions. Temperatures vary, so dressing in layers is important. Bringing plenty of water will keep you hydrated while you explore the hiking trails.
How much time is needed at Volcanoes National Park?
Do you enjoy hiking? Do you want to hit as many trails as possible? If so, you can easily spend 3 to 4 days in the park. However, you can see the highlights in 1 to 2 days. Be sure to add time to view the sunset or sunrise at Kilauea overlook, as well as experience the Thurston Lava Tube.
What should I wear to Volcano National Park?
What is the best time of year to visit Volcanoes National Park?
The best time to go is during the “shoulder seasons”, from September through November and from April through May. However, any time of year is beautiful. Just be prepared for more rainfall during some months.
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