Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park (U.S. National Park Service) is one of the most popular attractions on Hawaii Island (the Big Island). The Park has diverse nature that ranges from sea level to the summit of the world’s largest volcano. The park offers unique destinations to witness live lava flows, lava tubes, glowing craters, and the best volcano viewing areas in the world.
These photos are from our 8 day trip to Hawaii during the first week of October, 2016.
Kīlauea Overlook 
View of Kīlauea Caldera with Kīlauea Volcano, one of the world’s most active volcanoes from Jaggar Museum 
Kīlauea Caldera with Kīlauea Volcano, view from Jaggar Museum 
Halemaumau Crater at dusk 
Halemaumau Crater at dusk 
Halemaumau Crater at dusk 
Halemaumau Crater at dusk 
Halemaumau Crater at dusk 
Steam Vents 
Kīlauea Iki Overlook 
Kīlauea Iki Overlook 
Thurston Lava Tube – This lava tube was discovered in 1913 by Lorrin Thurston 
Pu’u Puai Overlook 
Puhimau Crater Overlook 
Puhimau Crater 
Chain of Craters Road 
Hike to Keanakāko‘i Crater, Crater Rim Drive 
Puʻu Puaʻi Trail to Devastation Trail 
Halemaumau Crater, Crater Rim Drive 
Flowers of the Ohelo 
Lava flow on the Crater Rim Drive. 
Halemaumau Volcano Crater – View from Keanakako’i Overlook 
Chain of Craters Road 
Massive black lava flows of Pu’u’oo Volcano which destroyed the town of Kalapana and a section of Chain of Craters Road 
Kilauea Coastal Plain along Chain of Craters Road 
Holei Sea Arch, Chain of Craters Road – 90 ft, sea arch was cut into the cliff of an ancient lava flow, about 550 years ago. 
Upwind of the toxic volcanic gas plume – View from Chain of Craters Road near Holei Sea Arch 
Chain of Craters Road 
A long-standing symbol of Hawaii, the Nene or Hawaiian Goose 
View from Chain of Craters Road near Holei Sea Arch 
Chain of Craters Road 
Upwind of the toxic volcanic gas plume – View from Chain of Craters Road near Holei Sea Arch 
Holei Sea Arch 
Chain of Craters Road
Quick Facts and Tips
- Best time to visit
- Weather and good deals: Apr to May, Sep to Oct. Dec to Mar is better, but could be expensive.
- Fly Into
- Kona International Airport
- Hilo International Airport
- Honolulu International Airport, then take a short, 35-40 minute flight to Kona or Hilo.
- Clothing
- Weather is warm, so pack lightweight casual t-shirts, shorts, sundresses, tank tops, capris, skirts, swimsuits, rain gears and a light jacket for the cool evenings.
- Be sure to check the park’s official website for the current trail conditions and road closures before heading out.
- Volcanic activity can change at any time, so be prepared.
- Stay on marked trails and use only open trails and roads.
- It is recommended to hike with at least one other person.
- Avoid going close to steam vents, cracks and cliffs.
- Carry enough water and wear sunscreen, sturdy shoes, hats, and sunglasses when hiking on the no-shade lave fields.
- Best things to do
- Take a Crater Rim scenic drive around the Kilauea summit.
- Drive through the spectacular Chain of craters road to meet the sea.
- Enjoy the view of the impressive and sharp 90 feet high Hōlei Sea Arch at the end of the Chain of Craters road.
- Enjoy easy hiking: Devastation Trail (1 mile round trip), Ha’akulamanu (Sulphur Banks) Trail (1.2 mile round trip), Keanakāko’i Crater (2 miles round trip), Thurston Lava Tube Trail (0.4 mile).
- See the beauty and glow from the Halema’uma’u crater at night near the Jaggar museum overlook (possibly permanently closed, again check with the Park).
- Other Attractions
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