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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.
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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
27 replies on “Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park”
AWESOME
Thank you!
Amazing pictures of the crater, Jyothi!!
Thanks Indira!
loved these!
Thanks 🙂
Excellent photos!!
Thanks Mousumi!
You are welcome 😊
We enjoyed our visit to the park in 2009. When Cindy walked through the Kīlauea Iki crater back in the mid-1980s, the hardened lava was still hot enough to be felt through hiking boots.
Glad to hear that. When we visited in 2016, some trails and roads were closed since the eruptive vent opened in Halema’uma’u in 2008.
It is amazing to see island formation as it happens. The Big Island is still getting bigger.
Aha.. exactly! Thank you!
Gorgeous blog, jyoti ji
Thank you!!
It’s my pleasure,good morning jyoti ji
Wow amazing, the crater is such a unique place. I’d love to visit the park one day 🙂
Thanks Hannah! Agree, it’s really amazing place to enjoy a vacation! Go for it 🙂
We were there a long time ago..this brings back memories..Thanks for sharing.
Glad to hear that! Thank you!!
Wow, lovely photos, thanks for sharing
Thanks Denise!
Fascinating photos and story of active volcanos!
Thank you!
Amazing photos!
The first time I walked on lava was a Volcano National Park. When I went back with my family a few years ago, the park was closed due to earthquakes, the erupting volcano, and Hurricane Lane. So disappointed that they could not have the same experience I did years earlier.
Oh… better luck next time!