National Park Service LogoU.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park ServiceNational Park Service
National Park Service:  U.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park Service Arrowhead
Hawai'i Volcanoes National ParkLava flows on the road burning the asphalt.
view map
text size:largestlargernormal
printer friendly
Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park
Plan Your Visit
 
Hula dancers from Halau o Kekuhi perform at the annual Kilauea Cultural Festival.

Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park is a fascinating world of active volcanism, biological diversity, and Hawaiian culture, past and present.

Use links to the pages listed above to plan your visit to the Park.


Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park is easily visited by car in just a few hours or may be explored in more depth over several days. Here are some recommendations when planning your visit to the Park:

One to 3 Hour Visit?

If you have only one to three hours, explore the summit of Kilauea volcano via Crater Rim Drive; an 11-mile road that encircles the summit caldera, passes through desert, lush tropical rain forest, traverses the caldera floor, and provides access to well-marked scenic stops and short walks. (Crater Rim Drive is currently closed between Jaggar Museum and the Chain of Craters Road junction due to volcanic activity in Halema‘uma‘u crater).

Four to 5 Hour Visit?

If you have four to five hours, you may also explore the East Rift and coastal area of the Park via Chain of Craters Road. This road descends 3,700 feet in 20 miles and ends where a 2003 lava flow crossed the road. Lava flow activity is always changing. Check at the Kilauea Visitor Center for the most current information. No food, water, or fuel is available along the Chain of Craters Road.

Explore the Park by Foot

Hikers will find an abundance of trails to satisfy their curiosity. Day hikes and wilderness hikes offer great adventures for visitors who wish to explore beyond the roadways.  

 
 Link to Volcano Update webpage. Lava slurps down a small cliff.
What's happening with the Volcano?
Info on volcanic activity
more...
Steam and gasses rise where lava enters the ocean
Park Air Quality
Current sulfur dioxide conditions in the park
more...
Hula dancers perform at the Park's annual cultural festival
Events
Link to events at the Park
more...
Link to Maps
Maps
Where are you going?
more...
Waha`ula Visitor Center surrendering to lava.  

Did You Know?
From 1983 to 1991, lava flows repeatedly invaded communities on Kilauea's coastal south flank burying eight miles of highway and destroying 181 houses and a visitor center in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.

Last Updated: April 23, 2008 at 06:49 EST