Sight guide · Big Island (Hawaiʻi) · United States
Visiting Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
The park protects Kīlauea and much of Mauna Loa.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Brocken Inaglory, CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick answer
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is a nature spot in Volcano, Big Island (Hawaiʻi). Allow a full day; it is mid-priced. Booking ahead is not usually needed.
Key facts
- Type
- Nature
- Area
- Volcano
- Time needed
- A full day
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Book ahead
- Not usually needed
- Good for
- nature, kids, after dark and photo spot
- Best months
- January–February and November
Plan a trip to Big Island (Hawaiʻi)
Compare flights, places to stay and rental cars, then book with the provider you choose.
About Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
The park protects Kīlauea and much of Mauna Loa. Crater Rim Drive and its overlooks look into the summit caldera and Halemaʻumaʻu crater, where eruptions in recent years have sometimes produced visible lava; steam vents, sulphur banks and short walks are nearby. Conditions change constantly, so the visitor centre and the park website give the latest on eruption activity and closures.
Tip: Visit the caldera overlooks after dark if there is an active eruption, when any glow is most visible, and bring a warm layer because the summit is cool at night.
Plan your visit
- Time needed: A full day.
- Cost: Mid-priced.
- Book ahead: not usually needed; buy on arrival.
- Where: Volcano, cool rainforest village of B&Bs and cabins at the park entrance.
Best time to visit Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is outdoors, so weather matters most. The driest, most comfortable months are:
- January: 27°C (81°F) highs, about 7 rainy days, busy crowds.
- February: 27°C (81°F) highs, about 7 rainy days, busy crowds.
- November: 29°C (84°F) highs, about 8 rainy days, moderate crowds.
When to visit Big Island (Hawaiʻi) has the full month-by-month picture.
Fit it into your trip
Our 3-day Big Island (Hawaiʻi) itinerary visits Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park on day 1, together with Kīlauea Iki Trail and Maunakea.
- No. 1 of the 19 sights in our Big Island (Hawaiʻi) things-to-do list.
- Day 1 of the 1-day plan.
- Day 1 of the 2-day plan.
- Day 1 of the 5-day plan.
- One of the picks in outdoors in Big Island (Hawaiʻi).
- A family favourite in Big Island (Hawaiʻi) with kids.
Near Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
Also in Volcano, so you can walk between them:
- Kīlauea Iki Trail — 2–3 hours, mid-priced
- Chain of Craters Road — 2–3 hours, mid-priced
If you like Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
- Maunakea — Maunakea, Half a day
- ʻAkaka Falls State Park — Hāmākua Coast, 1 hour
- Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park — South Kona, 1.5 hours
- Kealakekua Bay — South Kona, Half a day
Staying near Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
Stay in Volcano Village ($$) to walk here: cool rainforest village of B&Bs and cabins at the park entrance. All areas to stay in Big Island (Hawaiʻi).
Questions travellers ask
+How long do you need at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park?
Plan a full day. With Kīlauea Iki Trail nearby, it fits a half-day in Volcano.
+Is Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park free?
No, it is mid-priced. Tickets are usually available on the day.
+When is the best time to visit Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park?
January–February and November for the most comfortable weather. Visit the caldera overlooks after dark if there is an active eruption, when any glow is most visible, and bring a warm layer because the summit is cool at night.
+Do I need to book Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park in advance?
Usually not: you can decide on the day.
+Is Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park good for kids?
Yes, it is one of our family picks in Big Island (Hawaiʻi). The Big Island is a superb family destination for active children, with volcanoes, turtles, waterfalls and calm beaches.