Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Backcountry Permits
HawaiʻI Volcanoes National Park
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is open for overnight and day use all year round.
Visitors must obtain a permit for overnight camping. A use limit system is in place for all locations throughout the year. While use is typically light, holiday weekends can be busy. The system disperses visitors throughout the area, providing an opportunity for solitude and reflection. Overnight permits are available for reservation 90 days in advance. A permit fee is assessed during the permitting process. Day-use permits are not required.
- Campfires are not allowed within the area. Camp stoves with an on/off valve are permissible.
- Maximum group size is 12 people who will be together at any given time during the trip.
- A signed permit must be carried at all times by the group leader. A digital or paper permit reservation confirmation is not a valid permit.
Permit & Season Information
Overnight Permits:
- Permits are required all year round and allow an individual or group (of up to 12) traveling & camping together to stay in the backcountry.
- Permits can be reserved up to 90 days in advance of your day of entry. New dates are releasesed daily at 7:00am (HST).
- Your permit can be picked up at the backcountry office starting 7 days in advance and up to the day of entry.
- 75% of the quota for each location is available 90 days in advance on-line. The remaining 25% of the quota for each location is available for in-person pick-up at the permit station starting 7 days in advance.
- You must have a printed copy of your permit with you at all times.
Day Use: No permits are required
Need to Know
Be Prepared
- Know your limits. Be honest and ask yourself, “am I physically fit for the hike I want to do?” You won’t miss out on the spectacular views if you choose an easier trail for your adventure. Overestimating your own physical abilities can have tragic consequences. Learn more about assessing your capabilities and how to hike smart here.
- Facilities
- Ka'aha, Halapē, and Keauhou have three-walled primitive shelters where hikers may enjoy a respite from the sun. Water caught off the roofs of three-walled shelters or backcountry cabins (where applicable) are stored in adjacent catchment tanks (check with rangers when you obtain your permit for current water levels -- water is NOT always available and there are no streams in the area). TREAT water obtained from catchment tanks before drinking. Please use the composting toilet. Hikers must bring their own toilet paper. Do not put trash in the toilet - pack all trash out.
Leave No Trace
- Hikers are required to pack out everything they pack in. Do not bury or discard trash in pit toilets. You must pack it out and practice "Leave No Trace " camping.
Emergency Procedures
- Before you go, leave a trip plan with another person. Make sure they understand that should you be lost or injured on the trail, they are your only link to help and should report you overdue if you fail to contact them by a predesignated time.
- If lost, stay where you are. Use bright colors and reflective materials to attract attention.
- To report a lost or overdue hiker, call Hawaii County 911 or Park Dispatch at (808) 985-6170.
Check Out of the Backcountry
- At the completion of your hike, report out by stopping at the Backcountry Office or call (808) 985-6178. Permits are issued because of the dynamic nature of this volcano and island. In the event of an eruption, tsunami, or earthquake it is important for rangers to know who may be in danger.
Give us your feedback
- Let us know about trail, cabin, or campsite conditions. Did you notice anything damaged or dangerous conditions that rangers should be aware of? File a Trip Report
Weather
- Island weather is unpredictable. Visitors should be prepared for rain and wear layers of clothing to ensure their comfort while exploring the park. At the 4,000' summit of Kīlauea , temperatures may be 12 to 15 degrees cooler than at sea level. Coastal areas are often hot, dry, and windy with the possibility of passing showers. Hiking on Mauna Loa (13,677') requires careful planning and preparation. Check the high-elevation weather forecast before making this hike.
- Intense sunlight, wind, and high temperatures can lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion or stroke. Pace yourself, drink fluids, eat snacks, and avoid hiking during the hottest times of day.
- Wear sun protection - sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat. Plan ahead - hydrate the day before your trek and drink fluids along the trail. Carry and drink a minimum of 3-4 quarts of water per person per day. During the day, temperatures can soar into the high 90s or higher. On many trails there are NO trees to provide relief from the sun.
Trail Conditions
- Trails may be steep and rocky. Watch your footing along the hot and windy trails. Maximum elevation change between trailhead and campsite is 3,000 feet (1000m). Stay on the trail! Do not cut across switchbacks as this accelerates erosion. Trails are marked by stone cairns (ahu) that may be difficult to see in the rain and mist, and impossible to find in the dark. Trails are rocky and uneven, and may be overgrown with thick vegetation.
Seismic and Volcanic Hazards
- An earthquake can cause a locally-generated tsunami (seismic sea wave) at the coast. If you feel a strong earthquake, move to high ground immediately. Earthquakes can also produce large rock falls -- avoid potential rock fall areas. Stay on the trail -- earth cracks, thin crusts, and lava tubes are numerous.
Fee Policy
Fees are required to obtain a backcountry permit. Fees for reserved and walk-up permits are the same.
- $10 Per permit fee
Permits are not transferable. Only the listed group leader or alternate leader identified at the time of reservation may be issued the permit.
Cash or Checks are not accepted.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park also charges an entrance fee to visit the park. Learn more about pass options. .
Cancellation Policy
Reservation changes and cancellations more than 7 days before the entry date:
- Changes to exit location and date and nightly itinerary are allowed subject to availability.
- Changes to party size are allowed subject to availability.
- Cancellations made prior to 7 days before the entry date will be refunded $4 per permit.
Reservation changes and cancellations 7 days or less before the entry date:
- No refunds for cancellations during this time period.
- Changes to party size are allowed subject to availability.
At the issuing station:
- Changes to the exit location and date and nightly itinerary can be made when the permit is issued.
- If quota is available, increases in party size and changes to entry location and date may be made.
Contact Information
Mailing Address
P.O. Box 52 Hawaii National Park HI 96718-0052
Email: HAVO_Backcountry@nps.gov
Phone Number
(808) 985-6178
