HawaiʻI Volcanoes National Park

National Park Service, Hawaii.

Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park protects some of the most unique geological, biological, and cherished cultural landscapes in the world. Extending from sea level to 13,680 feet, the park encompasses the summits of two of the world's most active volcanoes - Kīlauea and Mauna Loa - and is a designated International Biosphere Reserve and UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Activities and Experiences

  • Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Backcountry Permits

Site Passes

  • HawaiʻI Volcanoes National Park Site Pass

Nearby Activities

  • Biking
  • Camping
  • Hiking
  • Historic & Cultural Site
  • Wildlife Viewing

Directions

Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park is located on the island of Hawai‘i. From Hilo: 30 miles southwest on Highway 11 (a 45 minute drive); from Kailua-Kona: 96 miles southeast on Highway 11 (2 to 2 1/2 hour drive), or 125 miles through Waimea and Hilo via highways 19 and 11 (2 1/2 to 3 hours).

Additional Information

  • Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park Map
  • Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park Official Website

Photo Gallery

  • Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park
  • Puʻu Loa PetroglyphsPuʻu Loa features the largest group of petroglyphs in Hawaiʻi.
  • RainforestLush rainforest surrounds Crater Rim Trail near the Halemaʻumaʻu Trail
  • Mauna Loa 1940 ConeMauna Loa, the largest active volcano on the planet, stands more than 13,000 feet above sea level
  • Hula at KīlaueaKīlauea is home to important and sacred cultural sites stretching back centuries.
  • Halemaʻumaʻu CraterHalemaʻumaʻu from along Crater Rim Trail
  • Steam VentsWahinekapu (Steaming Bluff)
  • ʻŌhiʻaThe red blossoms of the ʻōhiʻa are a Hawaiian cultural icon
  • NēnēThe threatened nēnē is the official state bird of Hawaiʻi
  • ʻAe FernAbout 200 species of ferns can be found across the Hawaiian Islands. Sixty-five percent of these species are considered endemic, found nowhere else in the world.
  • Mauna Loa SummitMauna Loa is the largest active volcano on earth
  • Hōlei PaliLava flows from the Mauna Ulu eruption drape the Hōlei Pali
  • Kīlauea IkiSunrise at Kīlauea Iki
  • Lava TreesLava trees memorialize trees that once stood in the path of encroaching lava
  • Tide PoolsTide pools along the Puna Coast
  • NāhukuNāhuku (Thurston Lava Tube)
  • The Kahuku UnitThe Kahuku Unit of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park once was one of the largest cattle ranches in Hawaiʻi
  • Hawaiii Volcanoes National ParkHawaii Volcanoes National Park
  • Hawai'I Volcanoes National Park
  • Steaming BluffThe Steaming Bluff is near the Steam Vents area. Rain water seeps down to hot earth and returns as steam.
  • NāhukuNāhuku, also known as Thurston Lava Tube is a very popular stop. Come early to beat the crowds.
  • Sulphur BanksWalk the boardwalk along the Sulphur Banks. The smell may be an irritant to some.
  • Kīlauea Iki TrailA very popular hike is the Kīlauea Iki Trail. It's a 4 mile loop trail along the crater rim and across the crater floor.
  • Kīlauea Iki OverlookFrom the Kīlauea Iki Overlook you can see hikers on the crater floor, Pu'u Pua'i Cinder Cone, & Halema'uma'u in the background
  • Halema'uma'u CraterThe best view of Halema'uma'u Crater is from the viewing area at Jaggar Museum
  • Jaggar Museum Viewing AreaVisitors viewing Halema'uma'u from the viewing area at Jaggar Museum
  • Jaggar MuseumVisitors browse the displays at Jaggar Museum
  • Hawaiian Volcano ObservatoryThe sunrise lights up the windows on Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (next to Jaggar Museum)
  • Hawaiian Volcano Observatory & Jaggar MuseumHawaiian Volcano Observatory and Jaggar Museum on the edge of Kīlauea Caldera
  • Kealakomo OverlookEnjoy a picnic and the view from Kealakomo Overlook off Chain of Craters Road
  • Halema‘uma‘u TrailA couple hikes the Halema‘uma‘u Trail through rain forest from the summit of Kilauea to the caldera fllor.
  • Halema‘uma‘uHalema‘uma‘u glows in the pre-dawn darkness

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