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Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park
Plan Your Visit
 
Hula dancer performs at the 2011 Cultural festival

Hawaiʻi 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.

Hawaiʻi 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 Kīlauea 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 closed between Jaggar Museum and the Chain of Craters Road junction due to volcanic activity in Halemaʻumaʻu 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 Kīlauea 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...

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Rainforest at Nahuku (Thurston Lava Tube)

Did You Know?
In recognition of its outstanding natural values, Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park has been honored as both an International Biosphere Reserve (1980) and a World Heritage Site (1987).

Last Updated: September 26, 2011 at 18:28 MST