Nature has different aspects, and volcanoes are one of them. When we hear of volcanoes, we are instantly reminded of the destruction caused by them. But the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park presents you with a totally different experience of the same volcanoes. The experience will be simply breathtaking and never to be missed.
The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park has dramatic volcanic landscapes, exotic flora, and faunas with glimpses of Hawaiian culture attached to the landscapes. If you are planning a trip to the islands of Hawaii, including a one-day tour to the National Park to witness the outstanding natural values.
What Time to Visit
The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is open 7 days a week and 24 hours a day for visitors. The park is also available for a visit on holidays. To avoid crowds, plan a trip on weekdays. If you want to explore the Park District- Kahuku Unit, you need to plan otherwise. The Kahuku Unit of the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park has different operating hours, and it is open on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 8 AM to 4 PM. The unit is closed on the other days of the week and on certain holidays such as Independence Day, Labor Day, Memorial Day, Washington’s Birthday, and Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
How to Book Tickets
You can book your tickets either online or offline at the entrance. You need to visit the official site and save time at the gate to book tickets online. You can buy the digital passes six months ahead of your visit.
The ticket prices for entering Hawaii Volcanoes National Park are minimal. Visitors with private non-commercial vehicles need to pay $30, and for a motorcycle, the ticket price is $25. If you are an individual pedestrian or taking a bicycle, the payable amount is only $15. The Hawaii Tri-Park Annual Pass is also available at the entrance at $55. The annual pass allows you to visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Haleakala National Park, and Pu’uhonua o Honaunau Historical Park together for free.
It is recommended to download the digital passes on your phone beforehand as the National Park area has limited connectivity.
How to Reach
The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is on the Island of Hawaii. The nearest airport to the National Park is Hilo Airport and Kona Airport. Rental cars are available at both airports. Moreover, public buses, taxis, bicycles, motorcycles, and tour buses are also available at various locations on the island.
It is a 45-minute drive from Hilo airport on Highway 11 to 30 miles southwest. You can also drive from Kona airport, and it takes about 2-3 hours on Highway 19 and 11. If you are coming from Waikoloa, take Highway 200 and drive for 2 hours southeast to reach the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Notably, no public transportation is allowed within the park. Additionally, booking from ridesharing apps can be difficult due to the limited connectivity in the area.
Things to Do in and Around
The National Park of Hawaii Volcanoes consists of two volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa. The Kilauea Volcanoes are among the most active volcanoes in Hawaii, and you can witness the eruption from the National Park. Similarly, it would be best not to miss driving to the nearby Chain of Craters Road to see the trails of recent lava flows and the brand new land formed by the eruption.
Hiking is another exciting option when in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The K?lauea Iki Crater is a moderate hike that takes about 2-3 hours, and it offers you a chance to walk on the solidified lava lake. If you are in the Chain of Craters Road to see the volcano eruption, do not miss the Holei Sea Arch. The arch is 550 years old, and the view from here is breathtaking. You need to walk across a lava field to reach the viewpoint from where you can take memorable pictures to cherish forever. These are some fun things to do in and around Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Plan a beautiful day with your loved ones to see the wonders of nature.
How to Contact
For queries, you can call 808-985-6000 or write to havo_information@nps.gov.
