How far is Kona from the volcanoes?

Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park is located on the island of Hawai'i. From Kailua-Kona: 95 miles southeast on Highway 11 (2 to 2.5 hour drive), or 125 miles through Waimea and Hilo via highways 19 and 11 (2.5 to 3 hours). From Waikoloa: 90 miles southeast on Highway 200 (2 hour drive).



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Located above the city of Kailua Kona, the slopes of Hualalai are famous for producing both Kona Coffee and the world's tastiest Macadamia Nuts. The 8,300-foot peak, however, has a long eruptive history and is considered one of the country's most dangerous volcanoes.

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Early risers may also get a good view of the summit of Hualalai volcano before the inversion-layer clouds come and blanket the peak. Located only 10 miles (15 km) from the coastal areas of the town of Kailua-Kona, the summit of Hualalai rises to 8,271 ft (2,521 m).

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Volcanic hazards in Kona (i.e. the western side of the island of Hawai'i) stem primarily from Mauna Loa and Hualalai volcanoes. The former has erupted 39 times since 1832. Lava flows were emplaced in Kona during seven of these eruptions and last impacted Kona in 1950.

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Activity Summary: Kilauea volcano is not erupting. The area south-southwest of Kilauea's summit continues to show signs of episodic unrest as the intrusive event that began in early October continues intermittently at a lower rate.

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Driving non-stop via the Southpoint Route is a long 100-mile winding drive to Volcano (2.5 Hours). There are many adventures along the way. If you want to take the tour, plan to spend 4 or 5 hours from Kona Airport to Volcano. Use the map and directions to find each of the listed tour points along the way.

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If the park determines that access to the flow is safe you can go on a hike to see the lava. Because viewing conditions change on a daily basis you should look up the most recent information about the active surface flows shortly before you plan to see the lava yourself.

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There are two separate volcanoes that are considered active on Big Island. They are Kilauea, which is 4,091 feet tall, and Hualalai, which is 8,271 feet tall. All throughout Kilauea's history, there have been eruptions at the summit of the volcano and also at the vents along the East Rift Zone.

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Kailua-Kona is located in Lava Zone 4, which includes all of Hualalai. Although Hualalai is not extinct, the frequency of eruptions is lower, much lower, than that for Kilauea or Mauna Loa.

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Taking Lava Rocks Is Illegal! Taking lava rocks from Hawaii is illegal because it is considered to be taking a protected natural resource from the state. Lava rocks are formed from the cooled lava that flows from volcanoes and can be found in various places around the Hawaiian islands.

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Zone 9, considered the least hazardous region, consists of Kohala, a volcano that has not erupted for 60,000 years. Sources/Usage: Public Domain. Lava-flow hazard zones map, Island of Hawai'i.

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Most of the hike is on a steep incline which becomes tougher the higher you hike. Total elevation gain is 5150 ft./ 1500 m. The final hour of the hike is the toughest because by that point, you are so high up that you're climbing through volcanic sand instead of solid ground. Combined with the altitude, it's strenuous.

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Is Hawaii Safe to Visit? If you're wondering “is Hawaii safe to visit” the answer is a resounding YES! While Kilauea's lava flow remains powerful after an initial eruption on May 3 and series of subsequent earthquakes, the island is not completely shut down – contrary to popular belief.

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Rising gradually to more than 4 km (2.5 mi) above sea level, Hawaii's Mauna Loa is the largest active volcano on our planet. Its submarine flanks descend to the sea floor an additional 5 km (3 mi), and the sea floor in turn is depressed by Mauna Loa's great mass another 8 km (5 mi).

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