How long does it take to drive to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park?

Finding Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park 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).



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This 38-mile (61 km) round-trip drive descends 3,700 feet (1,128 m) to the coast and ends where lava has covered 10 miles of road since 1986. Allow 90 minutes to two hours round-trip, depending on how often you stop and how far you hike.

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You can pack a lot of the Big Island in a short time, and don't need to spend an entire day in the park to enjoy the main sights. If you're trying to decide the when to visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park instead of spending a full day, the best time of day to visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is in the morning.

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Absolutely, visiting Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is worth it, especially if you're interested in geology, natural landscapes, and the unique opportunity to witness volcanic activity.

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The 600-foot-long cave is a great introduction to lava tube geology. The solidified drips and waves of once-liquid lava rock clearly show the molten forces that created this cave. Your flashlight reveals beautiful shapes and colors of minerals leeching from the rock.

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The Kazumura lava tube system, within the 500 year-old 'Aila'au lava flow of Kilauea, is more than 40 miles (65 km) long and is thought to be the longest lava tube cave in the world. Tubes may be up to several dozen feet wide.

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The Kilauea is a dynamic volcano, and lava viewing conditions change daily. Even if a viewing area is organized by the National Park, this does not guarantee close access of the lava.

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The temperatures in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park only range about 10 degrees from summer to winter, but the winters are cooler and rainier than the summers at the park. On average, the warmest month of the year is August, and the coolest is February.

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At 1,219 meters, (4,000 feet), the summit of Kilauea can be chilly at any time. Bring a rain jacket, wear long pants and closed-toe shoes.

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$30.00. Private Vehicle Pass - The private vehicle pass admits the passholder and up to 14 passengers of a single, private (non-commercial) vehicle.

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It is illegal to take lava rocks from Volcano National Park. Not only that it can bring very bad luck as its an insult to Pele. Hundreds of lava rocks get sent back to Hawaii because of this well known kapu(taboo) on snatching parts of Pele the Goddess of the Volcanos!

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Lava cools very quickly at first and forms a thin crust that insulates the interior of the lava flow. As a result, basaltic lava flows can form crusts that are thick enough to walk on in 10-15 minutes but the flow itself can take several months to cool!

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Welcome to the Volcano House Hotel in Hawai'i, a historical retreat with 33 guest rooms, 10 cabins and 16 campsites located in the Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. A destination for the explorer in you, offering both familiar and exotic experiences.

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A 4WD vehicle is a must for this Big Island adventure! 4WD is the only way you'll be able to access all the best “off the grid” spots. Besides taking a day for Hawaii Volcanoes National park or a few in Kona/Kohala, here are some of our other favorite places to go, with Volcano Village as your home base…

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