How much time do you need in Volcano National Park?

If you want to visit lava up close and personal, then you should allow at least TWO full days for visiting Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. If you don't plan to view lava up close, you can fit in the highlights of the Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park in one day, but you could also easily spend 3+ days in the park.



People Also Ask

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.

MORE DETAILS

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. Note: There are no services (water, gasoline, or food) on Chain of Craters road.

MORE DETAILS

From Devastation Trailhead: 6.0 mi (9.7 km) round-trip. Plan for 4 to 5 hours. Parking at Devastation Trailhead allows for a more scenic experience, letting you explore Uealoha (Byron Ledge), the Kilauea Iki loop, and Nahuku Lava Tube all in one hike.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

Visit a Volcano Hawaii National Park to see the iconic sights of the park: Kilauea Volcano, steam vents, lava tubes, and multiple volcanic craters! The tour also takes you to Rainbow Falls and Akaka Falls, two of the most famous waterfalls in Hilo.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

Crater Rim Drive is an 11-mile road that skirts the edge of the Kilauea Caldera in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and contains several scenic views and hiking opportunities. If you had to choose only one thing to do in HVNP (may that never occur!), this drive would be it.

MORE DETAILS

Visiting the park by car is easy to do. The two main roads visitors will travel are Crater Rim Drive and Chain of Craters Road. All roads in the park are two-wheel drive roadways and do not require four-wheel drive vehicles.

MORE DETAILS

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!

MORE DETAILS

Self tour it is! Just allow plenty of time - there is so much to see there! Our first visit to the Big island we spent part of 2 days, and it really wasn't enough, so our next visit, we stayed in Volcano for 2 nights, so had almost 3 days to explore - was great! :) Good decision !

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

Big Island is home to some of the most picturesque waterfalls in all of Hawaii. Whether you choose to explore the falls along the Heavenly Hamakua Coast or head to the lovely Kohala region, you'll soon have a favorite fall of your own.

MORE DETAILS

Make sure you have enough protection from the sun and unexpected rain showers. For footwear, decide what to bring based on the terrain. Easy and smooth hikes require less support so trail runners may work great. For treks on rugged trails, boots will likely be a better option.

MORE DETAILS