Is the volcano on Hilo or Kona?

HVNP is located 30 miles southwest of Hilo and 96 miles southeast of Kona. It's open year-round, 24 hours a day. HVNP is home to Kilauea Volcano, the most continuously active volcano in the world, and the park offers the unique experience of walking on land that is younger than you are.



People Also Ask

Kilauea volcano is not erupting The eruption that began on September 10, 2023 has ended. No lava fountains, flows, or glow are visible at this time. Read the activity summary of Kilauea, courtesy of USGS. Read the activity summary of Mauna Loa, courtesy of USGS.

MORE DETAILS

Kona offers better weather, the best beaches and snorkeling, newer resorts, more vacation rentals, and more nightlife compared to Hilo Town. Hilo is worth a visit but may not be worth staying for more than a night. Erica and I make Kailua-Kona our launching pad during our Big Island vacations.

MORE DETAILS

Kona is on the western side of the island and is by far the more popular destination, with over one million annual visitors On the east coast is Hilo, which only sees about 300,000 visitors per year. Not only are Kona and Hilo on opposite sides of the Big Island, but they also offer distinct experiences.

MORE DETAILS

Yes, you can visit Hawaii right now. Hawaii is welcoming visitors back to our islands: for incoming domestic travelers, there will be no COVID requirements.

MORE DETAILS

Lower Tourist Population = Lower Prices This means greater room availability and lower prices for accommodations in and around Hilo, making a Hawaii vacation within easier reach for those traveling on a budget.

MORE DETAILS

Driving along Hawaii Belt Road and Mamalahoa Highway would be considered the scenic route—the 125-mile trip takes about three hours. Fortunately, there's a lot to see on the way from Kailua-Kona to Hilo, so if you've got the time—and gas—to spare, here's a guide on what to look out for on your journey.

MORE DETAILS

In West Hawaii, Kailua-Kona is typically a few degrees warmer and quite a bit more arid than tropical Hilo. It can stay warmer in the evening (unless you are higher up in the Kona hills.) It's typically warm and sunny near the ocean, and partly cloudy in the hills.

MORE DETAILS

Overall, you'll find more of a traditional Hawaiian feel on the Kona side. You'll also discover that it can be wetter and cooler than Kona, where it can be hot and sunny nearly every day. However, many people love the lush landscape of Hilo, with its Jurassic-Park-sized waterfalls and botanical gardens.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

Hilo pretty much closes down after the dinner hour, as far as legitimate activity goes, other than the big box stores and markets, so you don't want to be walking around in the historic area with dark alleys and parks, just enjoy that area during the day.

MORE DETAILS

Many people don't live on the island due to the hazard of losing their home to an active lava flow. Or getting caught up in a hurricane or tsunami. When you live here, you take the risks of living on a volcanic island..we all do.

MORE DETAILS

If you only have 4-5 days, perhaps spent 1 day in Hilo and the rest of your time in Kona and Volcanoes National Park. Kona and Hilo are both worth visiting – just adjust your schedule based on whether you prefer beaches and upscale shops or rainforests and history. You can't go wrong with either destination!

MORE DETAILS

Location-based website areavibes.com gives Hilo an “F” grade in the crime category, and states that “the overall crime rate in Hilo is 99 percent higher than the national average.” The Friends of Narconon webpage lists methamphetamines as one of Hilo's top problems.

MORE DETAILS

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).

MORE DETAILS

During the morning of September 11, Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologists conducted an overflight of the new eruption within the Kilauea summit caldera. The eruption is occurring in the east portion of Halema?uma?u crater and on the downdropped block to the east, which formed during the 2018 summit collapse.

MORE DETAILS