What time should you arrive at Volcano National Park?

- Plan to arrive early and explore Nahuku (Thurston Lava Tube) before 10 a.m. Not only is parking available, but the lava tube is virtually empty of people. As a bonus, birdwatching at Nahuku is best in the early morning.



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The best time to visit the park is after 9 p.m. when most tourists are leaving. The park is open 24 hours so coming later in the night makes it easier to find parking and view the current eruption.

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Be mindful of what to wear/Clothing: -A pair of fast-drying, long waterproof pants – thick enough to ward off stinging nettles. –One pair of closed, sturdy and comfortable walking shoes – lightweight/quick drying are ideal (note that heavy boots can be difficult to use in the trekking activities and dry).

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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.

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Entrance to Volcanoes National Park costs $30 per car. There are limited spots for food and drink in the park; be sure to pack water and snacks. Wear layers and bring a jacket, temperatures vary drastically in the park. The park is constantly changing.

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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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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.

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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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There are two entrances to the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. To get to the park from Hilo, follow Highway 11 all the way through the town of Volcano. You can also enter the park from the west by traveling southwest on Highway 11. The visitor center is located at 1 Crater Rim Drive, Volcano, HI 96785.

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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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The Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year. The Kilauea Visitor Center is located on Crater Rim Drive off of Highway 11 between the 28 and 29 mile marker south of Hilo. The visitor center is opened daily between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm.

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The best time to observe the glow from Halema'uma'u is before sunrise, or after 9 p.m., when most visitors have left. The park is open 24 hours a day.

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The weather in Volcano Village and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park fluctuates daily. It rains less on average here than in Hilo, but you should always be prepared for a chance of rain.

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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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IF YOU ARE UNDER A VOLCANO WARNING:
  1. Limit your time outdoors and use a dust mask or cloth mask as a last resort if you must be outside.
  2. Avoid areas downwind and river valleys downstream of the volcano.
  3. Take temporary shelter from volcanic ash in the location where you are.


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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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