Why Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is Unlike Anywhere Else

Established in 1916 on the Big Island of Hawaii, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park encompasses two of the world's most active volcanoes: Kīlauea and Mauna Loa. Here, the earth is literally being made. Lava flows have been reshaping the landscape for centuries, and visitors can witness geology in real time — something almost no other place on Earth offers.

The park covers over 330,000 acres and ranges from sea level to more than 13,000 feet. In a single day, you can walk through rainforest, cross hardened lava fields, descend into a lava tube, and stand on the rim of an active caldera.

Top Hikes and Experiences

Kīlauea Iki Trail (4 miles, moderate)

This is arguably the park's most iconic hike. You descend through lush ohia forest into a solidified lava lake — the floor of a crater that was a roiling lake of molten rock in 1959. Walking across the flat, cracked surface surrounded by crater walls is surreal and deeply humbling. Allow 2–3 hours.

Thurston Lava Tube (Nāhuku)

This is a must for all visitors, including those who can't do strenuous hikes. The tube is a natural tunnel formed when the outer crust of a lava flow hardened while the molten lava inside drained away. The walk through is short (about 10 minutes), but the ceiling heights and eerie lighting make it memorable. The surrounding rainforest is stunning.

Crater Rim Trail

A longer trail (11 miles for the full loop, but walkable in sections) that circles the summit caldera of Kīlauea. Portions may be closed depending on volcanic activity and sulfur dioxide levels — always check current conditions at the visitor center before setting out.

Chain of Craters Road

This 19-mile drive descends 3,700 feet to the coast past dozens of craters and lava shields. At the end, the road is literally buried under hardened lava flows. The views of the Pacific from the coastal lava fields are extraordinary, especially at sunrise or sunset.

Essential Tips Before You Go

  • Check volcanic activity updates: The USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (hvo.wr.usgs.gov) provides daily updates. Some areas close when eruptive activity is high or SO2 levels are dangerous.
  • Bring layers: The summit area sits at 4,000 feet and can be 20–30°F cooler than coastal Hawaii. Rain is frequent in the rainforest sections.
  • Wear closed-toe shoes: Lava rock is razor-sharp. Sandals are dangerous on trail surfaces.
  • Carry water: There are limited facilities. Bring more than you think you need.
  • Never take lava rocks: Beyond being illegal, Hawaiian legend holds that Pele, goddess of volcanoes, will curse those who remove rocks from her home. Rangers receive packages of returned rocks with apology letters every week.

Best Time to Visit

The park is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. April through June offers a good balance of manageable crowds and stable weather. If you want to see glowing lava (when active), nighttime visits to active flow areas are extraordinary — but only when it's safe and authorized. Always check with park rangers.

Cultural Significance: Pele and the Sacred Land

For Native Hawaiians, the volcano is not just a geological feature — it is Pele, the goddess of fire and creation, in her most direct physical form. The park contains numerous sacred sites, heiau (temples), and petroglyphs. Treat every part of the landscape with deep respect. The land is not a theme park; it is a living, sacred place.

Getting There

The park is located on the Big Island, roughly 30 miles southwest of Hilo and 95 miles from Kona. Fly into either Hilo International (ITO) or Kona International (KOA) airport and rent a car — public transport to the park is extremely limited.