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About

Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park is located on the Island of Hawai‘i, commonly known as the Big Island, in the United States and covers approximately 523 square miles (1,355 sq km). Established in 1916, the park protects one of the most active volcanic landscapes on Earth and preserves a remarkable record of geological processes that continue to shape the Hawaiian Islands today.

The park lies southeast of Hilo and encompasses the summits and flanks of two of the world’s most famous volcanoes, Mauna Loa and Kīlauea. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an International Biosphere Reserve, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park offers visitors a rare opportunity to witness the ongoing creation of land through volcanic activity while exploring ecosystems found nowhere else in the world.

Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park is best known for its active volcanoes and dramatic volcanic landscapes. Visitors come from around the globe to witness steaming craters, lava fields, volcanic calderas, and landscapes transformed by eruptions. Kīlauea, one of the most active volcanoes on Earth, has shaped much of the park through repeated eruptions over recent decades.

Popular attractions include Kīlauea Caldera, the Chain of Craters Road, Thurston Lava Tube, and numerous scenic overlooks that provide views into volcanic features. Hiking, photography, ranger-led programs, wildlife observation, and cultural experiences are among the park’s most popular activities. Few places allow visitors to experience the raw forces of Earth’s geology so directly.

The geography of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park is both dynamic and diverse. Elevations range from sea level along the Pacific coastline to more than 13,600 feet (4,145 meters) at the summit of Mauna Loa, one of the largest volcanoes on Earth by volume. The landscape includes lava flows, volcanic deserts, rainforests, coastal cliffs, ash fields, cinder cones, and alpine environments.

New land is periodically created when lava reaches the ocean, while older landscapes are gradually colonized by plants and wildlife. The park’s wide elevation range produces dramatically different climate zones, from tropical rainforests receiving abundant rainfall to dry volcanic deserts and high-elevation shrublands. This variety contributes to the park’s extraordinary ecological richness.

Wildlife within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park includes numerous species found nowhere else on Earth. Native birds such as the endangered Hawaiian goose, or nēnē, are among the park’s most recognizable animals. Other native birds include the ‘apapane, ‘amakihi, and ‘i‘iwi, which inhabit the park’s forests and shrublands. The park also supports native insects, bats, and rare plant species adapted to volcanic environments.

Many of Hawai‘i’s endemic species evolved in isolation over thousands of years and are found only within the Hawaiian Islands. Native forests contain ʻōhiʻa lehua trees, tree ferns, koa forests, and other unique vegetation that plays a critical role in supporting biodiversity. Conservation efforts focus on protecting these fragile ecosystems from invasive species and habitat loss.

Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park plays a vital role in protecting one of the world’s most significant volcanic and ecological landscapes. The park preserves active geological processes, rare native ecosystems, and places of deep cultural importance to Native Hawaiians. Conservation efforts safeguard endangered species, native forests, and the natural processes that continue to create new land.

The park is often compared to Yellowstone National Park and Timanfaya National Park because of its volcanic activity and geological significance. Yet nowhere else can visitors observe the creation of new land while exploring ecosystems shaped by thousands of years of island evolution. Today, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park stands as one of the world’s most remarkable natural laboratories, preserving a landscape where fire, earth, culture, and life remain intimately connected.

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Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park

Things to See

The volcanoes of the national park are the highlight of the national park.  A visit allows visitors to discover and learn more about one of nature’s most significant forces.

Mauna Loa

Mauna Loa stands at 13,679 feet (4,169 m) and is the world’s largest active volcano. It is one of five volcanoes that account for the foundation of the Hawaii Islands.

Statistically speaking, Mauna Loa is the largest volcano in both mass and volume. It is considered the largest active volcano in the world.

Mauna Loa is believed to have around 18,000 cubic miles (75,000 cu km) of volume. It covers a land area of 2,035 square miles (5,271 sq km). The lava eruptions are not explosive in nature and generally fluid while flowing into the ocean.

Mauna Loa rises 30,085 feet (9,170 m) from its submerged base to its summit peak, which makes it greater than the 29,029 feet (8,848 m) of Mount Everest.

Kilauea

Kilauea is the most active shield volcano and most active of all of the Hawaiian volcanoes.  The volcano reaches a height of 4,091 feet (1,247 m).  A massive eruption occurred on May 17, 2018, followed by the continued spewing of ash and lava that would close the park for several months.

Kilauea is considered the youngest of the Hawaiian volcanoes and has been active throughout its known history. The summit caldera is 2.5 by 2.0 miles (4 by 3.2 km) with walls that reach heights of 400 feet (120 m).

Halemaumau Crater

Halemaumau Crater is a massive volcanic crater that is proposed as the home of Pele, the volcano goddess.  The crater features steam vents that spiral steam into the air.

Until recently, the crater was seen as a massive lake of lava.  When the lava disappeared in 2018, it caused the crater walls to fall inward creating an even larger crater today.

Kīlauea

Kīlauea

Kīlauea, one of the world’s most active volcanoes, stands at an elevation of approximately 4,091 feet (1,247 meters) above sea level. In terms of size, Kīlauea covers a vast area, with its summit caldera spanning about 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) in width and its sprawling volcanic terrain extending over 14,000 square miles (36,000 square kilometers).

This expansive volcanic landscape includes not only the summit caldera but also the surrounding rift zones and lava fields, making Kīlauea a significant geological feature of the island of Hawaii and a focal point of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

The easiest volcano lava to see is typically from Kīlauea, one of the world’s most active volcanoes. Kīlauea has been continuously erupting since 1983, making it relatively accessible for visitors to witness lava flows and other volcanic activity.

One of the most popular spots for viewing lava is from the Jaggar Museum overlook, where visitors can often see the glowing lava lake within Halema’uma’u Crater, especially at night.

Additionally, guided tours and hikes within the park offer opportunities to observe surface lava flows, lava tubes, and other volcanic features up close, providing memorable experiences for visitors seeking to witness the power and beauty of Hawaii’s active volcanoes.

Mauna Loa

Mauna Loa

Mauna Loa, located on the Big Island of Hawaii, is one of the most massive shield volcanoes on Earth, rising to an impressive elevation of approximately 13,678 feet (4,169 meters) above sea level.

It is also known for its immense size, with a summit caldera that spans about 6 miles (10 kilometers) in width and a total surface area that covers over 2,000 square miles (5,200 square kilometers).

Visitors to Mauna Loa can experience this iconic volcano in various ways. They can embark on a challenging multi-day hike to the summit, traversing rugged terrain and ascending through diverse ecosystems from lush rainforests to barren volcanic landscapes.

Additionally, scenic drives and guided tours offer opportunities to explore the volcano’s lower slopes and witness its vast size and geological features, providing a deeper understanding of the island’s volcanic history and natural beauty.

Lava Tubes

Lava Tubes

Lava Tubes are natural tunnels formed by flowing lava during volcanic eruptions, and they are among the most fascinating geological features in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

These underground passageways provide visitors with a unique opportunity to explore the remnants of past volcanic activity. Some lava tubes in the park, such as Thurston Lava Tube, are easily accessible and illuminated for safe exploration.

Visitors can walk through these subterranean marvels, marveling at the smooth walls, intricate formations, and eerie silence within. Thurston Lava Tube, for example, stretches approximately 500 feet (152 meters) long and showcases captivating lava formations along its path.

Exploring lava tubes offers a glimpse into the powerful forces that have shaped the Hawaiian landscape over thousands of years and provides a memorable and educational experience for park visitors.

Although not known for wildlife, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, a land of fire and flora, provides a unique ecosystem where visitors can encounter endemic wildlife that thrives amidst its volcanic landscapes and lush rainforests.

Nēnē – The endangered Nēnē, or Hawaiian Goose, is Hawaii’s state bird, adapted to life in the park with its strong feet, perfect for lava fields.

Hawaiian Hawk – Known as ʻIo in Hawaiian, this raptor is endemic to the islands, revered in Hawaiian culture, and seen soaring above the park’s diverse habitats.

Hawaiian Hoary Bat – The only native land mammal of Hawaii, the Hawaiian Hoary Bat, or ʻŌpeʻapeʻa, flits through the park’s night sky, feeding on insects.

Hawaiian Monk Seal – Rarely seen within the park, the endangered Hawaiian Monk Seal occasionally hauls out on remote coastal areas to rest, a special sight for visitors.

Hawaiʻi ʻAmakihi – A small and resilient honeycreeper, the Hawaiʻi ʻAmakihi has adapted to a wide range of environments, including the park’s volcanic areas.

Apapane – Bright red and highly vocal, the Apapane is a common Hawaiian honeycreeper, feeding on nectar and contributing to the pollination of native plants.

Green Sea Turtle – Although more commonly seen on coastal beaches, Green Sea Turtles can sometimes be spotted near the park’s coastal areas, resting or basking.

Pueo – The Hawaiian Short-eared Owl, or Pueo, is one of the few endemic birds of prey, often seen hunting at dusk over open fields and lava plains.

Jackson’s Chameleon – Introduced to Hawaii, Jackson’s Chameleons have established populations in the park, their striking appearance and prehensile tails a curiosity among the native foliage.

Mongoose – Introduced and now considered invasive, mongooses can occasionally be seen darting across roads or trails, their presence a challenge to native birds and their eggs.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park’s wildlife, from the iconic Nēnē to the elusive Hawaiian Monk Seal, offers a window into the unique and fragile ecosystems of the Hawaiian Islands, highlighting the importance of conservation efforts to protect these native and endemic species.

Things To Do

Engaging Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Hiking

Explore the diverse landscapes of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on foot by hiking its network of scenic trails. Trek through ancient lava fields, lush rainforests, and volcanic craters, encountering unique geological features and breathtaking vistas along the way.

Highlights include the Kīlauea Iki Trail, which descends into the crater of a dormant volcano, and the Devastation Trail, where you can witness the aftermath of past volcanic eruptions. Whether you’re seeking an easy stroll or a challenging hike, there are trails for every skill level, offering opportunities to immerse yourself in the park’s natural beauty and learn about its fascinating geology.

Scenic Drives

Experience the stunning landscapes of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park from the comfort of your car by embarking on one of its scenic drives. Take the Chain of Craters Road, which winds through volcanic terrain and offers panoramic views of lava flows and ocean vistas.

Alternatively, drive along Crater Rim Drive to explore the park’s volcanic calderas, steam vents, and scenic overlooks. Scenic drives provide a convenient way to explore the park’s diverse ecosystems and geological wonders, with opportunities to stop and take in the sights along the way.

Volcano Viewing

Witness the raw power and beauty of Hawaii’s active volcanoes by observing volcanic activity within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Visit the Jaggar Museum and overlook to view the glowing lava lake within Halema’uma’u Crater, an awe-inspiring sight especially at night.

Take a guided tour to explore the park’s lava tubes, steam vents, and other volcanic features up close, and learn about the ongoing geological processes that shape the island’s landscapes. Volcano viewing offers a thrilling and unforgettable experience, allowing visitors to witness the dynamic forces of nature at work in one of the world’s most active volcanic regions.

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park Trails

There are over 150 miles (241 km) of trails that meander through the rainforest, around the volcanoes, and across the deserts.  These trails allow visitors with a more in-depth look and understanding of this incredible volcanic rainforest ecosystem.

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Devastation Trail

This is an easy short 1-mile (1.6 km) trail through the rainforest out to the Puu Puai Overlook.  This is one of the most popular trails in the park.  It only has an elevation gain of 124 feet (37.8 m).

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Thurston Lava Tube Trail

This is a short 0.4-mile (0.6 km) trail that is rated easy.  It takes hikers into the lava tube to experience volcanic history.

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Kilauea Iki and Crater Rim Trail

This is a 3-mile (4.8 km) loop trail that is rated moderate.  It meanders around the rim of the crater while providing panoramic views of the area as well as fields of wildflowers.

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Kalapana Lava Viewing Trail

This is an easy 9.5-mile (15.44 km) with an elevation gain of 646 feet (196.9 m) that delivers views of the volcanic area and hot springs.

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Pu’u Huluhulu Trail

This is a moderate trail with an elevation gain of 311 feet (94.8 m) with views into the crater as well as wildflowers that are along the way. It is a 2.5-mile (4.02 km) point-to-point trail.

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Kīlauea Iki Trail

Rating: Moderate

Distance and Elevation Gain: 4 miles round trip with an elevation gain of about 400 feet (122 meters)

Description: This loop trail takes hikers from the lush rainforest down to the solidified lava lake of Kīlauea Iki crater, offering a close-up view of volcanic features and steam vents. The contrast between the verdant forest and the stark, lunar-like crater floor highlights the park’s diverse landscapes and the power of volcanic activity.

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Crater Rim Trail

Rating: Varies (Easy to Moderate sections)

Distance and Elevation Gain: Up to 11 miles with variable elevation gain, depending on the sections hiked

Description: This trail offers panoramic views of Kīlauea Caldera, Halema‘uma‘u Crater, and the surrounding volcanic landscape. Parts of the trail are closed due to volcanic activity, but accessible sections allow hikers to experience the grandeur of the caldera and the ever-changing volcanic environment, including sulfur banks and steam vents.

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Nāhuku (Thurston Lava Tube)

Rating: Easy

Distance and Elevation Gain: 0.5 miles round trip with minimal elevation gain

Description: This short, family-friendly hike leads through a lush rainforest to a 500-year-old lava tube. Visitors can walk through the tube, experiencing the cool, damp environment that once channeled molten lava. Lighting inside the tube highlights its features, making this a unique and accessible adventure.

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Chain of Craters Road

Rating: Easy to Moderate

Distance and Elevation Gain: Variable, with multiple stops and short hikes along the road

Description: While primarily a scenic drive, Chain of Craters Road offers access to various hiking trails and viewpoints overlooking craters, ancient petroglyphs, and lava flows reaching the sea. Hikers can explore different volcanic features at their own pace, including recent lava flows and dramatic coastal cliffs. The road’s end provides views of where lava has entered the ocean in the past.

FAQ’s

What is Hawaii Volcanoes National Park known for?

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is known for its stunning volcanic landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and dynamic geological features.

Located on the Big Island of Hawaii, the park is home to two of the world’s most active volcanoes: Kīlauea and Mauna Loa.

Visitors come to witness the awe-inspiring power of these volcanoes, which have shaped the island’s dramatic landscapes over thousands of years The park offers opportunities to explore volcanic craters, lava fields, steam vents, and other volcanic phenomena up close.

Additionally, Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is recognized for its cultural significance to native Hawaiians, with sacred sites, petroglyphs, and cultural demonstrations providing insights into the island’s rich history and heritage.

How is Mauna Loa the tallest mountain in the world?

Mauna Loa, located on the Big Island of Hawaii, is often considered the tallest mountain in the world when measured from its base on the ocean floor to its summit.

While its summit elevation above sea level is approximately 13,678 feet (4,169 meters), Mauna Loa extends much further below sea level, with its base situated on the ocean floor approximately 18,000 feet (5,500 meters) below the surface of the Pacific Ocean.

This impressive height from base to summit makes Mauna Loa the tallest mountain on Earth when measured in this manner, surpassing even Mount Everest in total height.

Additionally, Mauna Loa is one of the largest and most massive volcanoes on the planet, with vast lava flows covering much of its surface area.

What is the main reason people visit Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park?

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is primarily visited for its active volcanoes, lava landscapes, unique ecosystems, and extraordinary geological features. Located on the Island of Hawai’i (the Big Island), the park protects two of the world’s most famous volcanoes: Kīlauea and Mauna Loa.

Visitors come to witness volcanic activity, explore lava tubes, hike across volcanic craters, experience native Hawaiian ecosystems, learn about Hawaiian culture, and observe the ongoing creation of new land.

What animals can visitors hope to see in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park?

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park supports a variety of native and introduced wildlife. Hawaii has very few native terrestrial mammals, but the park protects numerous endemic species found nowhere else on Earth.

Some of the most notable animals found in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park include:

  1. Hawaiian Hoary Bat
  2. Hawaiian Monk Seal (coastal areas)
  3. Humpback Whale (offshore seasonal visitor)
  4. Spinner Dolphin (offshore waters)
  5. Feral Pig
  6. Feral Goat
  7. Mouflon Sheep
  8. Axis Deer (nearby regions)
  9. Small Indian Mongoose
  10. Feral Cat
  11. Black Rat
  12. Polynesian Rat
  13. House Mouse
  14. Jackson’s Chameleon
  15. Green Sea Turtle
  16. Hawksbill Sea Turtle
  17. Hawaiian Happy-face Spider
  18. Native Cave Spider Species
  19. Native Hawaiian Damselflies
  20. Native Hawaiian Picture-wing Flies
  21. Native Ground Beetles
  22. Native Planthoppers
  23. Native Moths
  24. Native Crickets
  25. Native Katydids
  26. Hawaiian Tree Snails
  27. Native Pollinating Insects
  28. Lava Tube Arthropods
  29. Native Cave Invertebrates
  30. Coastal Crab Species
  31. Reef Fish Species
  32. Yellow Tang
  33. Moorish Idol
  34. Butterflyfish Species
  35. Triggerfish Species
  36. Wrasse Species
  37. Parrotfish Species
  38. Surgeonfish Species
  39. Octopus Species
  40. Reef Invertebrates
  41. Native Stream Invertebrates
  42. Freshwater Shrimp Species
  43. Native Beetles
  44. Native Ant Species
  45. Native Spiders
  46. Endemic Cave Species
  47. Endemic Arthropods
  48. Native Pollinator Species
  49. Coastal Marine Species
  50. Numerous Endemic Hawaiian Species

What birds can visitors hope to see in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park?

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is one of the best places in Hawaii to observe native Hawaiian forest birds and seabirds.

Some of the most popular birds seen in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park include:

  1. Nēnē (Hawaiian Goose)
  2. ʻApapane
  3. Hawaiʻi ʻAmakihi
  4. ʻIʻiwi
  5. ʻŌmaʻo
  6. ʻElepaio
  7. Pueo (Hawaiian Short-eared Owl)
  8. Hawaiian Hawk (‘Io)
  9. Pacific Golden-Plover
  10. Wandering Tattler
  11. Ruddy Turnstone
  12. Black-crowned Night Heron
  13. Cattle Egret
  14. White-tailed Tropicbird
  15. Great Frigatebird
  16. Red-footed Booby
  17. Brown Booby
  18. Wedge-tailed Shearwater
  19. Hawaiian Petrel
  20. Newell’s Shearwater
  21. Sooty Tern
  22. Brown Noddy
  23. Black Noddy
  24. White Tern
  25. Common Mynah
  26. Japanese White-eye
  27. Northern Cardinal
  28. House Finch
  29. House Sparrow
  30. Zebra Dove
  31. Spotted Dove
  32. Mourning Dove
  33. Red-crested Cardinal
  34. Yellow-fronted Canary
  35. Nutmeg Mannikin
  36. Chestnut Munia
  37. Kalij Pheasant
  38. Erckel’s Francolin
  39. Chukar
  40. Ring-necked Pheasant
  41. Barn Owl
  42. Pacific Reef Heron
  43. Sanderling
  44. Bristle-thighed Curlew
  45. Lesser Golden-Plover
  46. Hawaiian Duck
  47. Migratory Shorebird Species
  48. Seabird Species
  49. Native Forest Bird Species
  50. Endemic Hawaiian Bird Species

Is Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park worth visiting?

Yes, Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is absolutely worth visiting and is one of the most unique national parks in the world.

The park offers active volcanic landscapes, lava fields, rainforests, scenic drives, lava tubes, native wildlife, and opportunities to witness the geological processes that continue to shape the Hawaiian Islands. Few places on Earth allow visitors to observe active volcanism and landscape creation on such a scale.

The primary hesitation is that volcanic activity can change access conditions, resulting in occasional road or trail closures.

What is the best time to visit Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park?

The best time to visit Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is year-round.

Typical temperatures include:

  • Lower elevations: 60–85°F (16–29°C)
  • Higher elevations: 40–70°F (4–21°C)

Throughout the year:

  • Temperatures are generally mild.
  • Volcanic activity may vary.
  • Rainfall can occur frequently in some areas.
  • Wildlife viewing opportunities remain excellent.

Visitors should always check current volcanic conditions before visiting.

How many days do you need to visit Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park?

Most visitors should plan for 1 to 3 days.

  • Half day: Crater overlooks and scenic drives.
  • 1 day: Major viewpoints, lava tube, and short hikes.
  • 2 days: Additional trails and volcanic features.
  • 3+ days: Extensive hiking, backcountry exploration, and wildlife viewing.

Longer visits allow visitors to experience the park’s diverse ecosystems and geological features.

How do you get to Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park?

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is located on the Island of Hawai’i.

Most visitors:

  1. Fly into Hilo International Airport or Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keāhole.
  2. Drive to the park entrance near the town of Volcano.
  3. Explore the park using its scenic roads and trail systems.

The park is approximately 30 miles (48 km) southwest of Hilo.

Who is involved in protecting and supporting Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park?

Several organizations help protect and support Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park:

  • National Park Service – manages Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park.
  • Pacific Island Parks – supports educational and conservation programs.
  • National Park Foundation – supports projects throughout the National Park System.
  • U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory – monitors volcanic activity and conducts scientific research.
  • Native Hawaiian communities who maintain deep cultural and spiritual connections to the volcanoes and surrounding landscapes.

Is Kīlauea an active volcano?

Yes. Kīlauea is one of the most active volcanoes on Earth. Its eruptions have shaped much of the modern landscape of Hawai’i and continue to provide scientists with valuable insights into volcanic processes.

What is Mauna Loa and what makes it special?

Mauna Loa is the largest active volcano on Earth by volume and area. It rises more than 13,600 feet (4,145 meters) above sea level and dominates much of the Island of Hawai’i.

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