If you’re planning a trip to Hawaii, no visit would be complete without a visit to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Located on the Big Island, this park is home to two active volcanoes, Mauna Loa and Kilauea. The park offers visitors the chance to witness the power and beauty of these incredible natural wonders.
We’ll share everything you need to know to plan your trip, including where to stay inside the park, where to find food, what hikes and activities the park offers, and even some fun things to do in the surrounding area.
Where to Stay Inside the Park
There are several options for lodging within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The Volcano House, located on the rim of Kilauea Caldera, offers hotel rooms as well as a restaurant and lounge.
The historic hotel rooms start at $285 per night. The Kilauea Military Camp also offers lodging for military personnel and their families, as well as civilian employees of the Department of Defense.
For those who prefer camping, there are several campgrounds within the park, including Namakanipaio Campground and Kulanaokuaiki Campground. The Kulanaokuaiki Campground offers nine walk-in sites that are tent-only. There is no water at these sites, and there is a vault toilet.
The Namakanipaio Campground offers both camper cabins and tent sites. The camper cabins have beds for four people and a covered picnic table on the porch. They are offered at $80 per night.
Campsite fees are $15 per night; however, there is an option for a complete tent and bedding setup that costs an additional $40 per night for two people. (They do limit the rented tents to two people each.)
In 2018, our family stayed at the campground in rented tents. The night air was cool, and the bed set-ups were exceptionally, surprisingly comfortable!
The mornings were loud from the calls of local roosters, and numerous chickens roamed the campground. We highly recommend booking a camper cabin or a tent setup when visiting this park. In our experience, these options offer the best accommodation values in all of Hawaii!
Where to Find Food
The Volcano House restaurant offers a range of dining options, from casual breakfasts to fine dining experiences. The restaurant is known for its local cuisine, with many dishes featuring ingredients sourced from the Big Island.
There are also several snack bars and food trucks located throughout the park, offering quick bites and refreshments for those on the go.
If you choose to camp, your site will offer a small grill, so you can bring and prepare foods from the local markets. (Be sure to consider the full range of utensils and disposables you might need!)
What Hikes and Activities Does the Park Offer?
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is home to a variety of hiking trails, ranging from short walks to multi-day backpacking trips. The park’s most popular hike is the Kilauea Iki Trail, which takes hikers through a lush rainforest and across a volcanic crater.
This is our number one, must-do experience at this national park. Suggested activities include…
- Start at the Kilauea Visitor Center: Browse the exhibits. Pick up Junior Ranger books, and get all of the daily park information and updates.
- Hike the Kilauea Iki Trail: This 4-mile round-trip hike takes you through the Kilauea Iki crater, which last erupted in 1959. You’ll pass through lush rainforest and across a hardened lava lake, providing an otherworldly experience.
- Visit the Jaggar Museum and Overlook: This museum provides an overview of the geology and history of the park and features stunning views of Kilauea’s Halema’uma’u Crater.
- Explore the Thurston Lava Tube: This short, paved trail takes you through a naturally-formed lava tube, providing a unique perspective on the park’s geology.
- Drive the Chain of Craters Road: This scenic drive takes you along the park’s coastline and provides stunning views of the ocean and lava flows.
- Take a Ranger-Guided Tour: Park rangers offer a variety of guided tours that provide insight into the park’s natural and cultural history.
- Watch the Lava Flow: Depending on current volcanic activity, you may be able to witness lava flowing from Kilauea into the ocean. Check with park officials for current viewing opportunities.
- Attend a Cultural Event: The park offers a variety of cultural events and demonstrations, including hula performances, lei-making workshops, and Hawaiian storytelling.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park offers a wealth of activities for visitors of all ages and interests. Whether you’re interested in hiking, cultural experiences, or simply taking in the stunning views, there is something for everyone inside this unique national park.
From witnessing volcanic activity to camping under the stars, these eight activities should definitely be on your list of things to do when you visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
What to do outside of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
While this park deserves your full focus. We are a family on a mission to explore all of our national parks. Thus, we couldn’t visit this tropical island state without also exploreing Haleakala National Park!
This park is on a different Hawaiian island from Hawaii Volcanoes. In order to access Haleakala, visitors must head back to the airport in Kona and take a short flight to the island of Maui.
The park is home to the world’s largest dormant volcano, Haleakala, which offers breathtaking views of the sunrise and sunset. Visitors can wake up early to hike to the summit and enjoy the views.
Additionally, there are numerous hiking trails throughout the park, ranging from easy to strenuous. You can expore lush forests, volcanic landscapes, and waterfalls.
The park is also home to many endangered species including the Hawaiian goose better known as the “nene.” Overall, Haleakala National Park is a must-visit destination for anyone visiting the Hawaiian islands, especially for those park-lovers among us!
Whether you love the sun, study the volcanoes, or are just curious about our parks, Hawaii’s two national parks are not to be missed.
So pack your bags, bring your sense of adventure, and get ready for an unforgettable experience on the Big Island of Hawaii!
