National Parks Journal
Photo: Courtesy of J. Frank
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park protects some of the most unique geological, biological, and cherished cultural landscapes in the world. Extending from sea level to 13,680 feet, the park encompasses the summits of two of the world's most active volcanoes - Kīlauea and Mauna Loa - and is a designated International Biosphere Reserve and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Entrance Fees
Activities
Top Hikes
1 mi · 50 ft gain · out & back
Paved, wheelchair-accessible path through landscape buried by the 1959 Kilauea Iki eruption, now slowly recovering.
Starts at: Devastation Trailhead
1.2 mi · 50 ft gain · out & back
Walk past volcanic steam vents with colorful sulfur deposits demonstrating geothermal forces below the surface.
Starts at: Kilauea Visitor Center
1.4 mi · 50 ft gain · out & back
Cross a 500-year-old lava field to approximately 23,000 ancient Hawaiian carvings viewable from a boardwalk.
Starts at: Pu'uloa Parking Area
1.2 mi · 100 ft gain · loop
Loop through a kipuka — an island of older forest surrounded by newer lava flows — with rare native plants and birds.
Starts at: Kipukapuaulu Parking Area
Upcoming Events
Explore the Summit
Join a park ranger for engaging programs that explore the geology, Native Hawaiian history, and unique native plants and animals. Programs are offered daily at 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Programs last approximately 30-45 minutes. Program starts at the U.S. Flagpole located at the Kilauea Military Camp. Please note: Programs may be canceled due to hazardous weather or volcanic conditions. Stop by the Welcome Center for the latest updates, locations, and details.
Life on the Edge
Discover how people have understood and recorded volcanism for generations—through Native Hawaiian moʻolelo (stories), chants, and historical accounts.. This engaging ranger program blends geology with Native Hawaiian knowledge, offering a powerful look at how eruptions have shaped both the landscape and Hawaiian history. Programs are offered daily at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 2 p.m. Ranger talk is approximately 20 minutes. Meet the ranger at Uēkahuna parking area. Please note: programs may be canceled due to hazardous weather or volcanic conditions. Stop by the Welcome Center for the latest updates, locations, and details.
Stewardship at the Summit Rainforest Restoration
Volunteer to help remove invasive, non-native plant species that prevent native plants from growing in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and long pants. Bring a hat, rain gear, day pack, snacks and water. Gloves and tools are provided. Under 18? Parental or guardian accompaniment with written consent is required. Visit the park website for details. When: August 1, 15, 22 and 29. Meet at 8:45 a.m. Where: Meet project leaders Paul and Jane Field at Kīlauea Visitor Center parking lot on the dates above. (The meeting place is open during the visitor center renovation.)
Best Time to Visit
Best time to visit: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
Pleasant weather with fewer crowds
Weather & Climate
The weather the summit of Kīlauea (~4000' elevation) varies daily and may be rainy and chilly any time of the year. Temperature varies by elevation. At the summit of the volcano, temperatures may be 12 to 15 degrees cooler than at sea level. The coastal plain at the end of Chain of Craters Road is often hot, dry, and windy with the possibility of passing showers.