Hawaii Volcano National Park

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, established in 1916, is one of the world's top wonders.

Hawaii Volcano National Park encompasses 333,000 acres and ranges from sea level to the summit of the earth's most massive volcano, Mauna Loa at 13,677 feet. Kilauea, the world's most active volcano, has been spewing lava continuously since 1983. Over half of the park is designated wilderness and provides unique hiking and camping opportunities.

Hawaii Volcano National Park is located on the Big Island of Hawaii about 30 miles southwest on Highway 11 (a 45 minute drive) from Hilo. From Kailua-Kona, it is 96 miles southeast on Highway 11 (2 to 2 1/2 hour drive), or 125 miles through Waimea and Hilo via highways 19 and 11 (2 1/2 to 3 hours).

Hawaii Volcano National Park is open 24 hours a day year-round.

Kilauea Visitor Center is open daily from 7:45 a.m. to 5:00 p.m..

Jaggar Museum is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.. The museum spotlights Hawaii's volcanic history, current seismic activity, land formations, and a profile of Madame Pele, Hawaii's goddess of fire.

Volcano Art Center Gallery, located adjacent to the Kilauea Visitor Center, is open from 9:00 a.m to 5:00 p.m. daily. It offers a wide range of works by some of Hawaii's top artists.

Volcano House, located across the street from the Kilauea Visitor Center, operates a hotel, restaurant, snack bar, and gift shops.

Volcano viewing conditions depend on the weather and lava activity. Call (808) 985-6000 for recorded updates.

Expect changeable weather. Weather at Kilauea's summit (4000' elevation) fluctuates daily and can be rainy and chilly any time of the year. Temperature varies by elevation and it is generally 14 degrees cooler at the summit than it is at sea level. The coastal plain at the end of Chain of Craters Road is often hot, dry, and windy. Come prepared. Bring rain gear, sturdy shoes, hats, water bottles, sunglasses, and high UV factor sunscreen.

The entrance fee to Hawaii Volcano National Park (a seven-day permit) is $10.00 per vehicle, $5.00 for pedestrians or bicyclists. Fees for those arriving by commercial bus or tour vary by passenger capacity.

Start your visit at the Kilauea Visitor Center located just beyond the park's entrance station. Throughout the day at the Visitor Center's 200-seat mini-theater, starting at 9:00 a.m. with the last film shown at 4:00 p.m., you will see a terrific 25-minute film about the history of Hawaii's volcanoes and their significance to the Hawaiian culture.

Afterwards, Park Rangers can answer questions, suggest itineraries, and conduct an introductory hike from the center. You will also receive the latest information on trails, ranger-led activities, road conditions, and safety precautions. Because of the dynamic nature of the two active volcanoes in the park, conditions can change rapidly.

If you have only one to three hours, explore the summit of Kilauea Volcano via Crater Rim Drive, an 11-mile road that encircles the summit caldera, passes through desert, lush tropical rain forest, traverses the caldera floor, and provides access to well-marked scenic stops and short walks.

If you have three to four hours, you may also explore the East Rift and coastal area of the Park via Chain of Craters Road. This road descends 3,700 feet in 20 miles and ends where a 2003 lava flow crossed the road. Depending on changing volcanic activity, there may be opportunities for viewing active lava flows from the end of the road. No food, water, or fuel is available along the Chain of Craters Road.

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All this volcanic activity has provided tremendous excitement for residents and visitors alike and it has become the focal point for many of the Hawaii Tours available on the island.

Hawaii Volcano Tours include the famous and spectacular and escorted tours to see 2000 degree F molten lava flows.

If you are interested in guided tours of the Hawaii Volcano National Park, visit Barefoot Cashback Tours. Cashback Tours offers the most comprehensive tour and activity site in the state of Hawaii with over 600 pages. They've done everything they can to make it easy for you to find out about the unique and exciting activities waiting for you in Hawaii.

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