Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Two of the world's most active volcanoes on the Big Island - lava, steaming craters and new land being born, a UNESCO site.
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Illustrative image - a scene in the spirit of the place, not a photograph of it. Real photos are below.
UNESCO World Heritage
On the Big Island of Hawaii, this UNESCO park contains two of the most active volcanoes on earth, Kilauea and the massive Mauna Loa, where you can watch the raw process of creation: steaming craters, lava tubes, hardened lava fields and, during eruptions, the glow of molten rock. It is a landscape of new land being born.
What you actually see
- Kilauea caldera - the great steaming crater, glowing at night during eruptions.
- Chain of Craters Road - the drive down old lava fields to the sea.
- Thurston lava tube - the walk-through tunnel left by flowing lava.
- Steam vents and craters - the geothermal features of the summit area.
When to go
Year-round, since the tropics keep it open, though eruptions come and go unpredictably. Night is best to see any lava glow. Check the volcano's current activity before visiting.
Honest expectations
Whether you see actual lava depends entirely on the volcano's mood, which is unpredictable, so eruptions cannot be guaranteed. Volcanic gas and closures can affect access, so check conditions. It is a sacred place to Native Hawaiians, so treat it with respect.
Nearby
Hilo and the Big Island's beaches and Mauna Kea are around; the black-sand beaches lie down the coast.
What to pack for Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
