Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Imagine peering into the glowing cauldron of an active volcano, then summiting a 13,000-foot mountain, and later catwalking atop cliffs that plunge into an impossibly blue sea. It's all in a day's work—or rather, play—at Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park on the "Big Island" of Hawaii. Read More »

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Highlights

Hawaii Volcanoes encompasses 209,695 acres and an astoundingly diverse landscape. The altitude in the park ranges from sea level to the summit of the earth's most massive volcano, 13,677-foot Mauna Loa.
Witnessing a live lava flow at night is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You can hire a guide, join a tour, or go on your own. However, be prepared for a long hike, and bring spare batteries for your flashlight.
The park's three main roads offer great opportunities to get acquainted with the natural wonders of the park. For example, cyclists and drivers can take one of the short (11-mile) drives around Kilauea Crater via Crater Rim Drive.
The challenging four-mile Kilauea Iki trail offers a wide variety of representative terrain. It descends 400 feet through rain forest, crosses the crater floor, passes Pu'u Pua'i cinder cone, and returns via the crater's rim.

By Travel Expert: Karen Kefauver

Volcanoes National Park has two drive-in campgrounds. Camping is first-come, first-served. No additional fees beyond the park entrance fee are charged for camping. This is quite an interesting camping experience that can not be duplicated anywhere in Hawaii or the Mainland. The mental images of volcanoes alone may keep you up at night!
Backcountry camping is allowed by permit only and at designated backcountry campsites. You must register at the Kilauea Visitor Center prior to departure. Heed special regulations
The Hawaiian state bird, and Hawaii's most noticeably large native animal, is the NeNe (pronounced Knee-Knee), or Hawaiian goose. The NeNe, not to mention six other endangered bird species, seeks refuge in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. When you see the desolate landscape of this active volcano you'll wonder why, but that just adds to the allure of this park.
Kipuka Puaulu (Bird Park) Trail is an easy 1.5-mile hike that visits a little oasis of Hawaiian flora and fauna that survived in a large field of lava. You'll see plenty of birds and plants. It's a great place to get out of the car and stretch your legs, as it is located away from the sulfur and blackness of the main volcano landscape.

By Travel Expert: Kim Lipker