At a glance
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.
Things to do: Arts and Culture · Biking · Camping · Backcountry Camping · Car or Front Country Camping · Guided Tours · Hiking · Backcountry Hiking · Front-Country Hiking · Junior Ranger Program · Wildlife Watching · Birdwatching · Park Film · Museum Exhibits
ParkAtlas, maintained by Stellaroos, combines its park and trail dataset with public information from the National Park Service. NPS data snapshot retrieved . Fees, access, and conditions can change; verify current details with NPS before traveling.
Popular trails
Curated routes with approximate round-trip distance. Tap one to log it in the app.In the app, tap one to log it.
Camping
Approximately 168 campsites across the park's campgrounds. Reservations are strongly recommended in peak season (Year-round).
Best time to visit
Peak season: Year-round. The park is open year-round, though some roads and facilities close or run reduced hours in winter.
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.
Pack for Hawaiʻi Volcanoes
Four things worth having for wind, spray, and wet rock. From the full gear list; links support ParkAtlas.
Marmot PreCip rain shell
Afternoon thunderstorms are a feature of the mountain West, not a bug.
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Salomon Speedcross trail runners
Grippy on slickrock and mud, light enough to forget about. I hike in these more than boots.
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Darn Tough ultralight socks
No blisters, no smell, and a lifetime guarantee they actually honor.
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Anker portable charger
Offline maps and photos eat batteries faster than you'd think.
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Entrance fees
- Entrance - Private Vehicle — Private Vehicle Pass - The private vehicle pass admits the passholder and up to 14 passengers of a single, private (non-commercial) vehicle.$30
- Entrance - Motorcycle — Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.$25
- Entrance - Per Person — Pedestrian/Cyclist Pass - Admits one individual bicyclist, hiker, or pedestrian visiting without a private vehicle. An individual pass is not required for visitors aged 15 and under.$15
- Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus — The commercial entrance fee for a Road Based Guided Tour is based on vehicle seating capacity. For a 16-25 passenger vehicle the user fee is $100.$100
- Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach — The commercial entrance fee for a Road Based Guided Tour is based on vehicle seating capacity. For a 26+ passenger vehicle the user fee is $200. Large vehicles, defined as more than 26 feet in length and/or more than eight feet wide, are only allowed to operate on Crater Rim Drive to Kilauea Visitor Center, Kūkamāhuākea (Steam Vents), and Uēkahuna. Mauna Loa Road to the Kīpukapuaulu turnabout.$200
Visiting more than two parks this year? An America the Beautiful pass ($80/yr) covers entry to all of them.
Getting there
Nearest city: Hilo, HI. Park center: 19.380°, -155.200°.
Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park is located on the Island of Hawai‘i. 5 to 3 hours).
Coming from a big city? See every park near Honolulu or San Francisco.
Common questions
How much does it cost to visit Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park?
Entrance - Private Vehicle: $30. Entrance - Motorcycle: $25. Entrance - Per Person: $15.
When is the best time to visit Hawaiʻi Volcanoes?
Peak season is Year-round. The park is open year-round, with some roads and facilities on reduced winter schedules. 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.
Can you camp in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park?
Yes — about 168 campsites across the park's campgrounds. Reserve ahead in peak season.
What is the closest city to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park?
Hilo, HI is the nearest major city. Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park is located on the Island of Hawai‘i. 5 to 3 hours).
What are the best hikes in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes?
Popular trails include Kilauea Iki Trail (4.0 mi), Crater Rim Trail (11.6 mi), Thurston Lava Tube Trail (0.5 mi), Chain of Craters Road Walks (2.0 mi). The park has roughly 150 named trails.
Plan your trip
The practical bits, so more of the weekend goes to the trail.