Attractions and Places To See around Volcano - Top 20

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park offers a dynamic landscape shaped by volcanic activity. You can walk across a solidified lava lake on the Kīlauea Iki Crater Trail, explore the impressive 500-year-old underground Nāhuku (Thurston Lava Tube), and witness the aftermath of eruptions on the Devastation Trail. Other notable features include the active Kīlauea and Mauna Loa volcanoes, Halemaʻumaʻu Crater, and the scenic Chain of Craters Road.

Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. The Nāhuku (Thurston Lava Tube) offers an easy, lit walk through a lava tube. The Fern Rainforest, located above the lava tube, provides a short, beautiful stroll. The Devastation Trail is also a paved path, making it an accessible option. For a short nature walk, consider the Kīpuka Puaulu (Bird Park) trail.

The Kīlauea Visitor Center is the ideal starting point. It provides exhibits, films, and ranger activities to educate visitors on the park's geology, environment, history, and culture. You can also get the latest updates on volcanic activity there. The adjacent art museum showcases native Hawaiian culture.

Beyond hiking, the Volcano area offers opportunities for running and cycling. You can find various running trails, including the Crater Rim Trail and Kīpuka Puaulu Trail. For cyclists, there are cycling routes like Hilina Pali via Devil's Throat and the Mauna Loa Road to Mauna Loa Lookout.

Yes, the park preserves significant cultural sites. The Puʻu Loa Petroglyph Field is one of Hawaiʻi's largest petroglyph fields, featuring ancient Hawaiian lava etchings accessible via an easy trail. The Kīlauea Visitor Center also offers exhibits on the park's cultural history.

The Chain of Craters Road is a highly recommended scenic drive that winds past several craters from historic eruptions and leads to the coast, offering views of volcanic features and the Hōlei Sea Arch. For impressive views into Kīlauea Iki Crater, visit the Puʻupuaʻi ("Gushing Hill") Overlook, accessible via the Devastation Trail.

The Nāhuku (Thurston Lava Tube) is a 500-year-old lava tube that is lit for visitors from 8 am to 8 pm. It's an impressive walk, but parking can be scarce. Consider hiking there along the Crater Rim Trail, which offers more parking opportunities. Visitors are encouraged to avoid touching the tube's walls and hanging roots to protect delicate ecosystems.

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is open year-round. The weather can vary significantly due to the park's diverse elevations. Generally, the dry season (April to October) offers sunnier days, while the wet season (November to March) brings more rain, which can enhance the lushness of the rainforest areas. Volcanic activity is unpredictable, so check current conditions regardless of the season.

Yes, several areas in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park are wheelchair accessible. The Kīlauea Visitor Center is accessible, as is the paved Devastation Trail. The Fern Rainforest also features an asphalt path leading to the lava tube entrance, making it accessible.

Visitors find the Kīlauea Iki Crater Trail to be a very impressive experience. Many describe walking over the solidified volcanic crater as feeling like a 'lunar landscape' and note the hollow sounds underfoot. It's considered a beautiful and unique hiking experience that showcases the raw power and regenerative nature of the volcano.

Volcano Village, located near the park entrance, is an artist community offering amenities such as art galleries, studios, and a farmers market. The historic Volcano House hotel, situated within the park, provides dining options and views of the Kīlauea crater. The Kīlauea Visitor Center also has facilities and information on nearby services.

The Fern Rainforest is a small, beautiful area featuring huge tree ferns that create a primitive, ancient atmosphere. It's often described as feeling like a step back in time to the age of dinosaurs, showcasing how the world looked in earlier geological periods. It's located just above the Nāhuku (Thurston Lava Tube).