Things to do in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
A Hawaiʻi Island park protecting active volcanoes, lava flows, rain forest, coastal cliffs, lava tubes, native ecosystems, and cultural landscapes.
Best months: April, May, September, October
What is worth your time in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
Chain of Craters RoadDo not miss
The long descent from rainforest to coast crosses lava flows, craters, rift zones, and sea-cliff scenery.
Scenic Drive · 3.8 hr4.8
Kīlauea OverlookDo not miss
This drive-up rim viewpoint gives a powerful look across Kīlauea caldera and eruption-scarred summit terrain.
Viewpoint · 1 hr4.8
Kīlauea Visitor CenterDo not miss
The visitor center is the essential indoor stop for eruption updates, closures, safety advice, exhibits, and ranger guidance.
Ranger Program · 53 min4.6
Nāhuku (Thurston Lava Tube)Do not miss
The short rainforest trail enters a lava tube, making volcanic geology tangible with limited effort.
Hike · 45 min4.6
Crater Rim Trail
Segments of the rim trail connect overlooks, steam vents, rainforest, and caldera views with flexible distance.
Hike · 2 hr5
Kīlauea Iki Trail
The loop descends from rainforest onto a solidified lava lake, one of the park signature hikes.
Hike · 2.5 hr4.8
Night Lava Glow at Kīlauea Overlook
When eruptions are visible from open viewpoints, night glow can be one of the most unforgettable park experiences.
Viewpoint · 1.4 hr4.8
Hōlei Sea Arch
The coastal viewpoint frames a lava sea arch, wave energy, and the end of Chain of Craters Road.
Viewpoint · 33 min4.7
Kahuku Unit
The quieter Kahuku Unit adds pasture, lava flows, native forest, and ranger-guided cultural and natural history.
Ranger Program · 3 hr4.7
Steam Vents
Steam rising from ground cracks shows heat just below the surface beside easy caldera-rim stops.
Viewpoint · 33 min4.7
Devastation Trail
The paved trail crosses a stark cinder landscape formed by the 1959 eruption with views toward Puʻupuaʻi.
Hike · 45 min4.6
Puʻuloa Petroglyphs
The boardwalk protects and interprets one of the largest petroglyph fields in Hawaiʻi on the coastal lava plain.
Hike · 1.5 hr4.5
Volcano House
The historic hotel and public overlook provide a low-effort caldera view, food access, and a bad-weather reset.
Other · 53 min4.4
Mauna Loa Lookout
The lookout gives a high, quiet perspective across Kīlauea, Mauna Loa slopes, and native forest.
Viewpoint · 53 min4.3
And 4 more, which the planner picks between based on your dates, pace and what you are into.
Worth knowing
- Hawaiʻi Volcanoes is famous for Kīlauea, Mauna Loa, volcanic eruption viewing, Chain of Craters Road, Nāhuku lava tube, steam vents, petroglyphs, and living Hawaiian volcanic landscapes.