Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii, United States
4.5 (8.567 reviews) Spent Ranking #1 in Island of Hawaii Volcanos
So amazing to see
Get up close and personal with a volcano at the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Stop by the Kilauea Visitor Center to pick up a map and ask a ranger for their recommendation on the best route. Hike the Kilauea Iki lava field, check out the Nahuku Thurston lava tubes, and drive the Chain of Craters Road. Bring plenty of water, snacks, and sunscreen, and don’t forget headlamps and binoculars if you’re planning to experience the molten lava’s glow at night. There’s so much to do at this experience of a lifetime—consider extending your visit by booking a stay at the Volcano House Hotel. – Tripadvisor
Address
Volcano National Park, Hawaii, United States.
Mobile
Website
http://www.nps.gov/havo
Current local date and time now
Friday, April 26, 2024, 20:34
User Ratings
4.5 based on (8.567 reviews)
Reviews
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5NewsByScott 5:00 PM Jul 8, 2022
Holy Glow
I don't think you need to read reviews of the park itself.. so instead I will give you tips. We did the unthinkable and got up in the middle of the night to make it to the view spot for lava by 4:30am. We saw the glow and the sunrise with only a handful of people. Dress warm it is cold and windy and may rain. It is a easy one mile hike to the viewing rimj. We then basically had the park to ourselves until around 9am when it got a bit busier. We hiked a total of 12 miles on various trails. If you do what I suggest and go before sunrise do dress in layers because by 11am you will start to get warm. My favorite trail was Kilauea iki trail which takes you around the crater and then down and across the bottom of it. Bring a hat and plenty of water because if the sun is not covered by clouds it will get toasty. We also drove the chain of Craters down to the sea. The sea arch is OK very windy and you can only view from a distance. The petroglyph trail was also nice but walking over all that lava and in the wind is exhausting. After we felt we saw all there was we then went to Kona for the afternoon. We picked up dinner and headed back to the volcano for a sunset and night glow sighting ( since we were staying in KONA) We parked in the closest lot to walk to the lava viewing (can't remember the name) we got there around 6 pm ( the sun set around pm) the parking lots started to fill up fast. We ate dinner in the car then walked to the area for sunset. I was shocked at the throngs of people already there. We stayed for about an hour 8pm had our fill and left. I totally would recommend doing the EARLY 4am view instead of the night time. You don't have the crowds of people then you have the rest of your day for the park then drive to the black sand beach and take a nap!.
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5TravelingFam 5:00 PM Nov 13, 2021
So amazing to see
Right now the lava viewing is from inside the park, and entrance fees apply. Lava is unpredictable so Check local news or the front entrance to see if lava is flowing. Near dark the 2 close parking lots will fill up and then begins a wait in line to be allowed entrance to one of the 2 lots. If you get the lot further away you will walk .8 miles to the closer parking lot; then it's another 1.1 miles on a flat crushed rock road to the viewing area. (Ranger told us they stop patrolling around 9pm so presumably the traffic flow dies down) It's chilly and no lights so dress warm and bring a soft flashlight or phone (just please keep it pointed at the ground). Port-a-potties were at the parking lot/road, but they were very smelly as we walked by. Plan to use the ones at entrance before the walk. Viewing in Nov 2021 was active lava with spurts of lava. A 300mm or more zoom lens will get you great pictures.
