Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: live a volcanic adventure

On the Big Island you will find Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, one of the most important national parks in Hawaii, which contains nothing less than the largest volcano on the planet (Mauna Loa), one of the most active (Kilauea) and a natural wealth that led it to be declared a World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. Find out everything you can do in this spectacular park:

Discover volcanic activity

On the trails, which extend over 241 kilometers within the park, you can walk among volcanic craters, contemplate rising columns of steam, enter lava caves and be amazed by the magic of geothermal activity.

At the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park visitor center, you’ll learn about the geological formation of the area and important facts about the Mauna Loa volcano (the highest in the world at 4,170 meters) and Kilauea, one of the most active volcanoes on Earth. The Kilauea Iki viewing point is one of the best spots to observe the eruption of the volcano, especially when the sky darkens.

See the biodiversity

In addition to the impressive volcanoes, which are the main attraction of the park, you can see birds native to the Hawaiian forest, sea turtles and wild animals such as pigs, goats and cats. Among the flora of the place you will see the iconic ‘Ōhi’a Lehua trees with their characteristic red flowers, as well as coconut palms, ferns and countless flowers and plants characteristic of Hawaii.

Get to know the culture of the ancient natives

One of the tours offered at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is a visit to petroglyphs and a cultural site dating from between 1200 and 1450. There you can see some of the more than 23,000 images with ancestral figures that were recorded engraved on the rock walls.

The park rangers offer guided tours of this site where they delve into historical aspects that show the spiritual importance that volcanoes had for the ancient inhabitants. The goddess Pele, worshipped by the Polynesian tribes, was associated with volcanoes and legend has it that she will curse anyone who takes rocks from the volcanoes.

The park also develops policies to revitalize Hawaiian traditions, such as language teaching and craft workshops.

Tips for your visit

• Plan your excursion: If you go on your own, it is important to check the condition of the roads, the weather forecast and check the current alerts for temporary trail closures.
• Tickets: The price per person is $15 and for vehicles it varies between $30 and $200 depending on the size. You can buy tickets on site through the website, but it is recommended to bring a printed or downloaded ticket on a device due to limited connectivity.
• What to bring: It is recommended that you bring comfortable clothing and shoes, sunscreen, a hat or cap, and water and snacks. If you can, bring an umbrella and/or raincoat in case you get caught in the rain.
• Respect the signs: It is essential that you follow the rules of the place such as not leaving waste and following the signs. Any questions you may have can be consulted with the park rangers.

Walking through Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is one of the most popular activities to do in Hawaii due to the magnificence of its volcanoes, the natural beauty of its landscapes, the exuberant biodiversity, and its cultural richness.

If you plan to visit Hawaii and need assistance planning your trip, consult our experts at We Travel USA, who will guide you with any questions you may have.