hilo volcano tour

Ultimate Volcano Tour

One Of The Most Visited Places In Hawaii!

Quick Details

• User Ages: All Ages
• Clock Duration: 5 - 6 Hours

Visit the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Hawaii, Volcanoes National Park!

Our small group tour narrated by our experienced guides will take you to the highlights of Volcanoes National Park. You will be in awe of Kilauea Volcanoes natural wonders and see its diverse landscape. This park is one of the most visited places in all of Hawaii since its opening in 1916. Enjoy the informative exhibits at the visitors center, experience Halema’uma’u Caldera with its plums of smoke, see the steam vents, walk through and explore Thurston lava tube and walk on ancient lava fields.

Hawaii Island is the only place in the islands to safely be on top of an active volcano and Hilo is the gateway city. Your tour will also take you to see some Hilo town sites such as Rainbow Falls, Richardson Black Sand Beach and Big Island Candies. Tickets on this tour are very popular and sell out quick!

• Chevron down Inclusions
• Experienced Guide
• Park Entry Fee
• Bottled Water
• Chevron down What To Bring

Be prepared for inclement weather and uneven ground:

• Umbrella/Raincoat/Poncho
• Comfortable Shoes (that can be worn on uneven lava rock)

Related Tours

• Most Popular!
• Clock 2.5 Hours Escorted + Shuttle Service Until Close
• User All Ages

Hoppa-On Hoppa-Off City Tour

Enjoy our city tour of Hilo, Hawaii which includes escorted stops to Rainbow Falls – waterfall, Queen Liliuokalani Gardens, the King Kamehameha Statue, and Big Island Candies – a candy factory. Your ticket also includes our Downtown Hilo Shuttle and our Beach Shuttle for some self-guided exploration!

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Hawai’i Island Volcano Adventure Tour (From Hilo)

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Discover the source of Hawai’i Island’s creation at Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park! Explore cascading waterfalls, craters, and the tsunami-stricken city of Hilo on this comprehensive volcano adventure tour. Bear witness to the 2018 eruption that drastically altered the island’s landscape. Peer into the depths of Halemaumau Crater which has remarkably doubled in size and watch steam clouds form as ground water seeps onto hot volcanic rock at the famous Steam Vents.

Enjoy an included lunch. Marvel at not one by two spectacular waterfalls – Rainbow and Akaka Falls. Gaze at sweeping coastal views at Kealakomo Overlook where older lava flows melted into the ocean. Drive down scenic Chain of Craters Road.

Tour Highlights:

• Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
• Halema’uma’u Crater – viewed from a lookout point; remarkably changed in size since June 2018
• Steam Vents  – ground water seeps down to hot volcanic rocks forming steam clouds
• Kilauea Iki Overlook  – smaller pit crater next to main Kilauea caldera
• Chain of Craters Road – scenic drive; sections covered by lava in 2018 Kilauea eruption
• Kealakomo Overlook  – sweeping coastal views, expansive view of lava fields
• Nahuku Lava Tube – walk through an ancient lava tube amidst a beautiful rainforest
• Rainbow Falls  – waterfall cascades to a pool below, rainbows magically form in the mist
• Akaka Falls – Set in a rainforest filled with bamboo groves, orchids and hanging ferns.
• Hilo Town – drive past Banyan Drive and Liliuokalani Gardens.

Departure & Return Location

• Round-trip hotel transportation is included from convenient locations in Hilo.
• If you are staying in the Kona area, we do not pickup in Kona. 
• If your hotel or the place you are staying is not listed, we will pick you up at the closest location.
• Tour departs the first pickup location at 7:30 AM and returns at approximately 6:00 PM.
• 24 hours prior to your tour, please re-confirm your pick up time and location by calling 808-833-3000 .

Depart: 7:30 AM    Return: 6:00 PM

Price Includes

• Round-Trip Transportation in Air-Conditioned Comfort
• Expert, Live Narration
• Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park Admission
• Akaka Falls State Park Admission
• To-Go Lunch

Additional Info

Cancellation policy:.

If this tour is canceled with more than 48 hours notice, the total amount is refunded. If the tour is canceled without 48 hours notice, full charges apply. No shows incur full charges. Claims for refunds must be made within thirty days of the date of service. Refunds or partial refunds for tours, activities, flights, or venues that are cancelled due to reasons outside of our control (weather, force majeure, etc.) as well as refunds for extenuating circumstances will not be honored.

About Destination Hilo

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Lava Ocean Adventures

• Reservations: 808.966.4200
• Fax: 808.982.7490
• Website: www.lavaocean.com and www.seelava.com
• Email: [email protected]

Tour#1 Sunrise Lava Boat Tour 2 Hour Tour, Check in 5:00AM

Hawaii’s Best Lava Tour takes you to view lava in the dark. Hear, See and Feel the heat as Volcano Kilauea pours molten lava into the sea. As the early morning golden sunlight rays warm the lava covered coastline, the ultimate lava viewing unfolds right before your eyes. Our experienced crew founded Lava Boat Tours on this very tour due to the fact that the Sunrise Lava Adventure Tours are the best for lava, wind, weather, & swell conditions. We offer both Hawaii group tours & private lava tours with seating for 24 passengers per Big Island Lava Tour.

*The major advantage the Sunrise Lava Adventure allows you is that you get the sun to your back which for photography purposes helps light the lava & Kalapana coastline. Please expect this ocean volcano tour to be the highlight of your Hawaii Vacation, we do.

If you’re on the Big Island this is what you came to see Volcano Kilauea’s red rivers. Watch as lava covers Hawaii’s beautiful Volcanoes National Park coastline creating new black sand beaches, lava sea cliffs, lava aches, and shaping the new Kalapana coastline.

• Adults (13+ Years of Age): $155 + Tax (0.07166)
• Child (6-12 Years of age): $125 + Tax (0.07166)

Tour #2 Volcano Coastline Tour 2 Hour Tour, Check in 7:15AM

Our morning volcano tour is the easiest for all around photography of past, present, and the current eruption of Kilauea Volcano. If you are out there to take lava photos think about this – The sun has broken the horizon and started its climb into the mid-morning sky to give you an abundance of natural back light for viewing lava and the best all around time to capture Hawaii lava photos. Our Volcano Coastline Tour takes you along the most remote Big Island Lava coastline to see lava tube, sea arches, black sand beaches as well as cultural and many other geological features. Day tours provide great Hawaii sightseeing, view the Kalapana coastline to and from Hawaii Volcano?s National Park.. If you missed the shot the first time you get a second chance on the way home. Come home from this Hawaii Vacation with lava pictures that will make family & friends wonder if you actually took them.

• Child (4-12 Years of age): $125 + Tax (0.07166)

Tour #3 Sunset Volcano Boat Tour 2 Hour Tour Check in 4:30PM

The Sunset lava adventure begins with a guided Kalapana Coastline tour of the Big Islands newest lands including Black Sand Beaches, Lava Caves, Sea cliffs, & Hawaii marine life. After a brief Big Island scenic cruise its time to view active lava. When the lava is entering the sea a boat lava tour is by far the best spot to view lava. Depending on conditions we can view anything from eruptive splatter cones to oozing rivers of lava. Our sunset volcano boat tour offers views of the sun setting over Mauna Loa & allows you great lava viewing of Big island lava up close and personal. Our Sunset Lava Tour leaves from Hilo side of the Big Island at the Issac Hale Beach Park / Pohoiki Bay. The excitement you’ll feel while watching active lava by boat will be an everlasting memory. On this Hilo Lava Tour to Volcano Kilauea you can see lava, hear lava, and feel the heat as molten lava sizzles into the Pacific Ocean from your front row seat aboard one of our Hawaii Lava Ocean Adventure Tours.

Tour #4 Volcano Coastline Fishing 3 HOURS – Puna Fishing

Includes everything you’ll need to go fishing in Hawaii. The original Lava Ocean Adventure & by far the crews favorite is our Hawaii Lava fishing. All tours will take you to see flow in lava, red hot. You have the chance to catch Ono, Mahi Mahi, Ahi Tuna, & other Hawaiian fish while fishing the scenic Hawaii coastline. During this charter your crew will set the lines for high speed surface trolling to catch pelagic fish.

• Bring your own lunch.
• Any health or issues pregnancy’s please consult your doctor before booking.
• Private (6 Passenger Vessel) Price: $1446.75 –

Tour #5 Go Fishing Hawaii 5 HOURS – Puna Fishing

Includes everything you’ll need to go fishing in Hawaii. The original Lava Ocean Adventure & by far the crews favorite is our 5 hr Hawaii Lava fishing tours. All tours will take you to see the current volcanic ocean activity. While trolling along the Kalapana coastline you’ll have the chance to catch Ono, Mahi Mahi, Ahi Tuna, & other Hawaiian fish. During the charter your crew will using successful fishing tactics including: high speed surface trolling, fish with cut bait, or live bait off shore for big game.

• Fishing – Bring your own lunch.
• Private (6 Passenger Vessel) Price: $1178.83

Destination Hilo 'Ohana

Visiting the big island.

We have currently discontinued our Big Island Museum Discount Pass! Please check the various museums directly to determine if they are open. Those that are open have special new prices and most of them require reservations.

See More about Hawaii Island's museums by clicking here.

Happening Around Hilo

HILO HULA TUESDAYS continues at the Mo`oheau Park Bandstand across from the Hilo Farmers Market at 329 Kamehameha Avenue every Tuesday from 12 noon to 1 p.m.  This free event is sponsored by Destination Hilo’s members and supported by various hula hālau who lovingly perpetuate our Hawaiian culture. Please join us.  We have a one-time […]

Hilo Hula Tuesday at the Mooheau Park Bandstand is being held every Tuesday through December 27, 2022, from 12 noon to 1:00 p.m.  Please join us for this free event across from the Hilo Farmers Market!  Various well-known Hilo musicians and halau will be featured.

Connect with us!

Through collaboration with public and private industry, Destination Hilo strives to increase visitor satisfaction, extend length of stay, and provide innovative visitor activities offering unique Hawaiian experiences. Efforts are focused on improving quality of life for residents by contributing to a healthy social and economic culture.  Destination Hilo’s flagship “Hawaiian Greetings Program” provides music, entertainment, and networking services to thousands of visitors arriving at Hilo Pier and in Downtown Hilo.

Destination Hilo is supported by

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5 Best Hilo Volcano Tours in Big Island of Hawaii (2024)

Looking for the best Hilo volcano tours on your trip to the Big Island of Hawaii?

Exploring Hawaii Volcanoes National Park was a bucket-list experience for me in Hawaii and a top priority attraction on my Big Island trip.

The Volcanoes Park is renowned for its extraordinary geological features and is home to two active volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa.

I visited the Volcanoes Park with my family and loved exploring its various features, such as lava tubes, steam vents, and volcanic craters.

Many cruise ship visitors arrive at the Hilo port, and taking a Hawaii Volcanoes tour is the best way to experience the Volcanoes Park. This is the most unique and popular excursion in Hawaii.

Taking a volcano tour from Hilo with an expert guide ensures you do not miss out on any must-see sights! You will also learn much more about the volcanoes by taking a tour than you would if driving yourself.

Do not have time to read the whole article? Here is my top pick for the best volcano tour from Hilo –

➡ Hilo Shore Excursion: Volcanoes National Park, Rainbow Falls and Highlights – Best Road Tour , half-day tour ideal for inter-island and cruise ship visitors.

➡ Volcanoes Helicopter Tour from Hilo – Best Helicopter Tour with epic aerial views of volcanoes, waterfalls, and rainforests. Great for those short on time.

My Top 3 Picks: Best Hilo Volcano Tours

#1 Top Pick

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Volcanoes Helicopter Tour from Hilo ✔️ Bucket list experience, 1-hour flight from Hilo! ✔️ Aerial views of Volcanoes Park, rainforests, waterfalls

#2 Top Pick

Hilo Shore Excursion: Volcanoes National Park, Rainbow Falls and Highlights ✔️ Half-day, Volcanoes Park and Hilo highlights ✔️great for cruise ship and inter-island visitors

#3 Top Pick

Volcanoes National Park and Hilo Highlights (Small Group) ✔️ Half-day, Volcanoes Park and Hilo highlights ✔️ great for cruise ship and inter-island visitors

Looking for a volcano tour from Kona instead? Check out the best volcano tours from Kona and Waikoloa regions on Big Island of Hawaii.

Taking a volcano tour is one of the top things to do in Kona !

5 Best Volcano Tours from Hilo, Hawaii

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is closer to Hilo than Kona , and one of the top excursions from Hilo. Hilo is around 29 miles and a 45-minute drive from the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

Most volcano tours from Hilo are half-day tours and perfect for Hilo shore excursions for cruise ship passengers. You do not have to worry about rental cars and routes or making it back to Hilo Port in time.

These volcano tours explore all the main sights in Volcanoes Park and other nearby must-see attractions like black sand beach, Hilo waterfalls, and rainforests. Some tours even include a stop at a Kona coffee farm.

If constrained on time, I highly recommend taking a helicopter tour of Voclanoes park from Hilo instead of a road tour.

Below are the best Hawaii Volcanoes National Park tours from Hilo:

1. Volcanoes National Park helicopter tour from Hilo

⭐ Ratings: 5 / 5 | ⏳ Duration: 1 hour | ✅ Book Now

One of the most exceptional ways to witness the magnificent aerial scenery of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, as well as the Big Island’s waterfalls and valleys, is by taking this helicopter tour from Hilo to the volcanoes .

This 1-hour helicopter tour from Hilo airport covers amazing aerial views of the active Kilauea crater and other features of the Volcanoes Park. If there is volcanic activity happening at the time of your visit, you might even get to see lava flow.

Fly over the lush rainforests and valleys of Hilo. See amazing waterfalls and learn about the Island’s history from your pilot.

Highlights of this Volcanoes helicopter tour Hilo:

• Experience the thrill of flying over the active Kilauea volcano in Volcanoes National Park and take in stunning aerial vistas of the Kilauea crater.
• Observing lava flow is possible if there is volcanic activity occurring in Volcanoes Park!
• Enjoy breathtaking views of the Big Island, orchid farms, lush rainforests, valleys, and waterfalls.

What this helicopter tour includes:

Who is this helicopter tour for.

• This tour is ideal for those with limited time in Hilo and Big Island.
• For anyone who wants to experience a helicopter tour and enjoy aerial views of the volcanoes, waterfalls, and valleys, this tour is a perfect choice.
• This tour is great for people who want awesome aerial photos of the volcanoes!

First time on a helicopter and had a very good experience. Debated for weeks on the cost vs experience. Totally worth it! Our pilot had a nice easy vibe and was the kind of person who you would like to hang out with. Looking down from above into the volcano, it’s vents and sink holes was amazing. – MArtin (See more reviews )

➡ Check rates and availability for the Volcanoes National Park helicopter tour from Hilo

2. Hilo Shore Excursion: Volcanoes National Park, Rainbow Falls and Highlights

⭐ Ratings : 4.5 / 5 | ⏳ Duration : 6 hours | ✅ Book Now

This half-day Hilo shore excursion tour with pickup and dropoff from Hilo port is best suited for cruise ship passengers coming into the Hilo port for a day.

The tour also picks up from most Hilo hotels and is great for anyone wanting a tour of the Volcanoes park and Hilo highlights, including inter-island visitors .

This 6-hour tour from Hilo packs a lot, including Volcanes Park, waterfalls, a black sand beach, Hilo downtown, and a local store to purchase home-grown goodies like chocolates, nuts, and coffee.

On this tour, explore the main sights of the Volcanoes park, including the active Kilauea volcano , Thurston lava tube , steam vents, sulfur banks, and scenic viewpoints.

Explore the main highlights of Hilo, like the famous Rainbow Falls and Liliuokalani Gardens , an ornamental Japanese garden.

Pass by Banyan Drive and see some massive banyan trees planted by celebrities, also called the ‘Hilo Walk of Fame.’ Drive by Hilo downtown and see the King Kamehameha Statue.

Visit a black sand beach and spot some Hawaiian green sea turtles ! The black sand is made of tiny lava rock particles and is the coolest thing I have ever seen! Visiting a black sand beach is a must-do thing in Hawaii!!

This tour will also take you to a local goodies store where you can purchase home-grown items like chocolates, macadamia nuts, and local coffee . Makes great gifts and souvenirs!

Highlights of this Hilo Shore excursion volcanoes tour:

• Half-day tour from Hilo to Volcanoes Park, Hilo waterfalls, gardens, and black sand beach
• Visit top sights in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, like Kilauea volcano, Thurston lava tube, steam vents, sulfur banks, scenic viewpoints, and much more.
• Visit a local black sand beach and spot Hawaiian sea turtles!
• See the popular Rainbow Falls and Japanese Liliuokalani Gardens
• Drive by downtown Hilo and Banyan Drive and see massive banyan trees planted by celebrities
• Visit a local goodies store to purchase home-grown chocolates and macadamia nuts and sample home-grown Kona Coffee.

What this tour includes:

Who is this tour for.

• This half-day Volcanoes tour is ideal for cruise ship passengers coming to Hilo Port or anyone wanting a Volcanoes and Hilo highlights tour.
• Visitors looking for value and do not mind a slightly larger group of a maximum of 24 people , best value price-wise.

Our guide was very good, and he allowed just the right amount of time to view everything. Highlight was seeing actual volcanic eruptions, though everything we saw on this excursion was interesting. He got us back to the ship in plenty of time for it’s departure. – Alan (See more reviews )

➡ Check rates and availability for Hilo Shore Excursion: Volcanoes National Park, Rainbow Falls and Highlights

3. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Hilo Highlights Small Group Tour

⭐ Ratings : 5 / 5 | ⏳ Duration : 5 and half hours | ✅ Book Now

This half-day tour of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Hilo is perfect for anyone wanting to experience the Volcanoes Park’s top attractions and get in-depth knowledge about the geology and history of the volcanoes.

This half-day Volcanoes tour is perfect for cruise ship passengers coming to the Hilo port as well as visitors coming for a day trip to Hilo from other Hawaiian islands like Oahu and Maui .

A half-day tour ensures that you will not miss your departure flight or cruise departure time.

In Volcanoes Park, you will see the active Kilauea volcano from the Halema’uma’u Crater Overlook and visit the Thurston lava tube , which is really cool and a must-see!

You will also visit other sights like the steam vents and drive on the Chain of Craters Road .

Along with the Volcanoes park, also visit top sights in Hilo like Rainbow Falls and Liliuokalani Gardens.

Rainbow Falls have an impressive 80-foot drop surrounded by lush greenery, and you can sometimes witness a rainbow near the waterfalls!

Liliuokalani Gardens is a beautiful Japanese-style garden with fishponds and native plants.

This tour also stops at a local chocolates and nuts store where you can purchase island-grown chocolates and macadamia nuts and sample delicious Kona coffee !

Yes, Big Island has farms that grow cacao, coffee beans, and macadamia nuts! We had so much fun at a cacao farm, seeing how chocolate is made and sampling some, too!

A small group tour with a maximum of 12 passengers allows for more attention from the guide to answer your questions and a more personalized experience.

Highlights of this Small-group Volcano tour from Hilo:

• Half-day small group tour from Hilo to Volcanoes Park and covers Hilo highlights.
• Visit top sights in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park like Kilauea volcano, Halema’uma’u Crater overlook, Thurston lava tube, steam vents, Chain of Craters road, and much more.
• See the popular Rainbow Falls and Liliuokalani Gardens in Hilo.
• Visit a local store to purchase island-grown chocolates and macadamia nuts and sample home-grown Kona Coffee.
• A professional guide with expert insights about the Big Island Volcanoes’ history and geology will ensure all your questions are answered.
• This half-day Volcanoes tour is ideal for anyone looking to cover the top attractions in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Hilo ‘s waterfalls, gardens, and other sights.
• This tour is the best fit for cruise ship passengers coming to Hilo Port and visitors coming for a day trip from other islands like Oahu and Maui .

Having grown up in the area, our guide’s personal experiences brought wonderful insights into what it’s like to live around and experience volcanic events. She also knew the best areas to experience Volcanoes National Park. It was super easy to meet her at the cruise dock and we got back in plenty of time for our departure. – millie (See more reviews )

➡ Check rates and availability for – Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Hilo Highlights Small Group Tour

4. Evening Volcano Explorer Tour from Hilo

⭐ Ratings : 4.5 / 5 | ⏳ Duration : 6-7 hours | ✅ Book Now

This Evening volcano explorer tour from Hilo starts around 12:30 PM and is 6 to 7 hours long.

This evening tour is ideal if you are planning to spend the night in Hilo as you can visit the Volcanoes Park in the evening and catch a glimpse of sunset and lava glow, depending on volcanic activity in the park.

The tour starts with a drive around downtown Hilo and then travels along the scenic coast to the village of Kalapana which was destroyed by the advancing lava in the 1990s.

Visit the Star of the Sea Painted Church, a national historic place. This church was moved twice to protect it from the lava! Visit the black sand beach in Kalapana.

Explore Hawaii Volcanoes National Park with your certified guide and see the active Kilauea volcano, Kilauea Iki crater overlook , steaming bluffs , and other viewpoints.

Learn about the geology and history of the volcanoes from your National Park Service-certified guide as well as about the flora and fauna in the area. Enjoy a deli picnic-style dinner as part of the tour.

Highlights of this Evening Volcano Explorer Tour:

• 6-7 hour evening tour from Hilo to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Starts around 12:30 PM.
• Explore the Volcanoes Park with a certified guide, covering all the top sights – Kilauea crater, Thurston lava tube, steaming bluffs, and much more.
• Visit the village of Kalapana, destroyed by advancing lava in the 1990s, and the nearby black sand beach.
• The tour includes a couple of short hikes to explore park features
• Visit the Star of the Sea Painted Church, a national historic site.
• This tour includes a deli-style picnic dinner.
• This tour is ideal for anyone who wants an evening tour of the Volcanoes Park from Hilo and a chance to see the lava glow at sunset (depending on the volcanic activity at the time of your visit).

Awesome tour with a great guide. Not only did he explain everything you need to know about volcanoes, but made it interesting and easy to understand with a sense of humor and folklore stories thrown in. – Dorothy (See more reviews )

➡ Check rates and availability for Evening Volcano Explorer Tour from Hilo

5. Private Tour from Hilo to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

⭐ Ratings : 5 / 5 | ⏳ Duration : 6 hours | ✅ Book Now

This private half-day tour of the Volcanoes National Park and other sights in Hilo is ideal for you if you want to be with just your group and have a more customized experience visiting Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

With a private tour, you have the freedom to tailor your itinerary to your preferences, including stopping at cafes and restaurants whenever you choose.

Although the tour provides a recommended itinerary, you can adjust it to suit the requirements of your group and allocate more time to the attractions that interest you!

If you’re traveling with a party of 5-6 people or more, the expense of a private tour would be comparable or lower than that of a group tour! Additionally, your group will receive the guide’s undivided focus and care.

Highlights of this private volcano tour from Hilo:

• A private half-day tour from Hilo just for your group gives a more personalized experience
• Explore Volcanoes Park sights such as the active Kilauea volcano, the epic Halemaumau crater, Thurston lava tube, steam vents, pit craters, and much more.
• You can choose to spend more or all of your time exploring the Volcanoes park or save time for Hilo waterfalls and black sand beach. Customize your itinerary to fit your group’s interests.

What this private volcano tour includes:

Who is this private volcanoes tour for.

• This private tour is ideal for anyone who wants a private customizable tour of Volcanoes National Park and Hilo.
• This private tour is also great for larger groups of 5-6 people or more, as the cost would be comparable to a group tour or even less for larger groups.

Our guide was very knowledgeable, accommodating and extremely welcoming. This was the best tour we have ever taken. – Rhonda (See more reviews )

➡ Check rates and availability for a – Private Tour from Hilo to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

FAQs about Volcano Tours from Hilo

Below are some frequently asked questions about visiting Volcanoes Park from Hilo and Volcano tours on the Big Island of Hawaii.

How can I see the volcano in Hilo?

To see the active Kilauea volcano, you would need to either drive yourself to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park or take a tour from Hilo. Going around 30 miles south on Highway 11 from Hilo will bring you to the National Park entrance.

Once inside the park, you can drive to the Kilauea overlook on Crater Rim Drive to see the active Kilauea volcano within the caldera of the Halemaumau crater.

Can you tour a volcano on the Big Island?

To truly experience the wonders of the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on Big Island, a volcano tour by road or helicopter is highly recommended. By choosing a knowledgeable guide, you’ll be able to explore the top sights within the park while learning about the geology and history of the volcanoes.

Big Island’s Kilauea and Mauna Loa are the most active volcanoes in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

How much does a volcano tour cost in Hawaii?

A group road tour to the Volcanoes park from Hilo will cost somewhere between $150 and $200, depending on the tour group size.

A volcano helicopter tour from Hilo costs between $300 and $350 per person.

A private volcano tour from Hilo costs between $1200 to $1700 per group of up to 10 guests.

What is the best volcano to visit on the Big Island?

Big Island’s Kilauea volcano is the most active and readily accessible volcano in the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. This active volcano erupts from the Halemaumau crater, and there are several viewpoints from which you can safely observe the Kilauea activity. One popular option is the overlook at Volcano House.

Is Hilo or Kona closer to the volcano?

The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is just a 45-minute car ride away from Hilo, while it takes around 2 to 2.5 hours by car to get there from Kona.

If you’re looking to visit Volcanoes Park, Hilo is a more convenient location than Kona since it’s closer to the park. However, most of the top family resorts in Hawaii are located in Kona, where most people choose to stay.

If you are visiting another Hawaiian Island and are planning to do a Big Island day trip , then flying into Hilo will be a better option as it is closer to the Volcanoes Park.

Is lava visible on the Big Island?

The possibility of witnessing lava in Big Island and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park largely depends on whether there is any ongoing volcanic activity during your visit. Kilauea, the island’s most active volcano, usually erupts within the Halemaumau crater. To check for recent eruptions, it is recommended to visit the NPS website .

There are several overlooks around the Halemaumau crater that offer a glimpse of the volcanic activity. One such spot is the Keanakāko’i Overlook, which can be accessed by taking a short hike from the Devastation trail parking lot. We were able to witness the glowing lava at night from this viewpoint.

Can you walk on a volcano in Hawaii?

Yes, you can walk on the floor of the former lava lake of the Kilauea crater by doing the Kilauea Iki hike in the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. I believe this trail is one of the top hikes in both the park and the entire Big Island.

More things to do in Big Island

Add some of these excursions and activities to your Big Island itinerary:

• Snorkeling with the manta ray on the Big Island is a bucket-list activity. Make sure to book one of the snorkeling tours on Big Island .
• Taking a sunset cruise on Big Island was one of our best experiences!

Final takeaways: Best Volcano Tours in Hilo, Hawaii

Visiting the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is the most popular shore excursion on your visit to Hilo, Hawaii.

It is also one of the bucket-list experiences in any itinerary for Big Island of Hawaii .

Opting for a Big Island Volcanoes tour from Hilo is the most convenient way to discover the park’s volcanoes, geological wonders, and historical landmarks.

Taking a Hawaii volcano tour also ensures that you do not miss any must-see sights and are back in time for your cruise ship departure or inter-island flight.

Below is a quick summary of the best Hilo Volcano tours perfect for Hilo shore excursion:

• Volcanoes National Park helicopter tour from Hilo – Best helicopter tour from Hilo
• Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Hilo Highlights Small Group Tour – Half-day small group tour (12 passengers), ideal for cruise passengers and for visitors from other Hawaiian Islands like Oahu, Maui
• Hilo Shore Excursion: Volcanoes National Park, Rainbow Falls and Highlights – Half-day tour with a maximum of 24 passengers, covers Volcanoes, waterfall, black sand beach, and store stop to purchase island-grown goodies.
• Evening Volcano Explorer Tour from Hilo – An evening tour of the volcanoes park with a start time around 12:30 PM, includes a visit to Kalapana village and black sand beach. Includes picnic dinner.
• Private Tour from Hilo to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park – Private tour just for your group, with a customizable itinerary. Spend more time in Volcanoes Park or add other stops like the black sand beach and Hilo Waterfalls.

Related Posts

Planning a trip to Big Island, Hawaii? Check out my other posts from the Big Island series:

7 Best Kona Snorkel Tours in Big Island of Hawaii

7 Best Kona Sunset Cruises in Big Island of Hawaii

9 Best Resorts on Big Island for Families

BEST one day in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Itinerary

BEST 7 day Big Island itinerary for epic Hawaii vacation

Anu Agarwal is the founder and author of vacation travel blog Destination Checkoff. Anu, a Northern California resident, and a regular nine-to-fiver, loves to vacation with her family to destinations all over the world. She is obsessed with doing endless research for her trips. She has traveled to several destinations in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe, and Asia. With her blog, Anu is excited to share her destination itineraries and vacation travel guides and help you check those dream destinations off your bucket list!

Ultimate Hilo Volcano Tour

Experience culture, volcanoes, plants and wildlife.  This tour covers the scope of the Hilo area and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

The best of the Big Island and the MUST SEE sites! Visit the world’s most active volcano, a World UNESCO Heritage Site.

The best Big Island attraction a UNESCO World Heritage Site and voted as one of the top 10 Parks.  See the best of the National Park includes Kilauea Volcano Overlook, Halema’uma’u Crater, Steam Vents, Kilauea Iki Crater and more!

Plus experience Rainbow falls, learn about turtles, native plant life, lava flows and much more!  This tour usually spends 3-4 hours in the National Park, there is time for a sit down lunch or breakfast (which you would need would depend on the start time).  We can spend less time in the National Park if there are other things you would like to see.

This tour has many customizations and can start at the Port of Hilo for cruise ships or fly into Hilo airport (ITO) for the day, we pick up at the airport.  You can also drive over from the west side of the island and meet at the Hilo Safeway/Target.  We pick up at all hotels and rentals in Hilo.

If you are flying please fly in as early as possible, we will pick you up at whatever time you are scheduled to arrive.  Please include your flight number for your arriving flight.

Everyone, we can not control lava, we want everyone to see lava but we can NOT control if that is possible.  Mahalo for your understanding.

For the BEST lava choose 4 AM start if you can.

Tour:  6 hours      Price:  $1145

This fully customizable tour also includes:

Richardson Ocean Park (Black Sand Beach and possible turtles)

Optional Stops/Sights and frequently requested listed below. We can usually fit 1 to 4 of the Optional stops depending on time:

• There are some fantastic VNP nice hikes for people not wanting any stops below.
• Big Island Candies
• Volcano House (best gift store)
• Lunch at the Rim Restaurant
• Akatsuka Orchid Gardens
• Coffee Farm
• Volcano Winery
• Scenic drive including sea cliffs
• Hilo Farmer’s Market
• Akaka Falls (this pick will not allow time to eat lunch)
• Vans have professionally wired headsets so everyone can hear
• Transportation also includes informational DVD’s between stops
• All tours include photos of you and your family/group complimentary
• Bottled water
• Snacks (trail mix, chips)
• Umbrellas/ponchos (if needed)
• Use of binoculars
• 6 Hours of time

This tour starts at any location in Hilo or surrounding area including:

• Hilo Port for cruise ships
• Pick up and drop off at the Hilo airport (ITO)
• Pick up at any hotel in Hilo
• Pick up at any residential address in Hilo, Hamakua, Volcano.
• For those driving over from Kona/Kohala we can meet at either Target, Safeway, Ross, Office Depot.

Our tours are private so they can start at the time convenient for you.  The most common start time for this tour is 8 or 9 AM OR 4 AM for the best lava.

Our tours allow time for a lunch stop (or breakfast), there are plenty of options during the day.

The tour includes the “must see’s” in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, the Park takes about 3-4 hours.  We have spent more time and less depending on weather and customer interests.

What our customers say about us

What are you waiting for?

We are Licensed by the State of Hawaii PUC as an Official Tour Operator in the up to 14 Passenger category. TSA certified pass (TWIC) allows us to pick you up at the cruise ship pier in Hilo & Kona.

• PO Box 213, HI Natl Park, HI 96718
• +1 866-424-8687
• [email protected]

Copyright ©2022 Bigisland VIP. All rights reserved.

• (808)900-6070
• 100% Refund Policy

Hawaii Volcano Expeditions

Experience the adventure of a lifetime, aloha and welcome.

Hawaii volcano expeditions are something that not everyone gets to experience. Volcanoes speckle the islands, and while your initial instinct is likely to veer away from exploring them, you’d be doing yourself a great disservice by not viewing these natural wonders! They’re a part of Hawaiian culture and history, so if you’re looking to get the most out of your Hawaiian excursion and truly see all there is to see, then a Hawaii volcano tour should be part of your travel itinerary.

What we offer

Tours by air, tours by foot, tours by bus, top hawaii volcano tours.

Volcano Adventure Tour (from Hilo)

Difficulty rating, tour duration.

Elite Volcano Hike (From Kona)

Oahu to Hilo: Volcano Adventure Tour

Easy to Moderate

Circle of Fire Helicopter Tour – Hilo

The View from Above

If you’re aiming to get the best view of a volcano, you’re going to want an overhead view. Through a variety of available packages, your chances to see some of these natural beauties from above increases tenfold. A selection of helicopter tours, offered with an open-door view to give an unprecedented view of the surrounding region, are readily available for adventurers that aren’t weary of heights. 

Tourists will explore the most active volcanoes around the globe, including Kilauea volcano located on the main island of Hawaii. Along with an aerial view of the beauty of these monumental natural structures, you’ll soar over lush forests, crystal clear waters, and black sanded beaches during your Hawaii volcano expedition. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Read our answers to our customers’ common questions. 

Everyone who visits Hawaii Volcanoes National Park wants to see lava.  You go there hoping to see lava fountaining into the air like on a National Geographic magazine.

Sorry to tell you, most visitors do not see lava.

Here’s why: Lava is dangerous. As soon as lava is fountaining or flowing in a certain area, Hawaii Civil Defense determines if it is safe to allow people near it.  Usually it is not safe and the area is closed off.

How to see lava on a volcano tour

The best way to be sure you will see lava is to take a helicopter volcano tour. You will see it from hundreds of feet away, but it is still magnificent.

The chances of seeing lava from a helicopter are very high, but not guaranteed. Volcanoes are extremely unpredictable. Volcanic activity changes every day. The lava flow moves and the surface cools.

Do not make the mistake of going on a volcano tour to see lava. There are so many other reasons to go on a volcano tour. Our volcanoes have an amazing history, cultural significance, biological uniqueness, geological wonder, and a beauty like no other place in the world.

People who go just to see lava and don’t see it are disappointed.  People who go to appreciate everything else about the volcano enjoy themselves. If you do see lava on a volcano tour, it is a bonus and you are a lucky one.

You want a quick answer? Sorry, the answer is constantly changing.

As we mention all over this site, the volcano is active. That means that it is moving and hard to pin down. You might see photos from a friend who saw lava flowing into the ocean a month ago, but now it is nowhere to be seen.

This is why a  volcano tour  is the best way to view the volcanoes. Tours will take you to see the sights in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Then the guide will use his contacts to find where you have the best chance of seeing lava.

Sometimes it is best viewed from inside the National Park. Sometimes it is by the shore in Kalapana. Sometimes it can only be seen from helicopters. Some days you can’t see lava anywhere you look.

The key to an enjoyable visit to the Big Island volcanoes is to go for the volcanoes and consider any sighting of lava as a bonus. If you’re whole purpose is to see lava, you could be setting yourself up for disappointment.

If you insist that lava is your focus, then a  helicopter tour  has the best chance of seeing lava. The pilots search for lava and communicate where the sighting is the best.  When you get close, you can actually feel the heat from inside the helicopter.

Five different Volcanoes are on the Big Island of Hawaii:

• Kilauea volcano

Mauna Kea Volcano Summit. 13,796 ft. Photo https://flic.kr/p/4h5JWS

Mauna Kea is the tallest mountain in Hawaii. It is also the tallest sea mountain in the world. From it’s base at the bottom of the ocean floor it is 33,000 feet taller than Mount Everest.  Mauna Kea hasn’t erupted for thousands of years, but is still considered dormant and could erupt again.

Mauna Loa is the largest volcano on earth in terms of volume.

Kilauea is the volcano that most visit us to see.  It is the most active volcano in the world. It began erupting in 1983 and continues to erupt today.

Vog is volcanic fog. It is similar to smog in that it is dirty with particles that are not in typical fog.

Vog is formed when gases from the erupting volcano get into the air, mix with sunlight, oxygen and moisture.

Like smog, vog is not healthy for humans, plants or animals. Many people living near Kilaeau, experience headaches and respitory issues from vog.

Visitors on our tours will see and breath vog, but we rarely have visitors who complain of health issues as a result. Generally, complaints come more often from prolonged exposure by those living near the volcano.

Nevertheless, we encourage all visitors to pay attention to their bodies and take the following precautions:

• Drink lots of fluids
• Don’t overexert
• Don’t smoke

Does vog smell like sulfer? A little bit.

More Information about the Latest Big Island Volcanic Activity:

• Update September 17, 2023: The Kilauea summit eruption that began on September 10, 2023, has ended.  There is currently no lava activity.
• Seismicity and volcanic gas emission rates remain elevated
• Flights to and from Kona International Airport (KOA) and Hilo International Airport (ITO) are not affected and are operating as scheduled.
• All visitor accommodations and activities on the Big Island are operating normally.
• For more information please visit: https://www.nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/kilaueaupdate.htm

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First-timer’s guide to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

Apr 18, 2024 • 11 min read

The scale and ferocity of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is a wonder to experience © Yiming Chen / Getty Images

Unsurprisingly, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park on Hawaiʻi Island is one of the state’s most popular attractions.

This incredible landscape is home to two massive volcanoes – Kīlauea being one of the world’s most active – and stretches from sea level to the summit of Mauna Loa, one of the world’s largest. Sprawling across 333,259 acres on the island's southeastern side, the park is one of the most dynamic and diverse in the US.

Its ever-changing landscape boasts an assortment of terrain, from lush rainforests and barren lava fields to a volcano often dusted with snow every winter. Yes, even in Hawaiʻi!

So grab those hiking boots and binoculars and use our insider guide to get the most out of your first trip to this unique national park.

When is the best time to visit Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park? 

There isn’t an especially bad time to visit the park, which sees nearly two million visitors annually. The weather on the Islands doesn’t vary much, with temperatures fluctuating between 66-85°F throughout the year. Winter and early spring, though, tend to be rainier and cooler than other times of the year and hurricane season runs from June to November, which can mean tropical storms, whipping winds and torrential rain.

The busiest travel seasons in Hawaiʻi are summer and winter – summer is peak vacation time for families and winter lures travelers eager to escape colder climes. Expect more people on trails and longer waits for parking during these periods.

Spring and fall are slower travel months and ideal times to visit the park. Trekking conditions are much more comfortable without the intense summer heat and you’ll likely find better airfare prices and hotel rates at nearby hotels. The park does get a surge of visitors during spring break and around the weekend of the annual Merrie Monarch Festival , a week-long hula competition based in Hilo around late March or early April.

Tuesday is the busiest day at the park – pick another day if at all possible. This is when the Pride of America , a cruise ship that sails around the Islands, docks in Hilo. Many of its 2000 passengers head to the national park, hitting popular stops like the Kīlauea Visitor Center , the Kīlauea Iki Trail , and Nāhuku (otherwise known as Thurston Lava Tube ). Winter brings yet more cruise ships to Hawaiʻi Island as thousands of North Pacific humpback whales migrate annually from Alaska to the warmer waters surrounding the Islands.

Though Kīlauea stopped erupting on Sept 16, 2023, the volcano still attracts visitors despite no visible lava fountains or flows. And it’s likely it will erupt again – the Puʻuʻōʻō eruption, which began in 1983 and lasted 35 years, ranks as the longest and most voluminous known outpouring of lava from Kīlauea’s east rift zone in more than 500 years. “If there is an eruption,” says Jessica Ferracane, the park’s spokesperson, “it is busy all day, every day, especially if it’s at the summit of Kīlauea.”

Planning tip: The park is currently undergoing a big disaster recovery project following the 2018 Kīlauea eruption and summit collapse. There could be temporary area closures, lane closures, reduced parking and other limited services for the next two years. Check the park website to check for construction closures and delays . 

Find out everything you need to know about what's happening in Hawaii throughout the year in  our guide to the best time to visit the Aloha State

How much time should I plan to spend at the park?

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park may not be as huge as Alaska’s 13.2-million-acre Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve – larger than Yellowstone National Park, Yosemite National Park and Switzerland combined – but it does stretch from sea level to the summit of 13,681-ft Mauna Loa and across seven different ecological zones. You’ll need at least a full day to explore all the best parts of the park but two days are even better. 

Park staff recommend that visitors arrive by sunrise to hit the park’s most popular trails first – it's open 24 hours to allow everyone to maximize their time. Dusk is also a wonderful time to go exploring – the lack of light pollution provides dark skies that are perfect for stargazing.

There are a variety of hikes within the national park, from the easy 1.2-mile Kīpukapuaulu Trail to the challenging backcountry treks up Mauna Loa that can take two days. And having an extra day means you can visit the park’s quieter and less crowded Kahuku Unit on the southerly slopes of Mauna Loa. This 116,000-acre former ranchland is about an hour's drive from the Kīlauea Visitor Center and is open to the public five days a week. You can hike to the top of an old cinder cone, trek through a pristine Hawaiian rainforest or bike through scenic pastures with panoramic views of the ranchlands.

The tiny town of Volcano Village just outside the park is also well worth a visit, with its laid-back eateries and food trucks, art galleries, and  a vineyard and winery .

Is it easy to get in and around the park?

The nearest airport is Hilo International, about 30 miles northeast of the park (you can fly into the Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keāhole, but the drive from Kailua-Kona will take about two hours). Getting to the park from Hilo is easy – take Route 11 (Hawaiʻi Belt Road) west until you reach the main entrance. The drive takes about 45 minutes.

Hele-On Bus is the island’s only public bus service, operated by Hawaiʻi County. The No. 11 Red Line runs between Hilo and Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, stopping daily at the Kīlauea Visitor Center. The bus schedule is subject to change, so check ahead. There is no public transportation or shuttle service within the park, so you’ll need a car to get around.

Top things to do at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

Kīlauea iki trail.

One of the most popular hikes in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is the 4-mile roundtrip Kīlauea Iki Trail. The terrain is varied – it starts in a forest of native ʻōhiʻa trees and hapuʻu (Hawaiian tree fern) and ends with a walk across an otherworldly crater floor – and it’s short enough to complete in a few hours, giving you plenty of time to visit other parts of the park.

The trailhead is at an overlook of the crater formed from an eruption in 1959 that was marked by fountaining lava over a half-mile long and a plume reaching a world-record 1900ft high. The first part of the trail is a descent through a lush rainforest lined with native ʻōhiʻa and koa trees. Look for the white-rumped ʻapapanae , a nectarivorous Hawaiian honeycreeper, often found flitting from tree to tree. The switchbacks end at the crater floor, a vast moonscape that sharply contrasts with the surrounding native forests.

This lava tube – also known as Thurston Lava Tube – was created by a river of 2000°F (1093°C) molten lava about 500 years ago. Discovered in 1913, this massive lava cave is very accessible, with a flat rock floor and ceiling height of more than 20ft in places. Electric lights illuminate most of the path, though you may want to bring a flashlight – it takes about 20 minutes to stroll through the tube. The rainforest that surrounds Nāhuku is brimming with native birds, including the scarlet ʻiʻiwi , a Hawaiian honeycreeper listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act.

Hōlei Sea Arch

At the end of the Chain of Craters Road – about 18 miles from the Kīlauea Visitor Center – is the Hōlei Sea Arch , a 90-ft-tall rock formation cut into the cliff of an ancient lava flow about 550 years ago. In 2020, the park opened a new viewing area about 1000ft past the gate at the end of the road and set back away from the cliff edge.

Puʻuloa Petroglyphs

There’s an area of Pānau Nui on the southern flank of Kīlauea with numerous pecked images, or petroglyphs, in the hardened lava. Puʻuloa, which translates to “long hill” in ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi (the Hawaiian language), is a sacred place to Native Hawaiians. The archaeological site here boasts more than 23,000 petroglyphs – the largest collection in Hawaiʻi – with motifs of circles, canoe sails, human forms, feathered capes and other geometric shapes.

Devastation Trail

This half-mile hike is suitable for everyone as it's wheelchair and stroller accessible. The paved path meanders through a stark yet beautiful landscape buried by falling cinder from lava fountains of the 1959 Kīlauea Iki eruption. You might find volcanic debris in the form of glass-like droplets and strands called Pele’s Tears and Pele’s Hair, respectively, named after the revered Hawaiian goddess of fire and volcanoes. Nēnē (Hawaiian geese) frequent this area; refrain from feeding or interacting with this threatened species.

My favorite thing to do at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

Unfortunately, there aren’t many places in Hawaiʻi where you find native forest birds anymore. Their populations have plummeted due to habitat destruction, predators like feral cats, mongoose and non-native mosquitoes that spread avian pox and avian malaria.

But at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, where native habitats are protected and able to thrive, you can see – and hear – a variety of these special birds, from the friendly ʻelepaio (Hawaiian flycatcher) to the elusive ʻōmaʻo (Hawaiian thrush), which can only be found in the montane rainforests on Hawaiʻi Island. The bright orange ʻākepa , an endangered Hawaiian honeycreeper with an odd-shaped beak, can be spotted in the high-elevation forests of the park’s Kahuku Unit. And if you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of the endemic ʻio , the only hawk species native to Hawaiʻi.

I love wandering along the 1.2-mile Kīpukapuaulu Trail, an easy loop through pristine native forestland in an area known as a “bird park.” A kīpuka is an area of land that’s surrounded by younger lava flows, like an “island” within a sea of lava. There are more native tree species per acre here than any other forest in the national park, which means you’ll find native forest birds that rely on the native trees that grow here.

How much money do I need?

Park entry costs $30 for a private car, $25 for a motorcycle, and $15 for pedestrians and cyclists. The park has gone cashless, so payment has to be made with debit or credit cards in person or online .

If you're also planning to visit Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park near Kailua-Kona or Haleakalā National Park on Maui, consider buying the Hawaiʻi Tri-Park Annual Pass for $55. This allows you to enter all three of these parks in a single, private vehicle.

The National Park Service offers free admission to everyone on the following days: Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the first day of National Park Week in April, Juneteenth, the Great American Outdoors Act, National Public Lands Day and Veterans Day.

Average costs at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

• Basic room for two at Volcano House: $80 to $385 per night
• Airbnb in Volcano: $150 average per night
• Cup of coffee: $3.50
• Midrange meal: $15-$20 per person
• Local beer: $10
• Gas (regular) in Hilo: $4.81 per gallon

How to travel in the park consciously

With two active volcanoes and ongoing construction to repair damage caused by the 2018 Kīlauea eruption, it’s important to stay on marked trails and overlooks and keep out of closed areas. And no matter what you may have seen on social media, please leave the rocks alone and unstacked. Park staff often use ahu (stacked rocks) to mark trails; it’s not an invitation to do the same. Not only is it culturally insensitive but it can be disorienting to hikers who rely on the ahu to guide them along trails. It’s also long believed that taking lava rocks brings bad luck. Hundreds of people return rocks they’ve taken from the park every year.

There are many culturally significant sites within the park, itself a Unesco World Heritage Site. These include petroglyphs, historic trails, fossilized footprints, shelter caves, heiau (Hawaiian temples) and stone walls of canoe sheds and corrals. Many of these sites are listed in the National Register of Historic Places – please be respectful when you get the chance to see them close up.

The land within the park is sacred to Native Hawaiians, with moʻolelo (stories) and mele (songs) tied to this area. They believe Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of fire and volcanoes, lives in Halemaʻumaʻu Crater at the summit of Kīlauea. If you come across Native Hawaiians performing cultural rituals in the park, keep a respectful distance. Let them – and others – connect undisturbed with nature.

This article was first published September 2021 and updated April 2024

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