Top Things to do in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
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The 7 Best Sights & Landmarks in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Island of Hawaii
Hawaii's premier natural attraction offers a wealth of live volcano activity, rainforest, hiking trails and spectacular scenery. See the park's wonders from fifty miles of usually navigable roads - lava flows sometimes necessitate a detour - or take a few days to explore its marvels. Don't miss Kilauea's four-kilometer-wide Halemaumau caldera, Kilauea Iki crater trail, the easy Kipuka Puaula Trail or the chance to pick up a souvenir of the red hot action at Volcano Art Center & Gallery.
1. Kalapana
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 223 reviews
Reviewed By ronaldmD6184CT
The two lava flow areas on the west end have roads across them to see the devastation and for the people to access what was once their homes, and new dwellings are being erected on top of the flows. Amazing and sad too. I am putting a picture of Isaac Hale Beach Park and the enormous lava flow showing how it cut off the Highway 137 and redid the park area. The roads are narrow and treacherous to the park, but well worth it for nature lovers.
2. Holei Sea Arch
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 597 reviews
Reviewed By Escape-overseas - Stevenage, United Kingdom
Located a short walk from the restricted parking area at the foot of the Chain of the Craters Road, across the lava field to the viewing area, where the power of nature is again in full view. The erosion of the lava by the power of wave action crashing onto the shoreline has created a sea arch in the lava outcrop. A definite photo opportunity.
3. Mauna Loa Scenic Drive
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 65 reviews
Reviewed By oldirish33 - Cottage Grove, United States
Every year on our visit to the Big Island we take the trip up Mauna Loa Road to the lookout. We were amazed this year at the recovery in the Ohea forest after the fire in 2018. We went through last year just after the road reopened and there is much new growth, especially young Koa, among the blackened trees. The view up top is always well worth the drive up. Single lane and rough the last couple of miles, drive slow and with Aloha. You never know when the vehicle you meet going up or down is me!
4. Devastation Trail
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 243 reviews
Once a forest, this area is has been completely devastated by the volcanic eruption of 1959.
Reviewed By kpammy
The Devastation Trail walk is only 0.5 miles long. It has been cut short and roped off so hikers are not able to actually walk on the actual terrain. The landscape here is pretty much completely barren with an occasional tree limb or two. It is nice to walk though this trail to get a sense of how volcanic eruptions can leave the terrain. It is somewhat like walking through space with nothing alive in sight. A somewhat eerie feeling but definitely an experience in itself. To our amazement, we were able to spot several nene goose at the end of the trail, which was a nice surprise! Allow 45 min. to an hour for this walk. The trail is on a boardwalk plank. You must stay on the trail.
5. Pu'u Loa Petroglyphs
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 296 reviews
Reviewed By wohdonkey - Newark, United States
We stopped here while driving through Volcano National Park. We were glad we stopped because we really enjoyed it! It was a 1.4 mile round trip hike. We started out walking thru a field of lava rocks which brings you to a boardwalk to walk around and see the petroglyphs. It was a fun experience. Take water and sunscreen as there is no shade on this hike. It is an easy short hike tho.
6. Holei Pali
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
7. Ulumau Pohaku Pele Sculpture
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1 reviews
