Top Things to do in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Countries
Things to do in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Island of Hawaii: The Best Nature & Parks
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. Kilauea Iki Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,428 reviews
A moderate 4 mile hike into a an old volcanic crater.
Reviewed By jdc8mbc
Start early in the day, if only because parking is extremely limited at the Kilauea Iki Overlook. There are two ways to hike: clockwise, the more difficult direction which begins with an unpaved path, or counterclockwise, the easier direction which begins with going down steps. The descent to the crater floor is 400 feet... the ascent back to the parking area via the counterclockwise direction involves hiking switchbacks which is easier than climbing uneven, high, and steep steps if one has taken the clockwise direction. If in relatively decent shape, allow approximately 2 to 2.5 hours. Elevation/altitude is about 4,000 feet. The interpretative map/guide is available for $2 at the park headquarters and is worthwhile. Pack a hat/cap, sunglasses, plenty of water and insect repellent.
2. Keauhou Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
3. Ka'aha Trail
4. Halemaumau Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8 reviews
Hike down the world's largest volcanic crater.
Reviewed By MattAbt0429 - Hermosa Beach, United States
One of the VNP park rangers recommended this hike to me and I’m glad he did - i loved it, almost as much as Kiluea’Iki trail. You hike downhill through an absolutely beautiful rainforest, then after about 1/2 hr you’re inside the active Kilauea crater! I didn’t think I’d ever be inside an active volcano, but there I was. You can see the smoke from the crater, but no lava. It’s absolutely otherworldly down there. From the bottom, you can continue on to other hikes, or hike back uphill, which is a moderate climb. As a bonus, for some reason no one else does this hike - it’s almost like they’re trying to hide it - so you might be the only one there.
5. Nahuku - Thurston Lava Tube
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,593 reviews
Reviewed By psudino - Weehawken, United States
We saw lava tubes on both Maui and the Big Island and these are hands down the biggest lava tubes. If you didn't know better it looks like a tunneling truck for a mining company created these. Also, the path to and from the lava tubes has some beautiful and lush plant life. It is amazing how the landscape on this island can be so varied!
6. Kipuka Puaulu (Bird Park) Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 70 reviews
An easy one-hour hike through meadowlands and old growth forest.
Reviewed By Steve82WCHS - Nappanee, United States
Easy trail with minimal elevation gain through a cool tropical forest. Opportunities to see many birds, including honeycreepers, but go early or late as they are not very active mid-day. Trail has lots of interesting signage concerning the trees and other plants found in the forest. Highly recommended as part of your Volcano NP visit
7. Kilauea
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 865 reviews
Active volcano built on the southeastern slope of Mauna Loa features a caldera approximately 4 by 3.2 kilometers wide and walls from zero to 120 meters high.
Reviewed By psudino - Weehawken, United States
This is one of the highlights of the Big Island tour because there are very few places on Earth where one can see an active volcano like this. There hasn't been an active lava flow for a few years since the last major eruption, which is unfortunately, but it is still an active Caldera. An amazing sight for sure!
8. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8,241 reviews
Reviewed By Mikemhs
Beautiful park, great views, great hiking, this is a must on any trip to the big island, allow one full day here & maybe two we were there in mid September lava flows receded & some portions of the park was still closed & several of the hiking trails
9. Pu'u Huluhulu trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 91 reviews
Reviewed By jimlA6314XZ
This trail has highlight after highlight as it wanders across fields of lava. There’s some of everything – incredible jagged a’a lava, smooth pahoehoe flows, lava trees, bizarre formations, forest, a mesmerizing lookout of the Mauna Ulu lava shield and a good view of the very active Pu’u O’o cone in the distance. The guide booklet is well written and makes the surroundings come alive with stories. The first-person account in the booklet of two geologist sheltering themselves from a rain of lava rock on the exact spot I was standing was fascinating. It’s mostly an easy walk on smooth lava flows with occasional rough spots. Pay attention to the trail markings! The climb at the end is invigorating but not too difficult. I spent 2 hours exploring – could have stayed the entire day!
