Top Things to do in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
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Things to do in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Island of Hawaii: The Best Outdoor Activities
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. Friends of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 31 reviews
Hawai'i Volcanoes Institute provides custom guided tours in and around Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park - ranging from the moderate to the extreme. We offer geology type tours with combined rainforest, to volcanology - old lava sites, new lava flows, cultural and historical interpretive hikes and more. All of our guides are scientists or naturalists. Proceeds support Park projects & programs. Friends of Hawai’i Volcanoes National park is a 501 (c) 3 and the official Philanthropic Partner to Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. Proceeds from all tours support vital park projects and programs.
4. Ka'aha Trail
5. Big Island VIP
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 30 reviews
We are a family owned husband and wife team that focus on Private Small Group Tours. We have 2 Mercedes 11 Passenger vans, all tours are private so you all have 11 seats to yourself. The prices are for the whole van. All tours are fully Narrated and Include Photography, water, snacks and more. When you book with us you book all 11 Seats on our Mercedes Benz Sprinter Van, with an extensive collection of Hawaiian DVD Media. We Specialize in Back-roads Tours, Volcano Tours from Kona/Kohala Coast, Circle Island Tours, Cruise Excursions, and our Exclusive South Point Green Sands Beach Adventure, that Includes Fish BBQ and Hawaiian Boil Hosted by the South Point Wildman. We customized every tour for each group and offer suggestions for your other stops.
6. 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.
7. 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
8. 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!
9. Keanakakoi Crater Overlook
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 19 reviews
Reviewed By rayrest - London, United Kingdom
On Crater rim Drive in Hawaii volcanoes national park is the Keanakakoi crater. Steam and gas clouds are visible from this crater. From a distance you may be lucky enough to see lava erupting from the crater.
