Top Things to do in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
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What to do and see in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Island of Hawaii: The Best Things to do Good for Big Groups
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. 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.
3. 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!
4. 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!
5. 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
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. Sulphur Banks
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 211 reviews
Reviewed By kalamakid - Kailua, United States
Now with Jagger Museum closed, this is as close to Halemaumau as you can get from the Volcano House side. Sulphur banks still profuse, and a nice parking area and short walk to the crater rim. Volcano House on your left, Jagger on your right and the crater in front of you. Good view of the area that has fallen in, which you can get closer to parking at Devastation Trail and walking down the road, but it's good to get views from both places. Also a nice view of Mauna Loa on a clear day. There is an open crater rim trail between this area and Volcano House if you chose to park here or at the Visitor Center and walk back and forth. Nice walk in the trees.
10. 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!
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