EXPERIENCE WONDER AND AWE
AS YOU EXPLORE KILAUEA –
HAWAII’S MOST ACTIVE VOLCANO!
Active Volcano
Kilauea is the most active volcano in Hawaii. The conditions at Kilauea are always changing, so be sure to check out what’s going on at the Hawaii Volcano Observatory website. Currently there is no visible lava flowing on the Island, but there is still much to do in Volcanoes National Park!
Educational
Learn about how the Hawaiian Islands were formed, geology, Hawaiian myths and legends at the many sites throughout the park. At the Visitor Center, kids can get a free workbook to earn a Junior Ranger badge!
Lava Tubes and Hiking
Even if the lava isn’t flowing, there’s still lots to do and see in the National Park. There are lots of hiking trails and scenic drives to explore the park. You can walk through a Lava Tube, see and smell sulphur vents, and drive through the volcanic landscape along Chain of Craters Road. Check what’s open here.
VISIT KILAUEA AT HAWAII VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK
Seeing the Sights: There is plenty to see and do around Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, even if the lava isn’t flowing. Gaze at the massive caldera and distant Halema’uma’u Crater. Take a drive down Chain of Craters Road to see how Kilauea’s past eruptions have shaped the landscapes. Stop by the Sulphur Banks to see and smell volcanic steam vents.
Kids Programs: If you are travelling with kids 12 and under, be sure to check out the National Parks’ Junior Rangers program!
Kids ages 7-12 can earn a Junior Ranger Badge!
Hikes: With over 150 miles of trail in Volcanoes National Park, there are hikes for every level of adventure, fitness, and skill. For a unique, easy, and family-friendly hike, check out the Thurston Lava Tube This 20 minute walk takes you through lush forests and a lava tube – and walk where molten lava flowed hundreds of years ago. More challenging hikes can take you through fields of petroglyphs, or past stunning views of the Kilauea summit caldera. For more information about hikes and current trail conditions/closures, check out the National Parks website.
The Thurston Lava Tube is a family-friendly hike in Volcanoes National Park.
Park Info: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is open to the public 24/7, 365 days a year. There is a $25 entry fee for Hawaii Volcanoes National Park that you can pay at the park entrance. This pass is valid for 7 days. Visit the park’s webpage for current fees and hours of operation.
Directions: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is a 2 hour drive from our vacation homes in Mauna Lani via the Saddle Road highway. To get there, take Highway 19 and 190 up past Waikoloa Village and follow signs for the David Inouye (Saddle Road) highway towards Hilo. Once in Hilo, continue onto Highway 11 South. The national park entrance is about a mile past the town of Volcano.
We recommend contacting organisations directly to get the most up to date information about their operations.