Hawaii (Big Island)

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is one of the most frequented attractions on the Big Island of Hawaii, where two of the world’s most active volcanoes—Kilauea and Mauna Loa, are located. The park offers volcanic landscapes which can be explored by car, bike or by foot. Educational information about Hawaiian volcanoes as well as the formation of the Hawaiian Islands can be found at the visitor center. Be prepared to see and learn about 70 million years of volcanism, migration, and evolution.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is recognized by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) as an International Biosphere Reserve (1980) as well as a World Heritage Site (1987). The park is open 24 hours a day, all year long. Plan your trip and Hawaii Volcano Tour carefully by checking weather conditions before your departure. Keep in mind that island weather is unpredictable and that temperature varies by elevation.

If you're wondering if there are Hawaii Volcanoes National Park hotels in the area, you need not worry. The park is located just 45 minutes by car from the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, approximately 2 and a half hours from Kailua-Kona, and 2 and a half to 3 hours from Waimea, Waikoloa and Hilo via highways 19 and 11. Park entrance fees range from $5 per individual to $10 per vehicle for a 7-day pass.

Interactive and multimedia displays can be found at the Kilauea Visitor Center, open daily from 7:45 am to 5:00 pm.  There, you can also view a 25-minute educational film about Hawaii’s volcanoes, “Born of Fire, Born of the Sea” which is shown on the hour starting from 9 am to 4 pm.

Be sure to also visit the Jaggar Museum (open daily, 8:30 am to 7:00 pm daily), the Jaggar Museum Book store (open daily, 8:30 am to 7:00 pm), as well as the Volcano Art Center Gallery (open 9 am to 5 pm daily). For more information on the Jaggar Museum, please contact (808) 985-6051.