On the southern most part of the Big Island at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Kilauea Volcano continues to rise as one of the most active volcanoes in the world. This monument is a true testament to mother nature's power. Tour ancient lava tubes, moon-like craters, spewing sulfur vents, and perhaps even witness the rare sight of molten rock spilling into the sea. It is no wonder why this place has earned its hotspot as Hawaii's #1 attraction.
Tips for Visiting Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
- Hours of Operation: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is open 24 hours a day year round. The Kilauea Visitor Center and Volcano Art Center Gallery hours of operation are from 9:00am-5:00pm daily, and the Jagger Museum is open from 9:00am-8:00pm daily.
- Make a stop at the Visitor Center to get the most current information on park advisories, hiking trails, film presentation times, things to do and the daily schedule of ranger guided tours.
- For your convenience, many tours visiting Hawaii Volcanoes National Park depart from major towns (Hilo, Kona and Waikoloa) and include single day admission.
Highlights of Volcanoes National Park
+ Halemaumau Crater
 |
| A pit crater located within the caldera of Kilauea, Halema‘uma‘u contains a lava lake that has been active since 2008, with lava overflowing the crater once in April 2009. |
+ East Rift Zone (Puu Oo Vent)
 |
| Located in the East Rift Zone of Kilauea, Pu‘u ‘O‘o is a volcanic cone that has been erupting since 1983. Puu Oo has been the source of the majority of the Big Island’s lava flows, most notoriously the 2014 lava flow that threatened the residents of Pahoa town. |
+ Steam Vents
 |
| A unique natural feature of Volcanoes National Park, the steam vents are found at the side of Crater Rim Drive, on your way to Kilauea Iki Overlook. The steam, which is released constantly in this area, is created when groundwater meets hot volcanic rock, evaporates, and rises to the surface. |
+ Thurston Lava Tube
 |
| Called Nahuku in Hawaiian, the Thurston Lava Tube is a cave formed by flowing lava. This one is a short tube that takes less than 20 minutes to walk through, with lights installed overhead. While there are a few sections with low ceilings, most of the tube can be traversed comfortably. |
+ Devil's Throat
 |
| South of Kilauea Iki, located just off Chain of Craters Road, Devil’s Throat is a pit crater that forms part of the “chain” of craters from which the road takes its name. The most easily accessible pit crater, you might be surprised to find the ground suddenly give way to a 150-foot deep depression. |
+ Chain of Craters Road
 |
| A 19-mile winding road stretching from Kilauea Crater to the southern coast, Chain of Craters Road is named for the multitude of craters that it passes by on its long trek. The road ends where active lava flows from Puu Oo has buried it. |
+ Kilauea Iki Crater
 |
| The trailhead for the 4-mile Kilauea Iki hike, this overlook provides an excellent view of the relatively-peaceful Kilauea Iki, a smaller crater (“iki” means “little”) located next to Kilauea. The hike takes you across the crater floor, still warm from centuries of active lava flow. |
+ Jaggar Museum
 |
| Jaggar Museum holds and displays records of vocanological importance, including the history of volcanic activity on the Big Island. The museum also provides an overlook from which you can see Halemaumau Crater. |
