Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
National Park · Hawaii
Courtesy of J. Frank
National park in Hawaii, United States
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is a national park of the United States, located on the island of Hawaiʻi in the state of Hawaii. The park encompasses two active volcanoes: Kīlauea, one of the world's most active volcanoes, and Mauna Loa, the world's largest shield volcano. The park provides scientists with insight into the development of the Hawaiian Islands and access for studies of volcanism. For visitors, the park offers dramatic volcanic landscapes, glimpses of rare flora and fauna, and a view into the traditional Hawaiian culture connected to these landscapes.
About Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park protects some of the most unique geological, biological, and cherished cultural landscapes in the world. Extending from sea level to 13,680 feet, the park encompasses the summits of two of the world's most active volcanoes - Kīlauea and Mauna Loa - and is a designated International Biosphere Reserve and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Park Photos
Activities
Operating Hours
Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park
Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park is open 7 days a week, 24 hours a day including holidays.
| mon | tue | wed | thu | fri | sat | sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All Day | All Day | All Day | All Day | All Day | All Day | All Day |
Kahuku Unit
The Kahuku Unit is open on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is closed on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays.
| mon | tue | wed | thu | fri | sat | sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Closed | Closed | Closed | 8:00AM - 4:00PM | 8:00AM - 4:00PM | 8:00AM - 4:00PM | 8:00AM - 4:00PM |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to enter Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park?
Entrance - Private Vehicle: $30.00. Private Vehicle Pass - The private vehicle pass admits the passholder and up to 14 passengers of a single, private (non-commercial) vehicle. Entrance - Motorcycle: $25.00. Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers. Entrance - Per Person: $15.00. Pedestrian/Cyclist Pass - Admits one individual bicyclist, hiker, or pedestrian visiting without a private vehicle. An individual pass is not required for visitors aged 15 and under. Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus: $100.00. The commercial entrance fee for a Road Based Guided Tour is based on vehicle seating capacity. For a 16-25 passenger vehicle the user fee is $100. Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach: $200.00. The commercial entrance fee for a Road Based Guided Tour is based on vehicle seating capacity. For a 26+ passenger vehicle the user fee is $200. Large vehicles, defined as more than 26 feet in length and/or more than eight feet wide, are only allowed to operate on Crater Rim Drive to Kilauea Visitor Center, Kūkamāhuākea (Steam Vents), and Uēkahuna. Mauna Loa Road to the Kīpukapuaulu turnabout. Commercial Entrance - Per Person: $15.00. $15 per person for Commercial Non-Road Based Guided Tours. This includes hiking more than one mile on one trail, bird watching on foot for more than one hour at one location, and/or or bicycling tours.
What are the best activities at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park?
Popular activities at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park include: Arts and Culture, Biking, Camping, Backcountry Camping, Car or Front Country Camping, Guided Tours, Hiking, Backcountry Hiking.
What is the weather like at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park?
The weather the summit of Kīlauea (~4000' elevation) varies daily and may be rainy and chilly any time of the year. Temperature varies by elevation. At the summit of the volcano, temperatures may be 12 to 15 degrees cooler than at sea level. The coastal plain at the end of Chain of Craters Road is often hot, dry, and windy with the possibility of passing showers.
How do I get to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park?
Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park is located on the Island of Hawai‘i. From Hilo: 30 miles southwest on Highway 11 (45 minute drive); from Kailua-Kona: 96 miles southeast on Highway 11 (2 to 2.5 hour drive), or 125 miles through Waimea and Hilo via Highways 19 and 11 (2.5 to 3 hours).
Entrance Fees
Private Vehicle Pass - The private vehicle pass admits the passholder and up to 14 passengers of a single, private (non-commercial) vehicle.
Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.
Pedestrian/Cyclist Pass - Admits one individual bicyclist, hiker, or pedestrian visiting without a private vehicle. An individual pass is not required for visitors aged 15 and under.
The commercial entrance fee for a Road Based Guided Tour is based on vehicle seating capacity. For a 16-25 passenger vehicle the user fee is $100.
The commercial entrance fee for a Road Based Guided Tour is based on vehicle seating capacity. For a 26+ passenger vehicle the user fee is $200. Large vehicles, defined as more than 26 feet in length and/or more than eight feet wide, are only allowed to operate on Crater Rim Drive to Kilauea Visitor Center, Kūkamāhuākea (Steam Vents), and Uēkahuna. Mauna Loa Road to the Kīpukapuaulu turnabout.
$15 per person for Commercial Non-Road Based Guided Tours. This includes hiking more than one mile on one trail, bird watching on foot for more than one hour at one location, and/or or bicycling tours.
Weather
The weather the summit of Kīlauea (~4000' elevation) varies daily and may be rainy and chilly any time of the year. Temperature varies by elevation. At the summit of the volcano, temperatures may be 12 to 15 degrees cooler than at sea level. The coastal plain at the end of Chain of Craters Road is often hot, dry, and windy with the possibility of passing showers.
Directions
Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park is located on the Island of Hawai‘i. From Hilo: 30 miles southwest on Highway 11 (45 minute drive); from Kailua-Kona: 96 miles southeast on Highway 11 (2 to 2.5 hour drive), or 125 miles through Waimea and Hilo via Highways 19 and 11 (2.5 to 3 hours).
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Official Resources
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