Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is a United States national park on the Big Island of the island state of Hawaii. The national park is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park is open 24 hours a day, year-round.
Above all, be respectful. The people of Hawaii are very spiritually inclined, and consider the volcano to be a sacred place, the home of the Goddess Pele. Also, it is a volcano, so it may pay to be cautious.
Radiocarbon dating suggests that ancient Hawaiians settled this area of Puna and Ka`u some time between 1200 and 1450 AD. The coastal area was likely settled first. Evidence of living areas can be found in the remnants of house platforms and habitation caves still scattered throughout the lowland and upland areas. Trail systems later connected the villages along the coast to house sites in the upper regions as well as provided access to the upland resources.
Major historic events also took place in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park including the death of a large portion of a warrior party by an explosive volcanic eruption of Kilauea in 1790. Evidence of their last march can be found in footprints preserved in the hardened ash. The Kau Desert has also revealed evidence of intensive use of temporary shelter sites along a major trail system connecting the lower Ka
u District and Kilauea. Living on an active lava landscape can be found literally everywhere in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Over 14,000 prehistoric archaeological features have been recorded.
The first European to travel through here was the Reverend William Ellis in 1823. Numerous eruptions and lava flows drew adventurers and scientists to the crater rim. Remnants of these early visits can be found in the trails and historic roads that cross the park. The historic 1877 Volcano House, which overlooks the Kilauea Caldera, was one of the early guesthouses in the park. Today, it is used by the Kilauea Art Center. The 1941 Volcano House, perched on the caldera rim, continues to provide lodging for park visitors. The USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO), founded in 1912, preceded the establishment of the park by four years. The Whitney Seismograph Vault, part of the 1912 HVO facility, still remains. Remnants of a former pulu factory remain hidden in the forest. World War II impacted the park as well. Several areas of the park were used for bombing practice and the historic Kilauea Military Camp which preceded the park establishment by only a few months, was developed as a rest and relaxation camp for military personnel and this use continues today. During World War II, it served various roles including housing of POWs.
The park was established in 1916. Work was initiated to provide basic infrastructure for the fledgling park in the 1920s, with more infrastructure development occurring in the 1930s as part of the Emergency Conservation Work program and later the Civilian Conservation Corps.
The landscape is varied from the expected volcanic lavas (there is more than one kind), to dry forest to rainforest to rocky beach. Calderas, pit craters, lava tubes, crevices, geothermal vents and flowing lava are some of the volcanic manifestations. A caldera is a large, basin-shaped volcanic depression, more or less circular, the diameter of which is many times greater than that of the included vents. A pit crater is a crater formed by sinking in of the surface. It is not primarily a vent for lava.
Five volcanoes make up the island of Hawaii: Kohala, Mauna Kea, Hualalai, Mauna Loa, and Kilauea. Volcanoes that will never erupt again are considered extinct. Dormant volcanoes have not erupted in historic time (the last 200 years in Hawai
i) but probably will erupt again. Active volcanoes have erupted in historical time (the last 200 years in Hawai`i).
The Hawaiian Archipelago is the most geographically isolated group of islands on Earth. The park sits on the southeastern edge of the youngest and largest island at a latitude of 19°N. Stretching from the summit of Mauna Loa at 13,677 feet to sea level, the park protects a wide diversity of ecosystems and habitats in seven different ecological life zones. Native Hawaiian species include carnivorous caterpillars, happy face spiders, colorful Hawaiian honeycreepers, the largest dragonfly in the United States, crickets partial to new lava flows, endangered sea turtles, and just one native terrestrial mammal - a bat.
Hawaiian plants and animals began to evolve over 70 million years ago in nearly complete isolation and over 90% of the native terrestrial flora and fauna in Hawaii are found only in the Hawaiian islands. This level of endemism surpasses all other places on Earth - even the Galapagos Islands. Consequently, the Park is a fantastic laboratory for the study of biogeography and evolution within the Pacific Islands. Today, the park harbors the descendants of those first colonizers - numerous evolutionary marvels such as mintless mints and nettleless nettles - plants adapted to life without plant-eating mammals.
Despite their protected status, the park's treasure trove of species faces decimating threats from declining habitat outside Park boundaries, invasive plants, bird malaria, wildfires, feral cats and pigs, and introduced goats, sheep, rats, mongoose, ants, and wasps are all taking a toll. Three endangered species, the nene, Hawaiian petrel and the hawksbill turtle are targeted for full recovery by the National Park Service and its partners who are actively engaged in restoring habitat, guarding nest sites, monitoring threats and population impacts and removing alien wildlife.
Weather at Kilauea's summit (4000 ft 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, where lava is entering the ocean, is often hot, dry, and windy with the possibility of passing showers.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is on the Big Island of Hawai`i.
International and mainland carriers service Hilo and Kona International Airports. Hilo and Kona Airports are also served by inter-island carriers.
Entrances fees are valid for seven days, allowing unlimited re-entry for the week. Fees as of 2020 are:
i Volcanoes, [Haleakala](Haleakala_National_Park), and [Pu
uhonua o Honaunau](Pu'uhonua_o_Honaunau_National_Historical_Park) National Parks.Due to periodic rises in volcanic activity, closure of certain areas of the park may be necessary due to high sulfur dioxide levels.
There is no public transportation within the park. Maps and brochures showing all roads, trails and attractions are available at the Visitor Center.
Many people can spend several days exploring all that the park has to offer. There are a number of excellent hikes, showcasing most of the flavors of Hawaiian geological activity.
Kīlauea Visitor Center, 19.4298°, -155.2571°. Daily 7:45AM-5PM. Staff have maps and latest information on conditions and lava flows. Exhibits on island formation; the arrival of life by wing, wind, and wave; ecosystems from sea to summit; the sights and sounds of the rain forest; invasive species; and those who make a difference in resource protection. Interwoven throughout are the manao (wisdom) and mo
olelo (stories) of Hawai`i's indigenous people. A film, Born of Fire, Born of the Sea, is shown on-the-hour in the auditorium 9AM-4PM. Be sure to inquire about the excellent ranger-led programs available. 2020-06-28
Volcano Art Center Gallery. 9AM-5PM daily. Art gallery displaying local and native Hawaiian art. One can also purchase art as a souvenir though they are pricey. Free Admission 2022-04-01
Crater Rim Drive, 19.4272°, -155.285°. A 6-mile partial loop road that goes from Uekahuna in the west around to Chain of Craters Road in the south, providing access to well-marked scenic overlooks and short walks. This used to be a full loop encircling the summit caldera, but the southwest section (going counterclockwise from Uekahuna to Chain of Craters Road) has been permanently closed after the 2018 eruption (see map), when portions of the road collapsed into the crater. This is the basic tour and should be driven by all visitors. 2022-01-16
uloa Petroglyph Fields](http://www.nps.gov/havo/historyculture/puuloa.htm)__. Chain of Craters Road at milepost 16.5. "Pu
uloa" translated as the "long hill" or "hill of long life" from Hawaiian, is a place considered sacred to the people of Hawaii, and those of Kalapana in particular. Located in the ahupua
a (an ancient Hawaiian land division) of Panau Nui on the southern flank of Kilauea volcano, Puuloa is the name of the site which contains a vast area covered with incredible numbers of pecked images in the hardened lava, images known as petroglyphs. The archaeological site of Pu
uloa contains over 23,000 petroglyph images; motifs containing cupules or holes (84% of the total), motifs of circles, other geometric as well as cryptic designs, human representations, canoe sails, and even feathered cape motifs. The area is accessed from a parking area pullout and an emergency call box along Chain of Craters Road at Milepost 16.5. From the pullout parking area it is a 0.7-mile walk over a gently undulating pahoehoe lava bedrock trail to reach the boardwalk at Pu`uloa.Rangers on duty in the Kilauea Visitor Center (7:45AM-5PM daily), will assist hikers with trail information, maps, and permits. National Park Service information links: day hikes, overnight hikes.
i Pacific Parks Association bookstore__. Offers an extensive array of books and other educational materials related to Hawai
i's natural and cultural history. The non-profit cooperating association supports the park's mission and programs. They also maintain a sales location in the park's Jaggar Museum.There are a few other tasty restaurants nearby in the town of Volcano Village 1–2 minutes north of the park.
From local bars or a machine at the information center.
There are more options nearby in the quaint town of Volcano Village 1–2 minutes north of the park.
Kilauea Military Camp (KMC), 99-252 Crater Rim Dr, 19.4336°, -155.274°, +1 808 967-8333, usarmy.kmc-reservations@mail.mil. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. For active or retired Military or DoD civilians (GS), this camp offers 90 one-, two- or three-bedroom cabins or apartments for nightly rental. 2020-04-14
The Volcano House Hotel, 1 Crater Rim Drive, 19.430221°, -155.258207°, +1 844-569-8849, frontdesk@hawaiivolcanohouse.com. A historic hotel with 33 guest rooms located inside of the park on the edge of the Kilaeua crater. Also operates rustic camper cabins at the Namakanipaio Campground. The cabins sleep 4 (1 double bed and 2 bunk-style twin beds). Each cabin has a picnic table and an outdoor barbecue grill. Showers are available. Reservations are required; contact info is the same as the Volcano House.
Namakanipaio and Kulanaokuaiki are two drive-in campgrounds and there are many backcountry hiking/camping areas located within Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. These campgrounds are free, however, proof of payment of park entrance fee is required.
Drive-In camping is available on a first-come basis. no reservations or permits, and no check-in are necessary. Stays are limited to 7 days in a month and cannot exceed 30 days per year.
Kulanaokuaiki, 19.3432°, -155.2736°. 9 sites, two of which are wheelchair accessible. Kulanaokuaiki is located off Hilina Pali Road at 3,200 feet (975 m), there are nine walk-in campsites with picnic tables. There is an accessible vault toilet; however, no water is available and campfires are not permitted. Use fueled camping stoves only. This campground is subject to closure when the area is dry and during times of high fire risk. No dogs or pets are allowed at this campground to protect endangered nene. $10 Per site (2020 rates) 2020-06-28
Nāmakanipaio, 19.4253°, -155.2953°. 16 sites. All sites are first-come, first-served. Nāmakanipaio Campground is located at 4,000 ft elevation. It is a large, open grassy area with tall eucalyptus and 'ohi'a trees. This campground has restrooms, water, picnic tables and barbecue pits. Campfires are permitted in the barbeque pits only. Maximum stay is 7 days. These are shared facilities with just a few individual sites. $15 Per tent site (2020 rates) 2020-06-28
All day hikers and overnight backcountry users must register and obtain a free permit at the Kilauea Visitor Center (7:45AM–4:45PM daily). Permits are issued on a first-come basis no earlier than the day before your hike. Overnight stays at campgrounds are limited. Check with rangers at the Kilauea Visitor Center for specific campground locations and allowable numbers.
Do not take or otherwise disturb any natural elements within the park.
If you visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, you will no doubt hear about Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of volcanoes. An urban legend has it that people who have taken volcanic rock from Hawai'i, not just the park, have suffered various misfortunes; it is believed that it is the wrath of Pele. In any case, it is illegal to take rocks or other material from a national park. It is also unethical and looked down upon to take any rocks, sand or other natural items from the islands, for religious, moral and environmental reasons alike. Take only pictures, leave only footprints.
Wear sturdy shoes and long pants. Carry plenty of water and drink frequently. Avoid hiking after dark.
Stay on marked Trails! Vegetation or cinders may hide deep cracks in the ground. Use caution near cliffs, cracks, and steam vents where edges can be slippery and/or unstable. Watch small children at all times.
Hiking over cracks and holes, loose rock, and thin lava crust greatly increases your risk of getting hurt. Falling on lava may result in severe wounds.
Volcanic Fumes (volcanic gasses) are hazardous to your health. Those with heart or breathing problems and infants, young children, and pregnant women are especially at risk and should avoid Halemauma
u Crater, Sulphur Banks, and other areas where volcanic fumes are present.
Volcanic eruptions can occur at any time and can be extremely hazardous. Even from a distance, gasses and fallout (Pele's hair, pumice, and cinder) can cause lung and eye irritation. Heed the instruction of park rangers and obey signs on roads and trails.
Never enter closed areas. Areas of the park have been closed due to the potential for large land collapses. Please see the closed area map (2006 data) for more details on areas that have been closed due to very hazardous conditions.
The park has no safe beaches or swimming areas. Expect strong winds, steep and unstable sea cliffs, and high waves.
For latest info see NPS Alerts in Effect.
Related: United States National Parks
2nd-order administrative division
Primary administrative division