Unbelievable Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park: Its Beyond Imagination
A visit to Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park will not only captivate you but also give you a chance to see the creation of this world first-hand! It is here you will see how nature is constantly working on creating the beautiful landscape around us.
The tropical pacific island of Hawaii is a traveler’s paradise. Pristine beaches, mountains, forests, and every natural beauty you can think of are seen in Hawaii. Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is one of the major attractions in the Big Island.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is one of its kind, where you will definitely ponder over the workings of our splendid mother earth! Kilauea is the world’s most active volcano and the center of the Park. The latest volcano eruption happened in 2020.
Our Top Pick
Day 1
Kilauea Visitor Center
Things inside the Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park can change within a few hours depending on the current conditions of the caldera. So the first stop while visiting the Park should be the Kilauea Visitor Center.
This is one of the scenic drives in the Park that gives some great viewing spots for seeing the amazing Halema’uma’u crater in action. We spoke with the Ranger and got our lava viewing tips for our two-day adventure at the Park!
We first stopped at the Steam Vents area, from where you can feel the hot water vapor blowing from the earth. You also get to see amazing views of the Kilauea Caldera from here. From there we headed to the Kilauea Overlook which has dramatic views of the craters.
Continuing on the Rim Drive, you will be surrounded by views of the lava flow over the areas that have resulted from the volcanic eruptions. Continuing the drive you will see the cinder cone from Puʻu Puaʻi Overlook and access to some splendid trails.
We did the easy 1-mile Devastation trail which is paved and gives you glimpses of the effects of 1959 eruptions.
Thurston Lava Tube
This is another easy 0.5-mile trail that takes you through a cave that was formed by a massive lava flow! Such lava tubes are created when molten lava flow stops after an eruption.
The area is very popular and usually crowded but definitely not to be missed!
Kilauea Iki Crater Trail
Probably one of the highly recommended trails that one should hike during their visit to the Park. This is a moderate 4 miles round-trip trail that easily gives you some of the best views of the scenery around the Park.
You start off from the lush rain forest area, right to the floor of the solidified Kilauea Iki Crater. On this trail, you will see how life has grown from these volcanic eruptions of 1959. As we reached the crater and exploring the landscape, we heard a rumbling sound beneath our feet and far off we saw smoke rising from the Halema’uma’u crater.
This trail is highly recommended as you can see how destruction leads to the creation of a new world!
Witnessed this huge Cloud of ash rising in the sky from the floor of Kīlauea Iki Crater
Exceptionally Scenic and Spectacular Drive, Chain of Crater Road - Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Chain Of Craters Road
After exploring the Crater Rim Drive for the first half of the day, we planned to drive the other scenic drive of the Park – Chain of Craters Road.
This is a great scenic drive, with plenty of points of interest along the way. Mau Loa o Mauna Ulu is a great pull-out spot on this scenic road. It is here that you will witness an expanse of lava flows that have covered the entire landscape.
You will come across a small picnic area before the Pu’u Loa Petroglyphs area. Petroglyphs always amaze us since you can see the imprints of our previous civilizations through them. These petroglyphs can be accessed via 1.5 miles trail and you can see more than 23,000 images here!
Hōlei Sea Arch
At the end of the Chain of Craters road are the most iconic and scenic views of the Park – Hōlei Sea Arch. This arch is a stupendous rock formation in the ocean which is 90 feet tall.
No doubt this rock formation is majestic, but the reality is it is temporary! These cliffs and the arch were created from the lava flow from 550 years ago. Take time and enjoy the views of the ocean and the cliffs when you visit this spot.
Holei Sea Arch - Lava rock extending from steep cliffs into the Pacific Ocean - Chain of Craters Road
Jaggar Museum
With the sun setting, the final stop for us was the Jagger Museum back on the Crater Rim Drive.
The reason for going to Jaggar Museum after sunset is because it is from here you can see the shining red glow inside the active volcano crater.
Jaggar Museum is at 4087 feet and the moment we entered the viewing area we just stood standstill once we saw the crater views. The view of the lava and the volcano is far, but you can feel the heat.
We had an amazing Day 1 at the Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. We did get to see some amazing views of the crater, forests, and ocean that one can ask for. The night views of the volcano from the Jaggar Museum were something that will always stay with us forever!
Day 2
Kalapana Lava Viewing Area - Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Kalapana Trail
After an eventful day at Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park on Day 1, we had planned only one activity for today. The best lava viewing option that one can experience is at the Kalapana Lava Viewing.
The trail is easy but it is a long walk from the trailhead. There are bike rentals available near the trailhead if you want. The trail is heavily trafficked and from the trailhead, it is almost 5 miles walk one way until you reach the viewing area. The trail is pretty much years of the solidified lava flow that you walk on.
Active Lava flow we encountered at Kalapana Trail - Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Mesmerizing views of Lava flow into the Pacific Ocean - Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
As you approach the viewing area, you will witness one of the great visuals that you can ever imagine! The lava flows from underneath the earth flowing to the ocean. The stunning scenery of lava flowing into the ocean is something that probably one can’t describe in words. You can actually see nature at work, in the process of creating a new life here.
The viewing spot is definitely very far from where the actual action is happening, but you can feel the extreme heat and the fumes! If you are adventurous you can hike into the lava fields around this area and maybe you can catch a glimpse of the lava more closely. But be cautious and observe Park regulations before you embark on such a journey. The toxic fumes from the lava can be dangerous to your health.
Hands down the trail and the lava viewing experience was one of the sparkling moments of our life! Given an opportunity, we highly recommend everyone to hike this trail to experience this spectacle by themselves!
Sunset view from Mauna Kea - Hawaii's highest peak
Mauna Kea
The night sky at Mauna Kea is world-famous! We were able to witness the galaxy andromeda from here during our visit. Along with stargazing, you can also catch some awesome sunset views from here.
The road to the observatory is steep and curvy. We parked our vehicle in the Sunset Parking lot which is located at ~9300 feet and soaked in one of the best sunset views ever! You can see the towering peaks of Mauna Loa all around from here.
Sunset from Mauna Kea - worth every second of the drive up!
From the visitor center, you can drive up to the summit which is at 14,000 feet but you would need a true 4-wheel drive for that. If you are renting a vehicle, please check with them if you plan to drive up to the summit. You can also hike up to the summit which takes up to 8 hours.
As the sun starts to set, it gets really cold, so carry a warm blanket for the night show. The Observatory visitor center holds free telescope viewing programs during the weekends and holidays.
Definitely add this to your list of places to visit during your trip to Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park.
Volcano Crater at Mauna Kea State Park, Halepōhaku Area
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is probably one of the National Park which is unique in every sense. It is here you can see nature’s destruction and creation at the same time. Most of the Places in the Park are sacred for the native people of the island. So please make sure you respect the sanctity during your visit.
Without a doubt, you will see some spectacular landscapes during your visit to the Park. But along with that, you will take with you some amazing information and works of nature.
There are tons of beaches, resorts, and activities that one can immerse themselves in Hawaii, but experiencing an active volcano ranks just above everything else for us. The aura of the active volcano and the life around is just pure blissful!
Plan Your Visit
-
. Weather for the most part is pretty consistent throughout the year in the different areas of the Park.
. But the weather in the different areas of the Park varies from warm at the coast, wet at high altitudes, and temperatures over 100F near volcanic activity sites.
. Park is more crowded during winters and holidays, so avoiding that time of the year would be recommended.
-
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is located in the Big Island of Hawai’i.
Hilo International (ITO) and Kona International (KOA) are the two major airports near the Park.
-
The only lodging available inside the Park is Hawai’i Volcano House with some great views. Make your reservation beforehand.
Nāmakanipaio and Kulanaokuaiki are two campgrounds inside the Park. Details can be found here.
-
After the 2018 and 2020 eruptions, some of the park roads are either damaged or closed. Due to this parking can be limited during peak season. Please check Park’s Parking Guide before your visit.
Check Park’s alerts before you plan your visit.
If you plan to hike Kalapana Trail, carry hiking poles and be cautious that you will be visiting an active volcano area. Reading Park’s safety tips would be helpful.
Weather can change in the Park at a short notice, so pack your bags accordingly.
Share your thoughts and experiences at Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park in the comments below? Stay in touch through our Instagram handle and keep exploring.
