Fountains of molten lava erupting from within a crater next to a whirlwind formed from the eruption. Photo: NPS Photo

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

National Park · Hawaii

Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park protects some of the most unique geological, biological, and cherished cultural landscapes in the world.

  • LocationHawaii National Park, HI
  • Entrance $30 private vehicle
  • HoursOpen 24 hours, daily
  • Weather now65°F Sunny
  • Alerts 9 active alerts

Overview

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.

Topics
  • Animals
  • Archeology
  • Arts
  • Birds
  • Endangered
  • Oceans
  • Rare
  • Rock Landscapes and Features
4 more topics
  • Scenic Views
  • Trails
  • Unique Species
  • Wilderness
A cloud-filled volcanic crater at sunrise with a mountain rising behind
Sunrise at Kīlauea Iki — NPS Photo/J. Wei

Alerts (9)

Park ClosureHalemaʻumaʻu Trail and Part of Byron Ledge Trail Closed Due to Safety Risks Halemaʻumaʻu Trail and part of Byron Ledge Trail are temporarily closed due to continued inflation and increased seismic… Read more

Halemaʻumaʻu Trail and part of Byron Ledge Trail are temporarily closed due to continued inflation and increased seismicity at the summit of Kīlauea volcano. The closure is a total of 1.3 miles. The increased seismicity could trigger additional rock falls and presents a serious safety risk. Both trails descend from the caldera rim to the floor and have been the site of dangerous rock falls in the past.

Park ClosureKeanakākoʻi Side of Kīlauea Volcano Closed Due to Volcanic Unrest Due to increased earthquakes below the summit of Kīlauea and volcanic unrest, the Keanakākoʻi area is temporarily closed… Read more

Due to increased earthquakes below the summit of Kīlauea and volcanic unrest, the Keanakākoʻi area is temporarily closed for safety. This includes old Crater Rim Drive, the overlooks near Keanakākoʻi crater and Crater Rim Trail to Keanakākoʻi crater. Devastation parking lot remains open.

CautionKīpukapuaulu Trail Closed Due to Hazardous Trees and Hanging Limbs Kīpukapuaulu Trail remains closed due to numerous hazardous trees and hanging limbs resulting from several recent storms… Read more

Kīpukapuaulu Trail remains closed due to numerous hazardous trees and hanging limbs resulting from several recent storms. Managers are developing a plan and will reopen the trail when it is safe.

CautionProtect Yourself from Volcanic Tephra Volcanic ash, rock and glassy strands (tephra) is present at Kīlauea summit and can irritate your skin, eyes and respira… Read more

Volcanic ash, rock and glassy strands (tephra) is present at Kīlauea summit and can irritate your skin, eyes and respiratory system. For your safety, do not handle it. Eye protection, long sleeves, long pants, a hat, closed-toe shoes and a dust mask are recommended.

InformationMauna Loa Road Closed Past Second Cattle Guard for Tree Removal Mauna Loa Road will be closed to all use from the second cattle guard (about two miles past Kīpukapuaulu) to Mauna Loa L… Read more

Mauna Loa Road will be closed to all use from the second cattle guard (about two miles past Kīpukapuaulu) to Mauna Loa Lookout for tree removal starting September 23 through October 29, 2026. The tree work will prepare the area for the Mauna Loa Road Rehabilitation Project. Vehicles, bicyclists and pedestrians will not be allowed during the closure.

InformationHilina Pali Road Shoulder Work Scheduled 9/14/26 to 11/19/26 Hilina Pali Road beyond the Maunaiki Trailhead will be closed to motorized vehicles on September 14, 2026 from 6 a.m. to… Read more

Hilina Pali Road beyond the Maunaiki Trailhead will be closed to motorized vehicles on September 14, 2026 from 6 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday for shoulder work. Hikers, bicyclists and backcountry permit holders will be given access but should expect delays while heavy machinery works on the road. The entire road will be open to all use outside of those hours including weekends and holidays. The work is expected to be complete by November 19, 2026.

InformationSulphur Banks Bridge Closed; Boardwalk is Open The Sulphur Banks Bridge is damaged and closed until further notice. The Haʻakulamanu area, boardwalk and Sulphur Banks… Read more

The Sulphur Banks Bridge is damaged and closed until further notice. The Haʻakulamanu area, boardwalk and Sulphur Banks Trail are open and accessible from the west side near Steam Vents.

InformationKīlauea eruption Volcanic eruptions can be hazardous. Stay out of closed areas and monitor air quality. Eruptions can last a few hours an… Read more

Volcanic eruptions can be hazardous. Stay out of closed areas and monitor air quality. Eruptions can last a few hours and are often separated by pauses lasting several weeks.

More on NPS.gov about Kīlauea eruption (opens in a new tab)
InformationUpper Kahuku Road Closed Beyond Boot Decontamination Station Upper Kahuku Road remains closed beyond the boot decontamination station due to storm damage. The Visitor Contact Statio… Read more

Upper Kahuku Road remains closed beyond the boot decontamination station due to storm damage. The Visitor Contact Station and most trails in the Kahuku Unit are now open following Hurricane Lala. Kahuku Road above the Lower Palm Trailhead is deeply rutted by the recent heavy rains. A 4WD is recommended to access areas above the Lower Palm Trailhead.

Things to Do

24 experiences from the National Park Service. Check details on NPS.gov before you go.

Showing 8 of 24

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All 17 activities in the park

Pick one to find other parks that offer it.

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Facilities & Services

Find permits, visitor centers and other services available in the park. Check current hours and availability before you go.

Permits & Passes

Visitor Centers

  • Kahuku Contact Station

    Kahuku Visitor Contact Station

    Visitor Center

    Located at the Kahuku Unit of the park in the district of Ka'ū, the Kahuku Visitor Contact Station provides park information, assistance, and books and gifts available…

    Details
    Located at the Kahuku Unit of the park in the district of Ka'ū, the Kahuku Visitor Contact Station provides park information, assistance, and books and gifts available through Hawaiʻi Pacific Parks Association.
  • Welcome Center

    Welcome Center

    Visitor Center

    The Welcome Center is a great first stop when entering the park. Rangers and volunteers are on duty daily to provide visitors with the latest information on the current…

    Details
    The Welcome Center is a great first stop when entering the park. Rangers and volunteers are on duty daily to provide visitors with the latest information on the current conditions, hiking information, things to do and the daily schedule of ranger-led activities. The Hawai'i Pacific Parks Association operates a park store in the Welcome Center that sells books, posters, and other educational materials. Proceeds benefit park programs.

Other Visitor Services

  • Kulanaokuaiki Campground

    Kulanaokuaiki

    Facility

    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…

    Details
    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.
  • N?makanipaio Campground Pavilion

    Nāmakanipaio

    Facility

    Nāmakanipaio Campground is located 31.5 miles south of Hilo on Highway-11 at 4,000' elevation. It is a large, open grassy area with tall eucalyptus and 'ōhi'a trees…

    Details
    Nāmakanipaio Campground is located 31.5 miles south of Hilo on Highway-11 at 4,000' elevation. It is a large, open grassy area with tall eucalyptus and 'ōhi'a trees. This campground has restrooms, water, picnic tables and barbecue pits. Campfires are permitted in the barbeque pits only. If there are more than 2 people in your party, you can expand to 4 people per site with another tent. Maximum stay is 7 days.

Plan Your Visit

Hours

Open 24 hours, daily · Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park

Hours by area (2)
  • Hawai‘i Volcanoes National ParkOpen 24 hours, daily

    Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park is open 7 days a week, 24 hours a day including holidays.

  • Kahuku UnitToday: Closed

    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.

    MondayClosed
    TuesdayClosed
    WednesdayClosed
    Thursday8:00AM - 4:00PM
    Friday8:00AM - 4:00PM
    Saturday8:00AM - 4:00PM
    Sunday8:00AM - 4:00PM

Entrance fees

  • $30Private Vehicle
  • $25Motorcycle
  • $15Per Person
All 6 fees & details
  • Private Vehicle$30

    Private Vehicle Pass - The private vehicle pass admits the passholder and up to 14 passengers of a single, private (non-commercial) vehicle.

  • Motorcycle$25

    Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.

  • Per Person$15

    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

    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

    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

    $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.

Address

1 Crater Rim Drive
Hawaii National Park, HI 96718

Weather & conditions

65°F
Sunny · feels like 64°
  • Today 72° 58°
    Sunny
    57% rain
  • Tomorrow 65° 61°
    Patchy rain nearby
    87% rain
  • Wednesday 66° 61°
    Patchy rain nearby
    72% rain

Updated 4 hr ago

What to expect by season

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.

Upcoming Events

10 coming up
  • Explore the Summit

    Oct 12, 2026 · 10:30 AM–11:00 AM · through Jan 1 Free

  • Life on the Edge

    Oct 12, 2026 · 10:00 AM–10:15 AM · through Jan 1 Meet the ranger at Uēkahuna parking area. Programs may be canceled due to hazardous weather or volcanic conditions. Stop by the Welcome Center for the latest updates, locations, and details. Free

  • Artist in Residence Dawn Waters Baker Returns!

    Oct 17, 2026 · 09:30 AM–11:00 AM Kahuku Unit Visitor Contact Station. Turn into Kahuku near the 70.5-mile marker on Hwy 11 in Kaʻū. Free

  • Precious Garlands Performances.

    Oct 17, 2026 · 11:00 AM–12:30 PM Kahuku Unit Visitor Contact Station. Turn into Kahuku near the 70.5-mile marker on Hwy 11 in Kaʻū. Free

Show 6 more events
  • Stewardship at the Summit Rainforest Restoration

    Oct 17, 2026 · 08:45 AM–12:00 PM Free

  • Koʻi: Hawaiian Adze Demonstration and Talk Story

    Oct 24, 2026 · 09:30 AM–11:00 AM Kahuku Visitor Contact Station Free

  • Stewardship at the Summit Rainforest Restoration

    Oct 24, 2026 · 08:45 AM–12:00 PM Free

  • Fee-free Day for Theodore Roosevelt's Birthday

    Oct 27, 2026 · 12:00 AM–11:45 AM All fee-charging national parks in the US. Free

  • Annual Halloween Bingo Scavenger Hunt at Kahuku.

    Oct 31, 2026 · 09:00 AM–03:00 PM Kahuku Unit Visitor Contact Station. Turn into Kahuku near the 70.5-mile marker on Hwy 11 in Kaʻū. Free

  • Spooky Scavenger Hunt at Kīlauea Summit

    Oct 31, 2026 · 12:00 PM–04:00 PM Kilauea Military Camp at the flagpole in front of the Welcome Center Free

Photos

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Getting There

1 Crater Rim Drive
Hawaii National Park, HI 96718

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).

Mailing address: P.O. Box 52, Hawaii National Park, HI 96718

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