Can I tour volcano National Park on my own?


Can I tour volcano National Park on my own? Explore Hawaii's explosive beauty with this self-guided tour of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Check out craters and old lava flows and learn all about Mother Nature's violent side on the Big Island.


What is the best time of day to visit Volcano National park?

The best time to observe the glow from Halema'uma'u is before sunrise, or after 9 p.m., when most visitors have left. The park is open 24 hours a day.


Are volcano tours safe?

Volcanic eruptions can cause toxic gases and unstable grounds. Don't book a trip with an unregistered tour guide. In some places, helicopter and plane tours will still take tourists out to see active volcanoes, despite authority warnings. Do not put yourself in danger.


Is Volcano Park worth it?

But even without an active volcanic eruption, this is still a great park to visit. If you are planning to visit Hawaii, it's still worth visiting Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, even without an active lava flow.


How long does it take to hike Volcano National Park?

From Devastation Trailhead: 6.0 mi (9.7 km) round-trip. Plan for 4 to 5 hours. Parking at Devastation Trailhead allows for a more scenic experience, letting you explore Uealoha (Byron Ledge), the Kilauea Iki loop, and Nahuku Lava Tube all in one hike.


What do I need to know before going to Volcano National Park?

Entrance to Volcanoes National Park costs $30 per car. There are limited spots for food and drink in the park; be sure to pack water and snacks. Wear layers and bring a jacket, temperatures vary drastically in the park. The park is constantly changing.


How long is the lava tube walk?

Experience this 0.5-mile out-and-back trail near Baker, California. Generally considered an easy route. This is a popular trail for birding, hiking, and walking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day.


Do you need hiking boots for Volcano National Park?

Make sure you have enough protection from the sun and unexpected rain showers. For footwear, decide what to bring based on the terrain. Easy and smooth hikes require less support so trail runners may work great. For treks on rugged trails, boots will likely be a better option.


Are there waterfalls in Volcano National Park?

Visit a Volcano Hawaii National Park to see the iconic sights of the park: Kilauea Volcano, steam vents, lava tubes, and multiple volcanic craters! The tour also takes you to Rainbow Falls and Akaka Falls, two of the most famous waterfalls in Hilo.


How hard is the volcano hike?

Most of the hike is on a steep incline which becomes tougher the higher you hike. Total elevation gain is 5150 ft./ 1500 m. The final hour of the hike is the toughest because by that point, you are so high up that you're climbing through volcanic sand instead of solid ground. Combined with the altitude, it's strenuous.


Do you need 4 wheel drive to visit Volcano National Park?

Visiting the park by car is easy to do. The two main roads visitors will travel are Crater Rim Drive and Chain of Craters Road. All roads in the park are two-wheel drive roadways and do not require four-wheel drive vehicles.


How much time do I need at Volcano National Park?

If you want to visit lava up close and personal, then you should allow at least TWO full days for visiting Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park.


Can you always see lava at volcano National Park?

The Kilauea is a dynamic volcano, and lava viewing conditions change daily. Even if a viewing area is organized by the National Park, this does not guarantee close access of the lava.


Can you visit Hawaii Volcano National Park without a tour?

The world's most active volcano never fails to put on a show, and if you're looking to learn more about volcanoes and what causes them, Kilauea is the best place to go. In general, there are two ways to see Kilauea when you're in Hawaii. You can book a tour or you can go on your own and see it for yourself.


How long does it take to drive around Volcano national park?

This 38-mile (61 km) round-trip drive descends 3,700 feet (1,128 m) to the coast and ends where lava has covered 10 miles of road since 1986. Allow 90 minutes to two hours round-trip, depending on how often you stop and how far you hike. Note: There are no services (water, gasoline, or food) on Chain of Craters road.


Do you need tickets to go to Volcano National Park?

All visitors at Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park are required to pay an entrance fee. If you already have a valid, America the Beautiful—National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Annual Pass or Hawai?i Annual Tri-Park Pass, you are not required to purchase a digital pass through Recreation.gov.


Can you see lava flow at Volcano National Park?

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is open 24 hours a day, so your chance to see glowing lava (from near or far) is pretty good when the volcano is actively erupting (it's periodically erupting only at the summit in Halemaumau currently), especially when it's dark.