How do you get to Volcano National Park?


How do you get to Volcano National Park? Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park is located on the island of Hawai'i. From Kailua-Kona: 95 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). From Waikoloa: 90 miles southeast on Highway 200 (2 hour drive).


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.


What kind of car do you need in Volcano National Park?

A 4WD vehicle is a must for this Big Island adventure! 4WD is the only way you'll be able to access all the best “off the grid” spots. Besides taking a day for Hawaii Volcanoes National park or a few in Kona/Kohala, here are some of our other favorite places to go, with Volcano Village as your home base…


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 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.


Is volcano National Park worth it?

Absolutely, visiting Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is worth it, especially if you're interested in geology, natural landscapes, and the unique opportunity to witness volcanic activity.


Can you see lava 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.


Can you walk to lava on Big Island?

If the park determines that access to the flow is safe you can go on a hike to see the lava. Because viewing conditions change on a daily basis you should look up the most recent information about the active surface flows shortly before you plan to see the lava yourself.


Can you go to volcano National Park without a tour?

Self tour it is! Just allow plenty of time - there is so much to see there! Our first visit to the Big island we spent part of 2 days, and it really wasn't enough, so our next visit, we stayed in Volcano for 2 nights, so had almost 3 days to explore - was great! :) Good decision !


What is the entry fee at Volcano National Park?

The following Hawai?i Volcanoes National Park passes are available on Recreation.gov: Private Vehicle Pass ($30, valid for seven days) Motorcycle Pass ($25, valid for seven days) Pedestrian/Cyclist Pass ($15, valid for seven days)


Can you see lava at Volcano national park 2023?

In 2023 there are no active surface flows outside of the crater to be seen. However, there have been eruptions that have stayed entirely contained within Halema'uma'u crater, that allow you to see an evening glow and molten lava within the crater.


Can you do Volcano National Park in a day?

You can pack a lot of the Big Island in a short time, and don't need to spend an entire day in the park to enjoy the main sights. If you're trying to decide the when to visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park instead of spending a full day, the best time of day to visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is in the morning.


How do you get to Volcano National Park without a car?

Hele-On provides bus service to Hawai?i Volcanoes National Park and Mauna Kea State Recreation Area, seven days a week. Additional details for traveling to or from the Hawai?i Volcanoes National Park is available by riding the following: Route 10: Hilo to Ocean View. Route 11: Red Line (Hilo to Volcano)