Went last night and got some epic views of lava! So when you enter the park turn left towards the signs that say four craters (about 4-5mile drive) and park in the parking lot. There were still a lot of people around 11pm. The road is 90% paved so stroller friendly. Yayy! We have a baby so this was awesome to roll through. The last few hundred feet is gravel so you’ll need to either carry your stroller or take baby out and carry but it’s a really short walk to the viewing area about 3min walk. It was a 1mile hike each way so 2 miles round trip and flat throughout with very little steepness so definitely doable for everyone! Also pro tip if you go at night you don’t have to pay the entrance fees which are $30 per car, cheaper for walking or bikes as well. I’ve posted the admission pricing for you to view. We also ended up going straight first from the entrance to the lookout area where you can only see the red steam in the sky which is not as cool as the actual lava flow from the four craters lookout but they have a parking lot right in front if you want to check it out so no extra walking. Hope these tips help. Have fun!

We stayed two nights at the historic "volcano house" in the national park. Nothing but praise for the accommodations, the staff, the dining. Last stayed here 15 years ago, and it shined through Covid 19. This is a special place on earth. Beauty in the rough. We were lucky to see active volcanic steam and even some red lava. A wonderful place on so many levels. If you have never been to an active volcano, please make this your first!

My boyfriend & I come here ALL the time to explore, get exercise, and get outta the house! Worth it to get the yearly pass if you're local. Don't know the prices for a one-time pass, but worth it IMO if you're spending the day there. Weather can shift suddenly, and even on warm days, it's good to bring a light jacket - just in case. The landscapes & plant life are not only diverse, but otherworldly. Fans of hiking will not be disappointed, as there are trails for all levels of experience here. Just so, so beautiful!

What a unique treat to see an active volcano up close! The trails were not difficult to walk and the parking was fine (we were there early in the AM). Multiple places to view the volcano and many places for good pictures. The summit was very open and as you progress downward it becomes like a tropical jungle. Then you can finally get down to the eruption area (1 mile walk each way on an abandoned roadway) or even hike the bottom of the crater. Definitely worth the price of admission. From the airport area by Kona it will take about two hours to get here … plan accordingly.

See the volcano crater was really cool. Steam vents were awesome. So fun to be so close to an active volcano. We only had a short time here, but you could really spend all day in the park if you’re into hiking. My group could do some, but not long trails. We saw the crater, steam vents and hiked to the lava tube which was underwhelming. We saw much larger caves near Hilo. Still a fun day and great for kids.

One of the highlights of our trip, came during the day and then came back at night to see the lava glow, it did not disappoint. The Desolation Trail is fairly accessible, paved, and easy to follow, but could use a few small solar lights for the hike back at night (cell phone flashlight worked, but was honestly expecting some orange cone with glow sticks or something just to mark it a bit in the dark). This was incredible to see and I would highly recommend it!

An incredible place to visit. So much to see and hikes to do. We hiked through the steam vents and up to the crater. Reading and understating this land and it’s energy is just incredible. We ate lunch at the volcano house, it gets very busy so I’d recommend bringing a packed lunch if you are staying somewhere with facilities to do so. We hiked down to the crater of the Kīlauea Iki which was really fun but a medium/hard track back up. The lava tubes are well worth the visit, the cave is amazing. We then drive all the way to the ocean, the land scape here is just incredible - I think it’s worth the 30 minute drive. We spent around 6/7 hours there and had the best time. Sad not to see lava but just seeing and being on the active volcano was…wow.

$30 entrance fee per vehicle. You can drive all the way to the top (and there is a restroom there). You don't have to hike all the way up. We did the hike, took about 60 minutes up with kids. It was fun, but a little hot. Everyone recommended to go in the evening as you might catch the orange and reds of the lava. Unfortunately when we were there we didn't see anything but steam. But it's alright, was still fun.

This experience was incredible for our family. We had the opportunity to hike the rim of the volcano, walk through a large lava tube, and drive to the end of the park. Prepare for a full day experience to get the most out of the park. If not, you may end up driving back in the dark. I highly recommend Shaka Guide App. This is available on the App Store and was featured on Trip Advisor. It is a fun and engaging app that highlights all the sections in the park, in real time, based on where you are at. This made the entire experience even better.

So many things to do and explore. I am so sad we didn’t have the time or the appropriate footwear to explore!! My husband has never seen lava before and our trip coincided with an active eruption. There were plenty of vantage points to view the eruption. Next time for sure, whether there is an active eruption or not, we are going hiking. I haven’t explored those cavers in decades and would love to experience it with my husband. They have multiple trails and maps available at the visitor’s center. You can opt for a long hike or a short(1-2 hour hike). There are also roads you can drive on to get to the sight seeing points. So if you don’t want to do excessive hiking but don’t want to miss out on the sights, you can drive to them. Parking lots are small but doable. It was $30 for a vehicle. The sign said up to 14 people in a personal/non-commercial vehicle which I thought was a terrific price. Maybe I’ll take my gaggle of nieces and nephews up one day! Beautiful sights. ❤️

Pack a lunch and drinks. As soon as you enter the park, take a LEFT. It's a left right away and easy to miss. It's way before the visitor center. It'll take you to the Lava Tunnel. Most people drive straight to the visitor center and past military housing - then hike lots and get tired out and miss the coolest part on the way out. Parking at the lava tunnel is tough. There aren't many spots, but the actual hike is short. We did it in 15 minutes. Just keep looping around until you get one. When you're driving from the entry, the little entry hike to lava tunnel is on your left-hand side. We accidentally went on the trial on the right side first.

The recent eruption was beautiful to see. I recommend going to the park before dusk since the traffic backs up at that time and parking is difficult. So grateful we were able to see it clearly. Just note that even though Hawaii in June is warm weather, it is VERY cold there after dusk so take a thick jacket to keep warm.

This is a MUST DO if you visit the Big Island. Download an audio tour guide and take the drive through the park stopping at all the points. Only place that we would not recommend is the petroglyphs, that was a tad disappointing, but the rest of the park is amazing. Go take a walk on some of the newest real estate in the world!!

One of the best national parks I've been to, simply stunning! You can easily spend an entire day here. Where else can you see an active volcano, also highly recommended the lava tube, and driving to the sea arch.

It is a great experience to see the power of nature. You get to realize the size of the volcano opening / crater when you are standing in front of it. Well worth it. Entrance to the park is $30.

Gorgeous! The crater rim trail offers spectacular views of Kilauea and you can even go down into the crater for part of it and walk on dried lava and see the ohia trees. The steam vents are fun to walk through and the ground there is flat. The sulphur banks likewise have a flat, wooden walkway. The ground can be uneven so not stroller-friendly. Due to the nature of this park, most of the trails are entirely exposed, no shade; plan to wear sun protection. The visitor center had lots of cool stickers and postcards! The parking lots get FULL during peak hours. We arrived at 8am and came back at 11am and cars were prowling for spots. . Recommend stopping off at some of the little stops along the road, we liked walking through the lava fields! The sea arch is terribly overrated… not worth the drive out… I see better arches at McDonald’s

Volcanoes National Park is a breathtaking destination that captivates visitors with its awe-inspiring volcanic landscapes. The park, located in Hawaii, offers a unique opportunity to witness the raw power and beauty of volcanic activity up close. One of the main attractions of the park is Kīlauea, one of the most active volcanoes on Earth. The sight of molten lava flowing from the volcano’s crater is truly mesmerizing and leaves a lasting impression. Hiking along the trails, you can explore the diverse terrain, from lush rainforests to barren lava fields, and even witness steam vents and sulfur banks. Beyond the volcanic wonders, Volcanoes National Park boasts a rich biodiversity. The park is home to unique plant and animal species that have adapted to the volcanic environment. Exploring the park’s lush rainforests, visitors can spot rare bird species and discover vibrant flora. For those seeking a deeper understanding of the park’s geological and cultural significance, the visitor center provides informative exhibits and ranger-led programs. You can learn about the park’s history, Hawaiian mythology surrounding volcanoes, and ongoing scientific research. It’s important to note that volcanic activity can be unpredictable, so it’s essential to heed safety guidelines and stay informed about any potential hazards. Nevertheless, the chance to witness the Earth’s forces in action and immerse oneself in the captivating landscapes of Volcanoes National Park is an experience that shouldn’t be missed.

Seeing the volcano was a great experience. We could see the smoke from the cauldron. The trails are very east to navigate and the gift shop has great souvenirs. The arches are beautiful as well. It was fun seeing the progression of the different lava flows.

This was definitely a good choice to visit while vacationing on the Big Island. We did the rim drive and the Trail of Craters all the way to the sea arch. We also hiked the Kīlauea Iki crater. The floor is much rougher than it looks from above. We were glad we did the hike. We also visited the Thurston Lava Tube. We recommend that as a good stop.

I would imagine that the top two reasons for visiting the big island of Hawaii is to visit the volcanoes and to witness mother nature in all of her unleashed glory will not disappoint. The drive from Kona is 2 hours but beautiful and not for the weak of heart. This is a excellent built road but the zig zag and hairpin turns in the daily mist can be dangerous if you're inexperienced or not paying attention. The park itself is stunning BUT IT WILL TEST YOUR PHYSICAL CONDITION!! There is alot of walking, steep inclines and uneven surfaces. For anyone who is out of shape, handicap, disabled, it's possible to still walk several trails but you will need to stop for breaks and take a few minutes. Your at 4091 feet elevation so take your time and take some pictures. There's a couple of stores and a restaurant but I would get something from the ABC store before you leave Kona or Hilo. A bottle of water is $7 at the gift shop!! Overall the opportunity to witness the earth still being created right in front of your eyes is a bucket list for everyone. Go around 2-3 pm so your there when the sun goes down. The lava and core at night is spectacular!!!

One of the best natural wonders in the world! Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is a unique geological feature where you can get up close to an usually dangerous event - an active Volcano! 🌋 A truly humbling experience to see the raw power of mother nature! Fortunately, Goddess Pele is there to look over us mere mortals who dare to get close to the molten rock. Even without an active eruption, lots to explore and see. Great place to learn about earth's tectonics and the formations of this isolated island chain. Must visit if you are in Hawaii.

Definitely worth the visit regardless of visible volcano activity. Driving to the different view points is a must. You can pull over at check points/look outs and stand on old lava or check out old petroglyphs. Just be careful where you step. If you can catch active flow, you are in for a treat. Check out the lava tube and drive down to the sea arch.

Truly incredible park - so many beautiful vistas of the vast volcano crater, sulphur vents, and trails that take you right across the crater floor that is best described as otherworldly. Must see park for anyone on the island, let alone one of the greatest national parks I've ever visited.

The park is really well-maintained and the staff/ rangers are very helpful. Entrance fees are outlined on their website, and your pass is valid for 7 days with a saved receipt. This is awesome, because there is little chance to see all the points of interest in just one day. The visitor center and the park map provide very helpful suggestions for your visit based on how much time and physical effort you can put in. We visited over two separate afternoons and opted to hike part of the crater rim trail, the steam vents and Sulphur vent trails, the lava tube, and taking a drive down towards the Petroglyphs trail. We got caught in some fog and rain as we drove towards the coast, so we ended up not hiking. Check the weather forecast throughout the day and heed the advice of the rangers to stay safe. Would definitely recommend and plan to return for more hiking and possibly camping next time I'm on the Big Island.