Occupying a huge area of 1,335 square kilometres across Hawaii’s Big Island, the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is home to not one but two volcanoes, including Kīlauea, the most active anywhere in the world. Visitors flock to this spot to enjoy the beautiful scenery as well as the chance to learn about the area’s natural history.
When you arrive, your first stop should be the Kīlauea Visitor Center. Here you can find your bearings and pick up a map or book yourself onto a guided tour to explore the area. With the many educational exhibits, you’ll learn all about geology and how volcanoes are formed. You can see a short film too, which will tell you more about the national park’s history.
Once you’ve orientated yourself, get on the road and take a ride along Crater Rim Drive, which takes you all the way round the peak of Kīlauea. You’ll be rewarded with the chance to see lava flowing from deep inside the earth, as this volcano spills as much as 500,000 cubic metres each and every day, and has done since the 1980s. Stay on the marked trails around the volcano and you’ll be safe and sound as you explore.
There are many hiking trails which you can follow to see the landscape in more detail. These extend over 240 kilometres and will take you on an exciting journey across craters and through deserts and rainforests.
Pay a visit to the Thurston Lava Tube, a cave made from solidified lava. Make your way through the cave and you’ll find a rainforest on the other side. Bear in mind that you’ll need to bring your own food and drink with you as there aren’t any facilities here.
Situated about 48 kilometres from Hilo, the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is accessible by bus, though on a limited service. If you’re driving, you’ll be charged to enter with your car, though the fee also includes parking.
