Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park Banner

Lava flows around "No Parking" sign at the end of Chain of Craters Road. USGS photo April 01, 2003

Visitor Information
 
 
Visit the Park
Map of Hawai'i Island

Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park is a fascinating world of active volcanism, biological diversity, and Hawaiian culture, past and present. Use these pages to help plan a "real" visit to the Park.

Finding Hawai`i Volcanoes
Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park is located on the Big Island of Hawai`i. From Hilo: 30 miles southwest on Highway 11 (a 45 minute drive); from Kailua-Kona: 96 miles southeast on Highway 11 (2 to 2 1/2 hour drive), or 125 miles through Waimea and Hilo via highways 19 and 11 (2 1/2 to 3 hours).

Hilo and Kona Airports are served by inter-island carriers. Some major airlines have direct flights to Kona from the continental U.S. Rental cars may be reserved at both airports. At various locations the public bus (Hele On Bus) ph# (808) 961-8744, commercial tour buses, taxis, motorcycles, and bicycles are available. No rental vehicles or bicycles may be obtained in the park.

Operating Hours
Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park is open 24 hours a day year-round. Kilauea Visitor Center is open daily from 7:45 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Jaggar Museum is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. "Born of Fire... Born of the Sea" is the featured 25 minute film that is shown in the Kilauea Visitor Center on the hour throughout the day, starting at 9:00 a.m. with the last film shown at 4:00 p.m..

Volcano Art Center Gallery, located adjacent to the Kilauea Visitor Center, is open from 9:00 a.m to 5:00 p.m. daily.

Volcano House, located across the street from the Kilauea Visitor Center, operates a hotel, restaurant, snack bar, and gift shops.

park employees and volunteers dress for Volcano weather
Photo: (Park Volunteer Bonsey and Ranger Kaawaloa, dressed for a short hike.)

Weather
Expect changeable weather. Weather at Kilauea's summit (4000' elevation) fluctuates daily and can be rainy and chilly any time of the year. (See the Climate webpage for weather trends, and Mauna Loa Summit Weather for alpine conditions). Temperature varies by elevation and it is generally 14 degrees cooler at the summit than it is at sea level. The coastal plain at the end of Chain of Craters Road is often hot, dry, and windy. Come prepared. Bring rain gear, sturdy shoes, hats, water bottles, sun glasses, and high UV factor sunscreen.

Fees and Park Passes
The entrance fee to the park (a seven-day permit) is $10.00 per vehicle, $5.00 for pedestrians or bicyclists. Fees for those arriving by commercial bus or tour vary by passenger capacity. Persons holding a valid Golden Age Passport (available to U.S. citizens or residents 62 years of age or older for a one-time fee of $10.00), Golden Eagle Passport, or National Park Pass ($50.00 pass is good for 1 full year from date of purchase and allows entrance to any national park that charges an entrance fee) are admitted free of charge. An annual tri-park pass may be purchased for $20.00 which allows access for 1 full year from date of first use at Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, Haleakala National Park, and Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park.

For more information about park passes, visit: The National Park Service Fees and Passes.

Click here for facts about the park.

Click here for Visitor Statistics.

Top  

   
  Last Update: 06/24/2004
  Contact: HAVO_interpretation@nps.gov