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Rocky coastline with palm trees and a cliff beyon

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

warningPark Closure7 warnings calendar_monthApr–May, Sep–Octbest time schedule3 daysplan for child_careYeswith kids confirmation_number~$15entry
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National ParkYour own route Plan a trip here →
Park Closure Kīpukapuaulu Trail Closed Due to Hazardous Trees and Hanging Limbs

Kīpukapuaulu Trail remains closed due to numerous hazardous trees and hanging limbs resulting from several recent storms. Managers are developing a plan and will reopen the trail when it is safe.

Park Closure Hilina Pali Road Shoulder Work Scheduled 9/14/26 to 11/19/26

Hilina Pali Road beyond the Maunaiki Trailhead will be closed to motorized vehicles on September 14, 2026 from 6 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday for shoulder work. Hikers, bicyclists and backcountry permit holders will be given access but should expect delays while heav

Park Closure Mauna Loa Road Closed Past Second Cattle Guard for Tree Removal 

Mauna Loa Road will be closed to all use from the second cattle guard (about two miles past Kīpukapuaulu) to Mauna Loa Lookout for tree removal starting September 23 through October 29, 2026. The tree work will prepare the area for the Mauna Loa Road Rehabilitation Project. Vehic

Park Closure Sulphur Banks Bridge Closed; Boardwalk is Open

The Sulphur Banks Bridge is damaged and closed until further notice. The Haʻakulamanu area, boardwalk and Sulphur Banks Trail are open and accessible from the west side near Steam Vents.

Caution Protect Yourself from Volcanic Tephra

Volcanic ash, rock and glassy strands (tephra) is present at Kīlauea summit and can irritate your skin, eyes and respiratory system. For your safety, do not handle it. Eye protection, long sleeves, long pants, a hat, closed-toe shoes and a dust mask are recommended.

Information Upper Kahuku Road Closed Beyond Boot Decontamination Station

Upper Kahuku Road remains closed beyond the boot decontamination station due to storm damage. The Visitor Contact Station and most trails in the Kahuku Unit are now open following Hurricane Lala. Kahuku Road above the Lower Palm Trailhead is deeply rutted by the recent heavy rain

Information Kīlauea eruption

Volcanic eruptions can be hazardous. Stay out of closed areas and monitor air quality. Eruptions can last a few hours and are often separated by pauses lasting several weeks. Details open_in_new

Straight from the US National Park Service, refreshed several times a day.

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is a unique landscape shaped by volcanic activity, featuring Kīlauea and Mauna Loa, two of the world's most active volcanoes. Visitors come to witness the raw power of nature, explore lava tubes, and learn about the cultural significance of the land to Native Hawaiians.

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The park offers various trails and viewpoints, allowing for a close look at volcanic features. However, conditions can change rapidly, and safety is a priority. Travelers should be prepared for the elements and respect the natural environment.

In pictures

A cloud-filled volcanic crater at sunrise with a mountain rising behind
A cloud-filled volcanic crater at sunrise with a mountain rising behind

Things to do

Park Bookstore

Hawaiʻi Pacific Parks Association operates the official park bookstores at the Welcome Center and the Kahuku U...

Hōlei Sea Arch
20-30 Minutes

Walk a short distance to a view of dramatic sea cliffs and a 90-foot high arch sculpted by the sea.

Haʻakulamanu via Sulphur Banks Trail
30-45 Minutes

See where volcanic gases have deposited colorful crystals.

Kūpinaʻi Pali (Waldron Ledge)
45-60 Minutes · Winter/Spring

Walk along an old road damaged by an earthquake in 1983 and get panoramic views of Kaluapele

Devastation Trail
30-60 Minutes

Stroll on a paved path through a recovering landscape that was buried by falling cinder from the 1959 Kīlauea...

Keanakākoʻi
1-2 Hours

Walk along an old portion of Crater Rim Drive to Keanakāko'i Crater and views toward the massive Halemaʻumaʻu.

Footprints Area
1-2 Hours

Traverse the rugged Kaʻū Desert and see footprints left by Native Hawaiians long ago.

Puʻuloa Petroglyphs Trail
60-90 Minutes · Winter/Spring

Hike across a lava field to the largest group of petroglyphs in Hawaiʻi.

Maunaulu via Nāpau Trail
1-2 Hours

Explore the 1969-1974 lava flows of Maunaulu and hike to the top of Puʻuhuluhulu cinder cone.

Nāhuku Lava Tube Trail
30-90 Minutes

Walk through lush rainforest and see a cave where a river of lava flowed 500 years ago.

Visit Kahuku: Forested Pit Crater
3-6 Hours

Take a strenuous hike to a pit crater filled with an array of native Hawaiian species.

Visit Kahuku: Kona Trail
3-5 Hours

Hike through scenic pasturelands with native trees, and transverse the 1887 lava flow.

Practical

At a glance

Established
1916
Open
Daily open 24 hours
Price
Per Person $15, Commercial Entrance - Per Pe $15, Motorcycle $25
Accessibility
some areas wheelchair accessible
Address
1 Crater Rim Drive, Hawaii National Park, HI 96718
Opening hours
Daily open 24 hours
Phone
8089856011
Price
~$15
Website
www.nps.gov

Things to know

Expect long wait times during peak tourist seasons.
Entry fees can be paid at the entrance or online.
Plan visits early in the day for fewer crowds.
Dress in layers, as temperatures can vary significantly.

Photo: Courtesy of J. Frank