Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park takes in the summits of Kīlauea and Mauna Loa, and it is both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an International Biosphere Reserve. The park sits southwest of Hilo, a drive from town. Crater Rim Drive and Chain of Craters Road are both paved and need no four-wheel drive, and there is no shuttle or public transportation inside the park, so plan to drive yourself. Kīlauea is in an eruptive cycle of lava fountain episodes, and the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory says fountains could resume inside Halemaʻumaʻu crater. Episodes can last a few hours, often with pauses of several weeks between them, so there may be no lava showing on the day you come. Ash, rock and glassy strands called tephra lie around the summit and can irritate skin, eyes and lungs, so do not handle them, and check air quality often because volcanic gas can harm sensitive groups. Several areas are closed for safety: the Keanakākoʻi side of the caldera, Halemaʻumaʻu Trail and part of Byron Ledge Trail, because of earthquakes and unrest at the summit. Mauna Loa Road is closed past the second cattle guard to Mauna Loa Lookout for tree removal into late October. Hōlei Sea Arch has collapsed into the ocean. Stay out of every closed area and check park alerts before you go. Kīlauea Visitor Center is closed for renovation, and a temporary Welcome Center and park store run daily at Kilauea Military Camp. The earthquake-damaged Jaggar Museum at Uēkahuna has been removed. Expect construction delays and reduced parking, and parking lots can be full by mid-morning. Weather at the viewpoints can be cool, windy and rainy, so bring a jacket, rain gear, water and snacks.
When to go
Arrive early: parking lots can be full by mid-morning.
Southwest of Hilo by car; no shuttle or public transportation inside the park.
