Things to do in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: places, roads and tours

Travel Guide · Updated October 2026

Prices and details checked on October 22, 2026How we compare tours

For things to do in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, start with Kīlauea Caldera & Halemaʻumaʻu Crater and Chain of Craters Road. Since December 23, 2024, an eruption has been intermittently active within Halemaʻumaʻu crater (USGS).

Things to do in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: places, roads and tours

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is in Volcano on Big Island, and its named sights include Kīlauea Caldera & Halemaʻumaʻu Crater, Thurston Lava Tube (Nāhuku) and Kīlauea Overlook. For a short visit, the overlook is the easiest first stop on this list, since it sits close to the park entrance.

What are the best things to do in Volcano National Park?

Kīlauea is the youngest and most active volcano on the island of Hawaiʻi.

Place	What you can do	Good to know	Getting there	Hours or entry
Kīlauea Caldera & Halemaʻumaʻu Crater	Kīlauea is the youngest and most active volcano on the island of Hawaiʻi.	-	The Welcome Center, Kīlauea Overlook and Uēkahuna, on Crater Rim Drive West, usually have more open parking during eruptions.	Since December 23, 2024, an eruption has been intermittently active within Halemaʻumaʻu crater (USGS).
Chain of Craters Road	Chain of Craters Road from Devastation Trailhead to Hōlei Sea Arch is about 18.7 miles one-way, about 30 minutes without stops.	-	Chain of Craters Road is closed to motor vehicles beyond the circular turnaround at the coastal end.	Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including holidays.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park	A temporary Welcome Center and the park store are at Kilauea Military Camp daily from 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.	Weather may be cool, windy and rainy; bring shoes, rain gear, jackets, hats, water and snacks for viewpoints.	The park is about 30 miles southwest of Hilo, about a 45 minute drive.	Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including holidays.
Mauna Loa Lookout	The lookout is at 6,662 feet (2,031 m).	-	There is no drinking water at the top of the road; the drive from Kīlauea Visitor Center takes about an hour.	Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including holidays.
Thurston Lava Tube (Nāhuku)	NPS rates the Nāhuku day hike Moderate.	NPS warns visitors enter at their own risk; hazards include rockfall, low ceilings, standing water and tripping hazards.	Parking at Nāhuku is extremely limited.	Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including holidays.
Puu Ulaula	The rustic cabin sits at 10,035 feet (3,059 m).	-	-	-

How do you get to each place, and where do you park?

The Kīlauea Overlook has its own parking area on Crater Rim Drive West. The Welcome Center, Kīlauea Overlook and Uēkahuna usually have more open parking during eruptions.

The National Park Service suggests starting at Uēkahuna and working clockwise along Crater Rim Drive. That loop section runs about 5.6 miles one-way from Uēkahuna to the Devastation Trailhead parking lot, about 20 minutes without stops.

Chain of Craters Road is about 18.7 miles one-way from Devastation Trailhead to Hōlei Sea Arch, about 30 minutes without stops. It is closed to motor vehicles beyond the circular turnaround at the coastal end.

Parking at Thurston Lava Tube (Nāhuku) is extremely limited, so arrive early or plan for a different stop. The park is about 30 miles southwest of Hilo, about a 45 minute drive. There is no shuttle bus or public transportation within the park.

When are these places open?

A temporary Welcome Center and the park store are at Kilauea Military Camp daily from 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.

What rules and hazards should you know about?

Weather may be cool, windy and rainy, so bring shoes, rain gear, jackets, hats, water and snacks for viewpoints. Thurston Lava Tube (Nāhuku) carries its own warning: the NPS says visitors enter at their own risk, with hazards including rockfall, low ceilings, standing water and tripping hazards. The NPS rates the Nāhuku day hike Moderate. If parking is full when you arrive, skip the lava tube and go to the overlook instead.

Mauna Loa Road crosses very flammable grass and brush, and open fires are prohibited. The lookout has no drinking water at the top of the road.

Pets are not allowed at overlooks or on trails, but they are permitted in parking lots and roadways. The park asks visitors to watch the eruption quietly and with respect for its cultural significance to Native Hawaiians.

Which tours go to these places?

Meet in Volcano! takes 3 hours and starts from $535 for the group. The All Day Volcano National Park Adventure takes 5 hours and starts from $735 for the group. The Custom Volcanoes National Park Tour with extra stops takes 7.5 hours and starts from $1,545 for the group.