Day Trip to Hawaii Volcanoes National park: Itinerary

Are you planning a trip to Big Island Hawaii? Don’t miss visiting incredible Volcanoes National Park. It gives you an opportunity to get close with two of the most active volcanoes in the world! In this Post, I’m sharing everything you need to know about day trip to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park including One Day Volcanoes National Park Itinerary.

Follow this incredible adventurous itinerary to visit Hawaii Volcano National Park, where I’ll help you to discover the best trails, where to see the lava up close & tips for getting every bit out of an one day trip to Hawaii Volcano National Park.

Hawaii is one of the most fascinating places in the world. There are so many incredible places to visit on the islands ranging from stunning white sandy beaches, breathtaking natural trails, hiking, best snorkeling spots to experiencing the culture. But above all Big Island offers totally different landscape! It has black sand beaches, white sand beaches, active volcanoes and so on! Read my Post to plan your Trip to Big Island in Hawaii here.

After visiting OAHU, we flew to Big Island to experience the amazing the landscape of Hawaii. It’s lot cheaper to fly from Honolulu.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is home to Kilauea, one of the world’s most active Volcanoes. 

Before sharing more about Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Itinerary, Let me share more information about this amazing National Park.

Mini Guide to Plan Your Trip to Big Island Hawaii??
📷 Must-See Sights: Mauna Kea, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Kona and Black Sand Beach
🏨 Best Hotels: Click here for a full list of Big Island hotels.
🎟️ Tours & Experiences: Book Whale Watching and Manta Ray Snorkelling Tours online on Viator.
💰 Save Money: So many free things to do in Big Island Hawaii. Check this guide for more.

About Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

How to get to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

The Big Island has two commercial airports, one in Hilo and one in Kona. You can technically use either airport.

• Driving From Hilo: 30 miles southwest on Highway 11 (45-minute drive).
• Driving From Kailua-Kona: 95 miles southeast on Highway 11 (2 hour drive), or 120 miles through Waimea and Hilo via highways 19 and 11 (2.5 to 3 hours).
• Driving From Waikoloa: 90 miles southeast on Highway 200 (2 hour drive).

Read this Guide when you drive from Kona to Hilo. I recommended the best routes for your drive !

Will I need to rent a car?

Yes, definitely. Big Island is very Large and places are very sparsely located. If you want to visit Hawaii Volcanic National Park as a day trip from Kona or Hilo, definitely, you’ll need to rent a car.

There are buses in Hawaii but if you’re trying to go as many places as possible in a limited amount of time, this mode of transportation isn’t very effective.

How much time do I need at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park?

One full day is enough time to explore the main highlights of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

How much does it cost to go to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park?

A standard weekly pass to visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is $30 per vehicle. If you plan to visit more than three national parks in a year, I’d recommend purchasing an America the Beautiful annual pass to save money.

How many volcanoes are in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park?

There are two Volcanoes in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park which are most active Volcanoes in the world: Kilauea and Mauna Loa.

However, the entire island of Hawaii (also called the Big Island) is made up of five total volcanoes. The other three volcanoes on the Big Island are not inside Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, these include: Mauna Kea, Hualalai, and Kohala.

When did the Hawaii volcanoes last erupt?

Kilauea last erupted very recently and continues to erupt on a regular basis. These were its most recent eruptions:

• 27 episodes in 2025 (In fact ongoing as I’m writing this)
• September 2024
• June 2024
• January, June and September 2023

Mauna Loa last erupted in 2022, for the first time in 40 years! The other three Volcanoes are less active.

Before heading out to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, be sure to check current conditions for the latest updates on closures or Volcanic activity.

Show Respect to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park has deep ties to the Native Hawaiian culture and heritage. When you visit the National Park, you’ll learn about the volcanoes and their history and meaning to Hawaii. The Park is managed and Protected by National Park service.

But for native Hawaiian People, these volcanoes are considered sacred! According to Hawaiian legend, Pele is the goddess of volcanoes and fire and the creator of the Hawaiian Islands(creates new land and destroys land). For many Hawaiians, Pele’s presence can still be felt in and around Kiauea volcano, so when you visit, be respectful.

Hawaiians also believe that Kilauea is a place for the family of fire gods, and Pele governs Kilauea and controls its lava flows. Her home is Halema’uma’u, at the summit of Kilauea. She is both destructive and creative!

You can show respect by following Hawaiian custom and asking permission from Pele to travel through her land and this sacred landscape.

Things to Do on a Day Trip to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

1. Visit Kilauea Visitor Center

I always make a point to stop at the National Park visitor centers in the US. They are full of great information, friendly park rangers, and often have interesting souvenirs. I also like to get my National Park Stamps at the visitor Center. Kilauea Visitor Center is no exception.

The park rangers gave us some good ideas for day hikes and places to visit. It’s a big park, and it would be difficult to visit every places on the map, so it was helpful to chat with them to narrow down the list as per your interests as there is so much to do in the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

Even if you don’t see any flowing lava, there is so much cooled lava around the park, especially along the Chain of Craters Road, and that was just as fascinating to see. The Park is one of my favorite in Hawaii.

2. See the Lava Flow

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is home to some of the most active volcanoes in the world, so, likely you could also visit during an eruption.In fact, many People visit the National Park specifically to see the eruptions.

We missed the active eruption just by half day, may be its a sign to return back 🔜😉 ! The lava is contained to Halemaumau Crater, so visitors were welcome to explore the park during the active eruption. This is where the goddess Pele resides. It is one of the most active volcanic vents in the park. 

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is home to some of the most active volcanoes in the world, so, likely you could also visit during an eruption.

If you want to see the actual lava flow, the best time to visit is actually at night when the lava glows. Surprisingly, you can’t really see the lava during the day. It just looks black, like mud, but you can see the steam billowing above it in the crater.

If you are visiting during an eruption, coincidentally or not, please check the national park website often for the latest information regarding eruptions and safety tips before your arrival. If the National Park Service deems it unsafe for visitors to enter, they can close the park.

Best Viewing Spots to See Lava Flow

• The Rim restaurant at Volcano House Hotel
• Kilauea Crater Overlook

3. Visit the Steam Vents and Walk Along Sulphur Banks

When you drive toward Kilauea Overlook, you’ll see steam vents, and I’d definitely recommend stopping to explore Sulphur Banks. It’s a beautiful area! Sulphur Banks is a volcanic thermal area with vapors. There are a few trails here as well.

From the Parking lot, you can take a short quarter-mile walk to Steaming Bluff, on the caldera’s edge. It will just take 10-15 minutes time to explore here. You should include this in your Volcanoes National Park Itinerary.

4. Climb to Kilauea Overlook

It’s not a far walk from the parking lot to reach Kilauea Overlook. In fact, it shouldn’t take more than 10 minutes. The views at the overlook are stunning. In the daytime, you can’t see the lava glow, only the steam coming up. I’d recommend also visiting at night if you are going to see lava during an active eruption. But still, is really beautiful sight even not during the eruptions.

5. Walk through Thurston Lava Tube

Walking through Thurston Lava Tube was one of the must include in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Itinerary. The walk is so cool. The trail is paved and surrounded by lush rain forest. Eventually you arrive at the lava tube, which is pretty long. Lights line the inside so it’s not so dark and you can see where you’re going. It was such a fun, unique experience – a MUST for anyone visiting this national Park!

6. Coffee with the view at Rim Restaurant

This is only place inside the National Park that serves food and coffee. I loved the coffee with the views at The Rim as the views of Kilauea Crater are incredible from here. There are huge windows and tables all alongside the windows.

If you’re visiting for the breakfast, you don’t need reservations. There are plenty of sitting options and for the snacks and coffee. Reservations are needed, however, for lunch and dinner.

7. Drive Chain of Craters Road to Holei Sea Arch

One of the most incredibly scenic drive for one day Volcanoes National Itinerary was driving down Chain of Craters Road to Holei Sea Arch. How long does it take to drive through Hawaii Volcanoes National Park? The drive down Chain of Craters road takes 1.5 to 2 hours round trip; however, if you stop a lot and take hikes, which you likely will it will take much longer.

Chain of Craters Road is approximately 20-miles drive to the end of the road. From the top, the route travels from 4,000 ft. elevation to sea level.

Give yourself plenty of time for this drive. We visited Holei Sea Arch and hiked the Pu’u Loa Petroglyphs during the drive. We made a few stops along the way to take pictures of the cooled lava on the side of the road and the scenic views. Past eruptions have flowed down this road, it was fascinating to witness its effects.

TIP: Food, water, or fuel are NOT available along the Chain of Craters Road. Accessible toilets are available at the Maunaulu parking area and the end of the road. There are Picnic Tables here and it’s worth to have Picnic Lunch here! We had our leftover Pizzas here in beautiful setting!

8. See the Pu’u Loa Petroglyphs

Petroglyphs in the middle of lava fields? well, that I didn’t expect here. Pu’u Loa Petroglyphs is on the way to Holei Sea Arch on Chain of Craters Road. The Pu’u Loa Petroglyphs have more than 23,000 images, including geometric motifs, human portraits, animals, and other cryptic designs.This is must visit for your Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Itinerary, so unique place to visit!

The trail passes through the cooled lava floor, so wear sturdy footwear! There is a boardwalk around the site at the end. This is an excellent short hike for the day. Pu’u Loa, translated to “long hill,” is considered a sacred area for the people of Hawaii.

9. Hike the Kilauea Iki Trail

Walking on an active volcanic crater is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and the Kilauea Iki Trail will take you there. Drive the Crater Rim Road and stop at one of the hikes along the way. There are so many ways you can access the crater : Kilauea Ili Overlook, Puʻu Puaʻi Overlook, or Devastation Trail.

We opted short 1-mile trail from Devastation trail Parking lot to see the crater.

10. Explore Volcano Village

After your day in the national park, I hope you’ll spend time in the Village of Volcano. It’s a gorgeous village with several restaurants and stores. I highly recommend visiting a Tea Farm, and wine tastings at Volcano Winery to end your One Day Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Itinerary.

Where to Stay When Visiting Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

I recommend that you stay in Hilo, HI when visiting Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on a day trip. I recommend to read this Guide when you drive from Kona to Hilo.

Hilo is very close to the National Park, 30-minute drive away, so it’s an easy distance for a day trip. I’d suggest staying multiple days in Hilo to see all there is to see on this side of the Big Island.

Recommended Hotels in Hilo, Hawaii

• Hilo Hawaiian Hotel
• Orchid Tree Bed and Breakfast
• SCP Hilo Hotel

Tips for Seeing Hawaii Volcanoes National Park in One Day

• Always check the lava situation like How much lava flows or accessibility to viewing points, so Check current park conditions before planning your trip.
• There is limited Cell Service in the Park. There will be no signals when driving the Chain of Craters Road. However, there is an emergency phone located at the Puʻuloa Petroglyph trailhead. Make sure to download offline maps before entering the National Park.
• Bring plenty of water and, snacks, and Picnic Lunch as there is no facilities inside the Park.Also make sure to fill up the gas before entering the Park.
• There are NO Shuttles in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. You’ll need to rent a car to vsiit the Park or you can opt for tours from Hilo.

Will I need to rent a car?

Yes, definitely. There are buses in Hawaii but public transportation overall isn’t very effective, especially if you’re trying to go as many places as possible in a limited amount of time especially you just have one day in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park!

Book a rental car as far in advance as possible as each of the islands are fairly small and not more car companies options!

FAQs about Visiting Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Is it worth going to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park?

Yes, definitely. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is a unique park with active volcanoes, incredible hiking trails, and beautiful natural features such as a lava tube and sea arches. There are so many incredibly beautiful places to visit in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

What is the best time of day to go to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park?

It’s best to get an early start to see as much as you can in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. However, if you’re visiting during an active eruption and would like to see lava flow, you should visit at night in order to see it.

How many days to visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park?

One day is enough to visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, but two or more days would be good if you want to do several hikes or are want the best chances of seeing lava flow during an active eruption.

When to visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park?

You can visit the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park in any month of the year, depending on whether an active eruption is occurring and what the conditions are like.

Final Thoughts Day Trip to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Itinerary

With just one day at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, you can explore unique features of world with active volcanoes, drive across its craters, and hike into the remains of its volcanic explosions, all in just one day. Truly, it is totally worth a day trip to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

Read More Hawaiian Island Travel Guides

• 5 Day Big Island Itinerary
• How to Visit Punalu’u Black Sand Beach
• Best Route to Drive from Kona to Hilo
• Best Free & Cheap Things to do in Oahu
• 5 Day Oahu Itinerary

Pin This Post to Plan your Hawaii Volcanic National Park Trip!