Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park — Attraction in Hawaii

This was the highlight of our gang's mini getaway to the Big Island in 2016. The last time I was here was back in the late 1980's on a school band field trip, and I don't recall seeing any lava, just steam vents. Come to think of it, I have never seen actual lava in person, so I had to cross this off my bucket list! We priced out boat tours to see the lava flow into the ocean but it was pricey at $250/person. So instead, we made a "tourist day" out of it since we were staying in Kona. We started out at midday and drove via the island's central highway #200 that runs in between the Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa mountains, had lunch in Hilo, then took in the volcano in the afternoon.

FEE: $20 (now $30) buys a regular passenger vehicle unlimited access for 1 week into the park which is open 24 hours a day. You'll also receive detailed and informative maps of the park.

WHAT WE DID: Lookout - While we explored just maybe 5% of the park due to time constraints, I thoroughly enjoyed my time inside. We headed straight to the Jaggar Museum area which gives you the quickest and easiest view of the Kilauea Caldera and Halema'uma'u Crater. My excitement was building as I could see the vog plume rising from above the trees as we drove in. Parking was plentiful, and it's a short walk from the parking lot to the viewing area and museum. You get an elevated, front and center view of the caldera and crater with its bubbling lava lake which is probably a mile or so away. It wasn't shooting or flowing out, but I was happy and satisfied with what I saw. The caldera's vastness and landscape is so surreal. Even spots thousands of feet away from the crater near the lookout area were spouting little plumes of vog or steam. The lookout is upwind of the crater so we weren't shrouded in the poisonous gases. It was pretty windy and cool so bring a jacket if you chill easily. Restrooms are available here. The lookout is open 24/7.

Jaggar Museum - Was a free, self-guided facility that featured tons of info related to the volcanic activity along with a few exhibits. It wasn't modern by any means but was sufficient. The most fascinating info I saw was a sign display titled "An Immense Mountain Range" which showed a detailed side & undersea profile of the Hawaiian Islands, how they're all actually connected as one, along with past and present connections to the hot spot plume, and the birth of the newest island which is still underwater, Loihi. Super cool!! A gift shop was available inside.

Steam Vents - Located between the Volcano House and Jaggar Museum along Crater Rim Drive. There's a small parking lot with 2 vents right there, but definitely take the short walk to the caldera lookout where more vents rise out of the rocks and grass at the cliff's edge. We took some fun photos here.

Thurston Lava Tube - There are a few on-street parking spots. Head up a small hill and you're smack dab in the middle of a tropical forest. The pathway meanders down through lush vegetation and ends up at a looming tunnel in the ground. The tube is lit, the floor is uneven and puddled with water from the dripping ceiling above, and takes about 3 minutes to walk through. There's not much to see inside in the form of stalagmites or stalactites. Just imagine that hot molten once flowed through the tube you're walking in over 5 centuries ago. You pop out of the other end and circle back up to where you started. Definitely not recommended for those with walking disabilities.

FACT: Inscribed to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1987.

OVERALL: A must do if you're visiting the state. Definitely make an entire day or two out of it because there's lots to see. I can't wait to go back and...

🗻🌋Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park: A Symphony of Earth's Power

Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park is not just a destination; it's a journey through the raw and magnificent forces that shape our planet. Here, the tranquil serenity of the vast Pacific Ocean collides with the sublime chaos of Kīlauea and Mauna Loa, two of the world's most active and awe-inspiring volcanoes. It's a place that offers visitors a front-row seat to the Earth's creative and destructive power.

As you traverse this unique landscape, the park presents a myriad of contrasts. Lush rainforests give way to stark, barren lava fields. Gentle ocean breezes whisper against the backdrop of seismic roars from deep within the Earth. It's a place where every sense is engaged, and the primal forces of nature are on full display.

The park is a testament to nature's resilience. The devastation of past eruptions is etched into the land, yet new life springs forth in an eternal cycle of destruction and rebirth. The resilient 'ōhi'a lehua blossoms amidst the desolation, a vibrant symbol of life's persistence.

Exploring the park, you're likely to encounter steam vents that hiss and gurgle, a reminder that the ground beneath your feet is alive and ever-changing. The Halema‘uma‘u Crater, a site of reverence and cultural significance, offers a mesmerizing view, especially at night when the glow of volcanic activity lights up the sky with a fiery palette.

The park also provides a wealth of trails for all adventure levels, from leisurely walks through volcanic craters and lush rainforests to challenging hikes across rugged terrain. Each path leads to a new discovery, from ancient petroglyphs carved into hardened lava to panoramic vistas that stretch to the horizon.

Visitor centers and educational programs offer rich insights into the geological marvels, the unique ecosystems that thrive in volcanic soils, and the cultural history of the park. Rangers and guides are fountains of knowledge, eager to share the stories and science behind this dynamic landscape.

Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park is a reminder of our planet's incredible power and beauty. It's a place where you can witness the birth of new earth as lava meets ocean, creating a dynamic and unforgettable experience. This park is not just a highlight of the Hawaiian Islands; it's a global treasure that offers a profound connection to the forces that shape our world.

Whether you come for the hiking, the stunning vistas, the educational value, or the chance to stand in the presence of active volcanoes, the park delivers an experience that is as humbling as it is exhilarating. Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park is truly a place where fire, earth, air, and water meet to create a symphony of...

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is a breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Reserve located on the Big Island of Hawaiʻi. It is home to two of the world’s most active volcanoes—Kīlauea and Mauna Loa—and offers a dramatic landscape of lava flows, craters, rainforests, and unique geological formations.

🌋 Key Highlights of the Park Kīlauea Volcano – One of the most active volcanoes on Earth, with frequent eruptions (last major eruption: 2018). Halemaʻumaʻu Crater – A massive, steaming pit inside Kīlauea’s caldera, considered the home of Pele (Hawaiian goddess of fire). Chain of Craters Road – A scenic 19-mile drive through lava fields leading to the coast. Thurston Lava Tube (Nāhuku) – A 500-year-old underground tunnel formed by flowing lava. Mauna Loa – The world’s largest shield volcano (last eruption: 2022). Puna Coast Trails – Hikes through rugged lava landscapes to secluded beaches.

📌 Visitor Information Location: Big Island, Hawaiʻi (30 miles southwest of Hilo). Entrance Fee: Private Vehicle: $30 (valid for 7 days) Pedestrian/Bike: $15 Annual Pass: $55 Hours: Open 24/7, but some areas may close due to volcanic activity. Best Time to Visit: Year-round, but check for volcanic activity updates.

⚠️ Safety Tips Volcanic Hazards: Stay on marked trails, avoid toxic fumes (vog), and heed ranger warnings. Weather: Rainforest areas can be wet and slippery; coastal zones are hot and windy. Lava Viewing: Check the USGS website for current eruption status.

🌿 Unique Experiences Nighttime Lava Glow (if active) – View molten lava from Jaggar Museum overlook. Birdwatching – Spot endangered species like the nēnē (Hawaiian goose). Stargazing – The park has minimal light pollution for incredible night skies.

📸 Must-See Photo Spots Steam Vents – Where groundwater meets hot volcanic rock. Puʻu Loa Petroglyphs – Ancient Hawaiian rock carvings. Hōlei Sea Arch – A natural lava arch on the coast.

🚗 How to Get There From Hilo: ~45-minute drive via Highway 11. From Kona: ~2-hour drive (96 miles).

💡 Pro Tip: Stop by the Kīlauea Visitor Center for maps, ranger talks, and eruption updates...