Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is OPEN 24/7
Above a beautiful view over the lava fields surrounding Halema'uma'u Crater inside Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.  Many times you can see a beautiful rainbow over the crater which is just a magical site to see.  A visit to Hawaii is not complete, unless you have visited this special & unique location on the Big Island of Hawaii. 

There are lava fields, tropical rainforests, Volcano Craters, Lava Trees, Kipukas, Trails, and so much more to explore.  Enjoy this peaceful quiet piece of paradise for a slower paced vacation.  Perfect for spending some relaxing quality time with you spouse or family and when you are ready to sightsee and explore there is so much to discover in and around Volcano, which makes for perfect little day trips from your base location in Volcano. 

If you have visited the Park in the recent years, here is a great 40 second video showing the changes at Kilauea Halemaumau Crater from April 2018 - August 2018 .   

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is located on the Big Island of Hawaii only a short 1/2 drive from Hilo, and 97 miles from Kailua Kona.  

Most people stay in Volcano to experience the peaceful quiet area, while using it as a convenient base to explore all the East side of the island has to offer.    

A 3 day stay is ideal, longer if you like a more relaxing slow paced vacation than staying a more crowded hotels and resorts on the West side.   There are some great picturesque beaches in Hilo, and the Punaluu Black Sand Beach where you can find our beloved Sea Turtles ( Honu ) is also just 1/2 hour drive the opposite direction from Volcano. 

You can fly in to Hilo Airport, which is on the East side of the Big Island, and only a short 26 mile drive ( 1/2 hour ) from Hawaii Volcanoes Natioanl Park.  You can also fly into Kona International Airport, which is a bit further away, at 97 miles and approx. 2 - 2 1/2 hour drive.  From Kona you can either go via Hwy 11 South, or you can drive over the newly paved SADDLE ROAD , which especially at night would make for an easier drive.  The road around the South side of the island has some curvy sections that are a bit harder to drive at night time. 

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Yes, by all means.. To rent a car is the best way to see most any place on the Big Island of Hawaii.  There is only very limited bus service a couple of times a day, and a taxi one way from Hilo to Volcano would cost more than the car rental rate.  There is also now Uber , but again, it ends up usually more than a day's car rental.  Additionally , once in Volcano, a car is really neccessary to get around to see the sites.  It is called the "Big Island" for a reason.  There are great distances between places, and it is certainly not a metropolitan area.  We pride ourselves on our rural character, piece and tranquility, and the things we don't have.. which includes the non-existance of regular buses, taxis, trains, subways... just a lush green rainforest... and we like it that way.

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