Things to Do in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Top Things to Do in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Things to Do in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park


Book these experiences for a close-up look at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

From quick jaunts to full-day outings.

Top Attractions in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

These rankings are informed by traveler reviews—we consider the quality, quantity, recency, consistency of reviews, and the number of page views over time.







*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

What travelers are saying

  • Jerry E
    Kansas City, MO124 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Went and experienced this amazing park. Highly recommend a guided tour then do a helicopter ride after. Walking on the lava rock and going in the tubes is such a cool experience. The different weather throughout the park is a cool experience too.
    Written March 17, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Glw31416
    4 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A hike that shouldn’t be missed. Go early to get a parking space. We went counter clockwise which is the best direction. Don’t miss the Lava Tube at the rim. You can also park at the Visitor Center which adds some flat length.

    400 ft vertical elevation change and uneven surfaces makes it a moderate hike. Lots of families so it is not hard if you are in fair shape. Rain forest at the top and desert at the bottom so wear layers. The National Park is chilly most of the time at the rim. Bring water for the hike.
    Written March 11, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Monty D
    15 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    I don’t really know volcanoes – but to me it seems huge. But just as impressive – it’s still active! At approximately 2 miles long and 2.5 miles across, there is a lot to see. Obviously, you’ll be driving around the edge and you’ll go by several pull outs with views and steam vents. For the more active people, you can hike through rain forests that rim the some of the volcano edges.

    For an overview, stop at the Kilauea Lodge, have a cup of coffee and read the various sign boards about the volcano. In their lobby is an ongoing video of the 1956 eruption and lava flow – incredible! Mother Nature never ceases to be amazing and powerful.
    Written December 10, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Membermaine07
    Portland, ME99 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    From the parking lot (very few spaces) or the Kilauea Iki parking, it's an easy walk to the lava tube and through. You might want to bring your own flashlight even though it is lit per the pictures.
    Written February 19, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • chickabeegrrl
    Elk Grove, CA2,069 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great views from the Holei Sea Arch. You have to drive to the end of the chain of craters to reach this landmark. There are restrooms and a small parking lot. Bring a lunch to enjoy while you’re here. The sea arch is far away but you can still get some good photos from the lookout point.
    Written December 5, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • elemem
    Huntington Beach, CA25 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The Visitor's Center and the Park itself are terrific, without a doubt, and Volcano Art Center Gallery is right up there in terms of seeing and better understanding the beauty of the volcanoes and nature in general. It does not take a lot of time, and is well worth the visit to see the high caliber work of local and regional artists.
    Written June 26, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Alan S
    Sydney, Australia190 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Worth the short drive to see first hand the altered landscape from lava flowing in the ocean. Does feel like you’re walking on the moon
    Written January 13, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Moushumi M
    Columbus, OH181 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Relatively short hike. Because it is through uneven lava fields and there are no trees or shade...it feels very hot and much longer.
    There is a boardwalk near the actual place where most of the petroglyphs are located. That is how you will know you've reached the place...because we kept wondering if we were on the right track. Also keep an eye out for the rock Cairns or rock piles.....they are also an indication that you are on the right track.
    Written January 28, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Michael F
    Toronto, Canada464 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Pretty good hike especially with the descriptive guide and signs. Last stretch leads to a good view. Not too challenging. Mist people could fo it. Cool to see lava around the trees.
    Written February 9, 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Steve82WCHS
    Nappanee, IN29 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Easy trail with minimal elevation gain through a cool tropical forest. Opportunities to see many birds, including honeycreepers, but go early or late as they are not very active mid-day. Trail has lots of interesting signage concerning the trees and other plants found in the forest. Highly recommended as part of your Volcano NP visit
    Written February 21, 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Bob S
    Warrenville, IL1,271 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is what you make of it. I went at night in the hops of seeing some Glowing lava. Unfortunately there was none and thus I did not have a good trip. The facilities here are Really Nice! The walking paths are great! There are restrooms everywhere. The roads are well marked and the points of interest are easy to find. I guess I'll have to come back to see lava another time. To be fair, online the websites were clear that there was no lava glow visible.
    Written March 25, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Duckster22
    Gloucester, MA16 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Very cool and not as smelly as expected since the sulphur concentration in the air is only about 5%.
    The funniest thing is the display of what happens to you if you venture off the paved trail.
    Written October 31, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about Hawaii Volcanoes National Park




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