Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park: What’s Actually Worth Doing
Stay close, hike through a crater, drive to the coast, and check what Kīlauea is doing before you go.
Stay in Volcano Village
We stayed in an Airbnb in Volcano Village rather than splurging on the hotel. Being only minutes from the park was incredibly useful, especially because volcanic activity and weather do not follow your itinerary.
Kīlauea Iki: must do
The hike starts immersed in rainforest, drops onto the floor of the 1959 Kīlauea Iki crater, crosses the hardened lava landscape and climbs back to overlooks. It is roughly a 3.3-mile loop from the main trailhead. The contrast between lush forest and crater floor made this one of our favorite hikes on the island.
Byron Ledge / Halemaʻumaʻu
We enjoyed the sulfurous volcanic landscape and different perspective, but portions connect with Kīlauea Iki. If you already did Kīlauea Iki and have limited time, this is lower priority.
Nāhuku vs. a more adventurous lava tube
Nāhuku (Thurston Lava Tube) was convenient and interesting, but very developed. We preferred Kaumana Caves near Hilo, where you need your own light and the experience feels much more raw.
Chain of Craters Road
Drive it. The roughly 19-mile road moves through rainforest, craters and enormous black lava flows before reaching dramatic ocean cliffs. We liked the Puʻuloa Petroglyphs stop, but would call it optional if time is tight. The coastal end was a highlight.
Try to time Kīlauea
Kīlauea has been erupting episodically. Check current USGS and National Park Service updates immediately before your visit rather than relying on a fixed eruption schedule. If lava is visible, nighttime or very early morning can make the glow much easier to see. Always follow current closures.