"Hawaii Volcanos National Park" Top 5 Page for this destination Hawaii Volcanoes National Park by kyoub

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Travel Guide: 189 reviews and 489 photos

Mauna Loa - Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

A drive in the park

Hawaii Volcanos National Park is located on the Big Island of Hawaii. It is a 45 minute drive there from Hilo and around 2 1/2 hrs from Kona.

The park is open 24 hrs a day, seven days a week.
The cost per vehicle is $10 which includes all passengers.
It is an easy drive on a good paved road.

Allow at least 2 hrs to drive around the 11 mile, Chain of Lakes road.

Lava flow

Hot lava

If you have more time it is well worth the extra few hours to drive to see the lava flow. It is near the coast and is another 20 mile drive. Once you arrive you will park your car and get out and walk.
Conditions change daily. At times you can get a glimpse of the red hot lava dripping over into the sea below.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Quite different
Cons:black lava
In a nutshell:A great experience

Last visit to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: Dec 2003
Intro Written Nov 7, 2007
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Reviews (18)

Nothing but lava for miles - Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Start out with a full tank of fuel What to Pack (1)

A backpack would be good Expect changeable weather. Come prepared. Bring rain gear, sturdy shoes, hats, water bottles,... more travel advice

flower offering - Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Offerings Local Customs (1)

You may see flowers, fruit, or bottles of booze near the craters. What are these things doing here? They are thought to... more travel advice

Native trees - Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Crater filled with trees Things to Do (11)

On the Chain of Craters road there is one crater that is not just full of lava. Ko'oko'olau Crater is an excellent... more travel advice

Trails Off The Beaten Path (1)

Hilina Pali Road leads to Kipuka Nene campground, sweeping vistas of the coast, and several backcountry trails. All... more travel advice

Transportation (1)
Drive yourself
Restaurants (2)
See All Great desserts

Warnings and Dangers (1)
Danger Sign
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Comments (6)

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Yaqui Nov 24, 2010 at 6:56 AM

This is such a wonderful page! To see such something so special! I so enjoy all your wonderful tips!
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sourbugger May 3, 2009 at 2:30 PM

such landscapes are really fascinating
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VeronicaG Dec 13, 2007 at 1:51 PM

The lava tubes intrigue me--also it would be amazing to see live lava...from a distance, of course! Enjoyed your tips, Kay.
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toonsarah Nov 27, 2007 at 12:28 PM

A really interesting page, and a different side to Hawaii to the sun, sea & sand images. The lava tube intrigued me as did the offerings to Pele
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scottishvisitor Nov 13, 2007 at 1:14 PM

Kay great looking page on an unusual place - the volcanic soil must be very fertile - the trees seem to like it too!
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deecat Nov 9, 2007 at 6:20 PM

Kay, what a great new page about Hawaii's Volcanoes National Park. Jill and Eric visited this on their honeymoon! Love the lava photographs. By the way, I really like your new intro photo on HP.