Fiery lava erupts from a volcano during an eruption

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

An active volcano park on the Big Island, known for Kīlauea's summit crater, the lava fields of Chain of Craters Road and walkable lava tubes.

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Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park covers a large part of the Big Island in Hawaii and protects two active volcanoes, Kīlauea and Mauna Loa. The most visited sight is Halemaʻumaʻu, the crater at Kīlauea's summit. Chain of Craters Road drops toward the coast across old lava fields, and the park also has lava tube walks and forest trails.

Eruptions here start and stop, and the park closes or changes access to areas when volcanic activity or gas makes them unsafe. Read the park's official website for closures before you leave, and plan an alternative for the day. The park suits travelers who want to see volcanic ground up close and can adjust their plans. Allow at least a day for the summit area and the coast road. The summit is high and cool, often misty, so pack layers. Common places to stay are Hilo, the island's largest town, and Volcano Village, near the park entrance.

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park in five

Check conditions before you driveEruptions, volcanic smog and road closures change quickly. Read the park's alerts and the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory the morning you go, and keep a backup plan.
Pay $30 per vehicle at the entranceThere is no separate nonresident fee. The park takes cards only. A Hawaiʻi Tri-Park annual pass at $55 covers three parks if you will return, so ask at the entrance.
Start at the Kīlauea Visitor CenterRangers post what is open: overlooks, trails, Crater Rim Drive sections and Chain of Craters Road. Allow half a day for the main viewpoints and one trail.
Pack for cool, wet air at 4,000 feetThe summit area sits near 4,000 feet and is cooler and rainier than the coast. Bring a rain layer and sturdy shoes, and carry water on trails.
Stay in Volcano Village or drive from HiloVolcano Village is minutes from the entrance. Hilo is about 45 minutes away and Kona about 2 hours, so a nearby night makes dawn and dusk visits easier.Hilo

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Need to know

Entrance: $30 per vehicle; no nonresident fee; cards only Read more
Permits: Backcountry camping needs a permit; check the park for any other rules
Season: Open all year; conditions change with volcanic activity
Nearest town: Volcano Village; Hilo about 30 miles
Getting there: Hilo (ITO) about 45 min; Kona (KOA) about 2 hours

Weather by month

Rainy days

Best
Good

JanuaryRain16 rainy daysHigh23°Low18°Cool, wet
FebruaryRain20 rainy daysHigh23°Low18°Cool, wet
MarchRain24 rainy daysHigh23°Low18°Cool, rainy
AprilRain24 rainy daysHigh23°Low19°Mild, showers
MayRain27 rainy daysHigh23°Low19°Mild, drier
JuneRain24 rainy daysHigh24°Low20°Mild, drier
JulyRain26 rainy daysHigh25°Low21°Mild, busy
AugustRain25 rainy daysHigh25°Low21°Mild, busy
SeptemberRain25 rainy daysHigh25°Low21°Mild, drier
OctoberRain23 rainy daysHigh25°Low21°Mild, quieter
NovemberRain23 rainy daysHigh24°Low20°Wetter
DecemberRain22 rainy daysHigh23°Low19°Cool, wet

Average daily high and low in Volcano Village, 2016–2025. Rainy day: 1 mm of rain or more.

Right now in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.

Feels like: 15°
Humidity: 92%
Wind: 24 km/h
Chance of rain: 86%

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

12:05 PM

Monday, November 2

GMT-10

Today20°16°86%Monday: Drizzle. High 20°, Low 16°. Chance of rain 86%.
Tue20°14°64%Tuesday: Fog. High 20°, Low 14°. Chance of rain 64%.
Wed21°15°69%Wednesday: Drizzle. High 21°, Low 15°. Chance of rain 69%.
Thu20°14°89%Thursday: Drizzle. High 20°, Low 14°. Chance of rain 89%.
Fri22°14°65%Friday: Drizzle. High 22°, Low 14°. Chance of rain 65%.
Sat20°17°69%Saturday: Rain. High 20°, Low 17°. Chance of rain 69%.

Updated 10:14 AM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com

Money

Mid-market rate1 EUR = 1.116 USD

Amount

Converted to

USD · US Dollar

Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API

What's on in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

Concerts, festivals and big events in and around the city

Events calendar

Every year

Mar–AprMerrie Monarch FestivalHilo, a day trip

Before you go to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

Rental car from Hilo or KonaDrive 45 minutes or 2 hoursCompare cars

Rooms in Volcano Village or HiloSleep near the park for dawn visitsCheck availability

eSIM for the USAData on landing, no SIM swapRead the guide

Travel insurance for the USMedical cover for visitorsRead the guide

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Rules for Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, checked

The vehicle pass costs $30; the park lists no separate nonresident surcharge and does not accept cash.Checked Oct 1, 2026 · Source

Plan around Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

All of the USA

Parks, cities, entry rules and money for a US trip

Read the guide Hawaii

Choosing islands and booking reservation-only sights

Read the guide Hawaiʻi the Big Island

Kona, Hilo, Maunakea and how to drive the island

Read the guide Hilo

The nearest town, waterfalls and rain

Read the guide Haleakalā National Park

Maui's volcano park, with a sunrise reservation

Read the guide ESTA explained

Who needs it, what it costs and how to apply

Read the guide

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park FAQ

Can you see lava at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park?

Sometimes. Eruptions are episodic, so there are quiet periods and active ones. Check the park's current conditions and the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory before you go, and plan the day around trails and craters.

How much does Hawaiʻi Volcanoes cost?

$30 per vehicle, and there is no separate nonresident fee. The park takes cards only. A Hawaiʻi Tri-Park annual pass costs $55 and covers three parks.

How long do you need at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes?

One full day covers Kīlauea viewpoints, a lava tube or crater trail and Chain of Craters Road if it is open. Two days lets you add a longer hike or a dusk visit.

Is vog dangerous?

Volcanic smog can irritate eyes and lungs, especially for people with asthma or heart conditions. Check air quality and park advisories, and talk to your doctor before you go if you have respiratory problems.

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes or Haleakalā?

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes offers a more varied set of trails, craters and lava tubes with a lower elevation, and Haleakalā offers a summit sunrise above the clouds. If you visit both islands, see both.