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I recommend that you plan your trip and the areas you would like to see and then go and relax and make a day of it. Go and see all that is in the area and enjoy it. You spend more quality time and learn and see more than you could ever imagine.
| Accessibility | Entrance Fees | Pet Information |
| Backpacking | Food and Supplies | Program / Activities |
| Basic Recommendations | Hiking | Regulations |
| Biking | Lodging | Visitor Centers |
| Camping | Permits | Weather |
Accessibility
The Kilauea Visitor Center, Jaggar Museum, Volcano House Hotel, and Volcano Art Center Gallery are wheelchair accessible. Pullouts along Crater Rim Drive and Chain of Craters Road afford panoramic views of the park. For information on accessible pathways, other facilities and programs, inquire at the visitor center.
Backpacking
Overnight backcountry camping permits are required. Apply at the Kilauea Visitor Center no earlier than the day preceding your hike for these free permits. Hikers on the summit trail to 13,677 foot Mauna Loa can encounter high winds and snow at any time of the year. Backpackers to Mauna Loa should be adequately equipped, experienced in backcountry/high altitude trekking, and physically fit. See the Camping Page for more detailed info.
Basic Visitor Recommendations
The park is situated on two active volcanoes. There are many hidden hazards for the unwary and those unfamiliar with volcanic environments. Wear adequate clothing and sturdy shoes; stay on designated trails and do not enter closed areas or lava tubes (except Thurston Lava Tube); carry and consume water and use precautions against excessive sun exposure. Volcanic fumes are hazardous to your health and can be life-threatening. Visitors with heart or breathing problems, infants, young children and pregnant women are especially at risk and should avoid stopping at Sulphur Banks, Halema`uma`u Crater and other areas where fumes are present.
Biking
Bicycles are not permitted on park trails. Check with the rangers for exception.
Camping
Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park has two drive-in campgrounds - Namakani Paio (located off of Highway 11), and Kulanaokuaiki (located off of Hilina Pali Road). These campgrounds are FREE - the only fee that applies is your entry fee to the park. Camping is available on a first-come basis. No reservations, No permits, and No check-in are necessary. Stays are limited to 7 days in a month and not to exceed 30 days per year.
See the Camping Page for more details.
Entrance Fees
| Private Non-commercial Vehicle | $ 10.00 (Seven Day Pass) |
|---|---|
| Individual Entry (Bike, Foot) | $ 5.00 (Seven Day Pass) |
| Gold Access Passport (Blind or permanently disabled individuals) | Free (Lifetime - good in all national parks) |
| Golden Age Passport (one time fee - for those 62+ years young) | $ 10.00 (Lifetime - good in all national parks) |
| Golden Eagle Passport (good one year from date of purchase) | $ 50.00 (good in all national parks) |
Golden Access Passport
The Golden Access Passport is a free pass available to all permanent U.S. residents who are eligible to receive federal benefits based on disability, whether or not you are actually receiving them or not. This pass entitles the bearer, and immediate family or accompanying passengers in a private vehicle, to free admission to all U.S. National Parks, Monuments, Forests, and Historic Sites, as well as half price camping. Apply in person at any National Park Service or U.S. Forest Service area.
Food and Supplies
Volcano House Hotel, across from the Kilauea Visitor Center on the caldera rim, provides lodging (including rustic cabin rental), gift shops, restaurant, and snack bar. Also nearby Volcano Village has general stores, gas stations, restaurants and bed and breakfast lodging.
Hiking
The character of the park is best discovered on foot. There are over 150 miles of trails in the park. Hike the park trails to experience the park's essence and to gain an understanding of the natural and cultural history of Kilauea and Mauna Loa volcanoes. Day hikes as well as backcountry trips of several days duration are available. If you only have a single day, explore Kilauea's summit trails. Highly recommended is the Kilauea Iki Trail, a four mile, two hour hike, descending 400 feet through native rainforest into a crater, and across lava flows still steaming from the 1959 eruption.
See the Hiking Page for more details.
Lodging
Volcano House Hotel, across from the Kilauea Visitor Center on the caldera rim, provides lodging (including rustic cabin rental), gift shops, restaurant, and snack bar.
See the Lodging Page for more details.
Permits
Backcountry camping is by permit only. You must register at the Kilauea Visitor Center prior to departure (7:45 am to 4:45 pm daily). See the Camping Page for more information.
Pet Information
Pets must be under control at all times. Dogs are not allowed on trails, in the backcountry, or at Kipuka Nene campground.
Programs and Activities
Rangers provide an array of scheduled walks and talks to interpret the park's natural and cultural resources. Educational programs for school groups are provided throughout the year on a reservation basis.
After Dark in the Park is a series of evening presentations generally offered two or three times per month. The free educational programs on biological and geological subjects and Hawai'ian cultural and historical topics are held in the Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium. The annual cultural festival celebrates Hawai'i's native cultural heritage by encouraging visitor hands-on participation in traditional arts and crafts, music and games.
See the Calendar Page for more details.
Regulations
Visitor Centers
Kilauea Visitor Center, located just inside the park entrance, offers visitor information and exhibits. Films and videos are shown in the auditorium throughout the day.
Thomas A. Jaggar Museum, located about three miles from the park entrance, offers earth science displays and features murals depicting Hawai'ian culture. An adjacent overlook offers a panoramic view of Kilauea Caldera and Mauna Loa.
See the Calendar Page for more details.
Weather
The park has distinct climate zones so visitors should be prepared for a wide range of weather conditions. Weather at Kilauea's summit (4,000 foot elevation) fluctuates daily and can be rainy and chilly any time of the year. The coastal plain at the end of Chain of Craters Road is often hot, dry, and windy. Bring rain gear, light sweaters and windbreakers, sturdy shoes, hats, water bottles, sun glasses and high UV factor sunscreen. For weather forecasts call 808-935-8555.
See the Weather Page for current conditions, forecasts and other weather data.
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