Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park wilderness guide
National Park · HI

Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park

Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island offers a unique landscape shaped by ongoing volcanic activity, providing visitors with the rare opportunity to witness erupting volcanoes and explore dynamic lava fields.

National Park323,4314+ Trails
DesignationNational Park
Total Wilderness Area323,431
Elevation / TerrainDiverse Wilderness
Field Editorial Guide

About Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park

Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island offers a unique landscape shaped by ongoing volcanic activity, providing visitors with the rare opportunity to witness erupting volcanoes and explore dynamic lava fields.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park is located on the Big Island, encompassing over 300,000 acres of diverse terrain around the active volcanoes Kīlauea and Mauna Loa. This park offers unique geological features like sulfur banks, lava tubes, and volcanic craters, amidst dense rainforests and arid landscapes. Established in 1916, the park preserves the natural and cultural heritage of the Hawaiian Islands, offering insights into volcanic activity and the rich biodiversity that emerges in its wake. Popular activities include hiking through stark volcanic landscapes, exploring the flora and fauna adapted to these harsh conditions, and witnessing lava flows firsthand when volcanic activity permits. Visitors can also engage with the cultural aspects of the park through its ancient petroglyphs and the traditional stories of native Hawaiians. The park serves as an ideal destination for adventure enthusiasts and scientific explorers alike, keen on experiencing the dynamic earth-shaping forces in action and contributing to the ongoing conversation about conservation and environmental resilience against natural disasters.

Field Guide · National Park
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Kīlauea Caldera✦ Thurston Lava Tube✦ Chain of Craters Road✦ Devastation Trail
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Park admission fees apply; annual America the Beautiful passes accepted.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Nāmakanipaio Campground

Located at 4,000 feet elevation, this campground offers tent sites, cabins, and a scenic setting amidst eucalyptus trees.

Kulanaokuaiki Campground

A small, less crowded campground providing a quiet, rustic experience without access to running water or hook-ups.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Volcano, Hawaii
⌖ 3.52 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Volcano, Hawaii

Volcano, HI is an adventurer's paradise where lush rainforests and active volcanic terrain combine. Explore hiking trails, bird watching, and stunning landscapes in this vibrant area.

Year-round
Explore Town
Volcano Village, Hawaii
⌖ 3.52 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Volcano Village, Hawaii

Volcano Village is a peaceful basecamp on Hawai‘i Island’s volcanic frontier, offering easy access to dramatic lava fields, rainforest hikes, and night skies filled with stars. Ideal for adventurers seeking unique volcanic landscapes and tranquil nature escapes.

Year-round, with drier months April to October preferred for hiking and stargazing
Explore Town
Mountain View, Hawaii
⌖ 14.88 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Mountain View, Hawaii

Mountain View, Hawaii, is a peaceful gateway to Big Island’s volcanic wonders and lush forests. Ideal for hikers and nature lovers seeking authentic experiences amid lava flows, native birds, and tropical landscapes.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Pāhala, Hawaii
⌖ 19.36 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Pāhala, Hawaii

Pāhala is a small town on Hawai‘i Island’s southern edge, perfect for adventurers seeking rugged volcanic terrain, forest trails, and serene stargazing away from crowds.

Spring and Fall
Explore Town
Keaau, Hawaii
⌖ 21.42 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Keaau, Hawaii

Keaau offers outdoor lovers lush rainforests, volcanic hiking, and coastal paddling on Hawaii’s Big Island. It’s a quiet town serving as a base for volcano adventures, bird watching, and mountain biking amid tropical landscapes.

April to October
Explore Town
Keaʻau, Hawaii
⌖ 21.42 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Keaʻau, Hawaii

Keaʻau is a convenient base for exploring Hawaii’s Big Island volcanic wonders. From hiking volcanic craters to paddling calm coastal waters, it offers tropical outdoor adventures year-round.

Spring to Early Fall
Explore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

3 Hour Fat Tire E-Bike Tour - Volcanos National Park
ADVEXPEDITION
Hilo, Hawaii
Bike TourADV Bookable

3 Hour Fat Tire E-Bike Tour - Volcanos National Park

Discover the volcanic wonderland of Hawaii’s Big Island on a guided 3-hour Fat Tire E-Bike tour through Volcanoes National Park. Glide past lava fields, craters, and steaming vents with expert guides sharing fascinating geological insights. An accessible adventure perfect for all ages and fitness levels.

Bike TourCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
34K - Private Hawaii Volcanoes and Hellicopter Tour from Kauai
ADVEXPEDITION
Honolulu, Hawaii
Guided TourADV Bookable

34K - Private Hawaii Volcanoes and Hellicopter Tour from Kauai

Experience breathtaking lava flows and explore Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on a private helicopter and guided ground tour. Book now for an unforgettable adventure above and below the volcanic landscape.

Guided TourSubject to Availability • Ages 3+ • 8am-6pm (approx)Certified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Summit to Shore: A Private Day across Mauna Loa and Kilauea
ADVEXPEDITION
Waikoloa, Hawaii
Guided TourADV Bookable

Summit to Shore: A Private Day across Mauna Loa and Kilauea

An eight‑hour private circuit from Kona through Kona coffee country and lava fields to Kilauea Volcano and Punaluʻu’s black sand shore—this guide distills the route, highlights, and what to confirm before you go.

Guided TourPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
34M- Private Hawaii Volcano and Helicopter Tour from Maui
ADVEXPEDITION
Volcano, Hawaii
Air ActivitiesADV Bookable

34M- Private Hawaii Volcano and Helicopter Tour from Maui

Discover Hawaii’s active volcanoes from both air and ground on a private helicopter tour. Experience spectacular lava views and expert insights on this exclusive adventure.

Air ActivitiesCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
33K- Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Experience Departing from Kauai
ADVEXPEDITION
Kailua-Kona, HI
FarmADV Bookable

33K- Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Experience Departing from Kauai

Travelers departing from Kauai can dive into the Big Island’s volcanic landscapes, verdant coffee farms, and black sand beaches with Aloha Sunshine Tours. This full-day adventure offers an unmatched glimpse of Hawaii’s natural and cultural treasures.

FarmRuns Daily @ 8:00AM • Pick-up at Flight Arrival Time • Duration 10 - 11 Hrs.Certified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Volcanoes National Park Private Guided Hike - Small Group Hike
ADVEXPEDITION
Volcano, Hawaii
PrivateADV Bookable

Volcanoes National Park Private Guided Hike - Small Group Hike

Discover the raw volcanic power of Hawai'i’s Volcanoes National Park on a guided 6-hour trek. From steaming vents to lava tubes, this small-group tour offers an unforgettable adventure into the island’s fiery landscape.

PrivateCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip