Exploring Activities at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Exploring Activities at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

In the heart of Hawaii, Kilauea Volcano offers a unique and awe-inspiring experience for visitors. Located within the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, this active volcano is surrounded by a rich tapestry of natural wonders and cultural treasures.

**1. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Highlights**

Explore the Kilauea caldera and its surrounding crater rims with easy to moderate hikes like the Halemaʻumaʻu/Byron's Ledge/Crater Rim Loop, a 2-hour hike at a leisurely pace. Wander through the Nahuku Thurston Lava Tubes, an underground lava cave, or visit the Steam Vents either by driving or hiking the Sulphur Banks loop starting at Volcano House.

Drive the famous Chain of Craters Road down to the sea arch, offering stunning volcanic landscapes. For eruption views, head to the Welcome Center near Kilauea Military Camp and walk toward the overlook past the flagpole to see the current volcanic activity safely.

**2. Guided and Helicopter Tours**

For an unparalleled aerial view, consider a doors-off helicopter tour from Kona with companies like Rainbow Helicopters. These tours offer unique vantage points of lava flows, steaming vents, and the volcanic landscape, accompanied by insightful commentary on the volcano's history and Hawaiian mythology.

Join guided tours inside the park to gain expert knowledge and safer access to eruption viewpoints and lesser-known spots.

**3. Scenic Drives & Nearby Attractions**

The Chain of Craters Road is a must-do scenic drive featuring lava fields, volcanic craters, and the dramatic coastline. Nearby natural wonders include Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach, famous for sea turtles, Green Sand Beach (Papakōlea), and waterfalls like Rainbow Falls and Akaka Falls near Hilo.

For night activities, Mauna Kea Stargazing provides breathtaking views of the night sky. Visit Kona Coffee Country to experience local culture and cuisine.

**4. Best Access Points and Tips**

Arrive early, especially if traveling from Hilo (about 45 minutes away), to beat crowds. If coming from Kona, be prepared for a longer drive (~2 hours). Staying overnight in Volcano village or Fern Forest reduces daily travel time and lets you enjoy the area more fully, though dining options are limited.

Bring water, snacks, sunscreen, and jackets for variable weather and cooler mornings.

Combining hiking, scenic drives, helicopter tours, and visits to nearby natural gems will provide a comprehensive and unforgettable experience of Kilauea Volcano and its surroundings.

**Additional Attractions**

- A 0.7-mile hike leads to the petroglyphs at Puuloa, the largest concentration of petroglyphs in Polynesia. - The Kilauea Volcano Adventure tour by Hawaii Forest & Trail includes a visit to a natural lava tube near Hilo. - After a rain shower, steambows (rainbows over steam vents) can be photographed from the Jaggar Museum. - Chain of Craters Road is an 18-mile, one-way drive from Kilauea Visitor Center to a 2003 lava flow that cuts the road off abruptly. - The lava-viewing site for Kilauea Volcano is currently operated by the county of Hawaii and is located outside the park at the end of Highway 130. - The currently erupting vent at Halemaumau Crater is a likely photo opportunity, fuming during the day and glowing after dark. - Portions of the Crater Rim drive have been closed since February 2008 due to sulfur fumes and explosive eruptions. - The Jaggar Museum offers views of the entire Kilauea Caldera, particularly suitable for low-light photography in the evening. - Access to the falls is via a self-guided trail with scenic lookouts.

The native flora in Kilauea includes Ohia-lehua, koa and mamane trees; ohelo, aalii, and pukiawe bushes; and hapuu and amau ferns. Care should be taken not to walk on the petroglyphs at Puuloa.

With these tips and attractions in mind, you are now ready to embark on an unforgettable journey through Kilauea Volcano and its surrounding wonders.

1. Capture the beauty of the Kilauea Volcano's surroundings with a photography expedition, showcasing the native flora like Ohia-lehua trees and steambows (rainbows over steam vents) from the Jaggar Museum.
2. Immerse yourself in the lifestyle of the region by visiting Kona Coffee Country, sampling local coffee and cuisine, and experiencing an adventure through the forests, such as the hike to the largest concentration of petroglyphs in Polynesia at Puuloa.
3. Travel the Ocean by visiting the nearby beaches, such as Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach, famous for sea turtles, and the unique Green Sand Beach (Papakōlea).
4. For a complete Kilauea Volcano experience, consider embarking on day trips to the nearby waterfalls like Rainbow Falls and Akaka Falls near Hilo, or nighttime stargazing trips to the Mauna Kea summit.

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