Travel Guide: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Located on the Big Island, Hawaii, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is one of the most extraordinary natural places. The park covers 377 square miles of dynamic volcano landscape that attracts tourists, geologists and anyone with a sense of wonder. Inside the gates, the visitor can hike or drive around the amazing volcano landscape to witness cooled calderas or live lava flows. The park features an observatory where visitors can view the Kilauea Caldera from above and decide if they want to hike across the steaming cooled lava.

Since the park is quite large a stay of more than two days will allow you to see as much of the park as possible. There are camping spots nearby or book at the Volcano House, an old style country lodge in operation since 1846. Volcano House is perched on the edge of the Kilauea Caldera and has housed famous guests such as Queen Liliuokalani, Mark Twain and President Franklin D. Roosevelt. As the only hotel in the park it offers the best place from which to launch your Volcanoes adventures.

The best place to start your volcano adventure is at the park headquarters and visitors center which features a museum with exhibits, an excellent relief model of the park and a film shown at regular intervals. The visitor’s center is a great way to get acquainted with the park and ensure you don’t miss a thing as you explore. You can also find out about guided tours and other events that may be happening during your visit such as cultural events. It is also the best place to learn where lava flows are happening and how to get to them safely. Near to the Visitor’s Center is the Volcano Art Center which is housed in the original Volcano House. It is an excellent spot to find works from local artists and craftsman.