National park · Hawaii

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

Protects two of the world's most active volcanoes, Kīlauea and Mauna Loa, and was the first national park established in a U.S. territory.

Entrance
$30 private vehicle
Hours
Open 24 hours daily Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park
Established
August 1, 1916
Region
Islands & Shores
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
Photo: NPS Photo · Public domain (US National Park Service)
The Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park patch

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History

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is significant as it protects two of the world's most active volcanoes, Kīlauea and Mauna Loa, and showcases the unique ecosystems and cultural heritage of Hawaii. It was the first national park established in a U.S. territory and serves as a vital site for scientific research and cultural preservation.

Key events

  1. Kīlauea was traditionally considered the sacred home of the volcano goddess Pele, and a violent eruption in 1790 killed many Hawaiians in the area.
  2. The park was originally established as Hawaii National Park and was split into Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and Haleakalā National Park in 1961.
  3. Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park was designated as an International Biosphere Reserve in 1980 and a World Heritage Site in 1987.
  4. The park's visitor center was closed in 2018 due to volcanic activity but reopened in September of the same year.

Trails

  • Kilauea Iki Trail 3.3 mi · Moderate
  • Crater Rim Trail 7.6 mi · Moderate
  • Devastation Trail 1 mi · Easy
  • Thurston Lava Tube 0.3 mi · Easy
  • Pu'u Loa Petroglyphs 1.4 mi · Easy

Plan your visit

Hours · Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park

Open 24 hours, every day

Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park is open 7 days a week, 24 hours a day including holidays.

Entrance fees

  • Private Vehicle $30
  • Motorcycle $25
  • Per Person $15

Fees and hours as of May 2026. Check current details on NPS.gov

When to go

  • Year-round. Volcanic activity varies, park open 24/7, tropical climate
  • Winter. Drier weather on summit, better lava glow viewing at night
  • Spring. Fewer crowds, comfortable temps, native birds active
  • Summer. Busiest but good weather, all ranger programs available

Wildlife

Nene (Hawaiian goose)ApapaneAmakihiHawaiian hawkHawaiian hoary batGreen sea turtles

Nearby patches

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