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the USA🇺🇸 | national parksHawai’i Volcanoes National ParkKīlauea summit, lava tubes, Chain of Craters, petroglyphs | things to do and best time to go

Explore Haleakalā National ParkExplore Hocking Hills State Park

Backpacking in Hawai’i Volcanoes
UNESCO World Heritage site
👍 Recommendednational park ranked #13
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 22, 2026

One entrance payment covers seven days, so you can come back at dusk without paying twice. Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park sits on the southeast side of the Big Island in the United States, roughly an hour’s drive southwest of Hilo. Trails cross crater floors, lava tubes and rainforest, though the park is spread out and you really need a car. I paid US$4 for a Kona coffee at the Volcano Village stand, and it tasted like a rebellion against my rental’s fuel gauge. Crowds thin out after dark, when the glow is best. Spend a first day at the visitor center, the Crater Rim Drive, then the Halema’uma’u overlook after dinner.

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✨ Why go?
Ranked #13 national park in the USAWhy Hawai’i Volcanoes should be on your travel list

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park rewards people who like to set their own pace. The Kilauea Iki Trail drops through rainforest onto a still-steaming crater floor, and you need no guide, no permit and no tour group to do it. Backcountry hikers can head up the Mauna Loa Trail to Red Hill Cabin, a serious high-altitude trek that tours simply don’t cover. The park also has two drive-in campgrounds, and the nearby village of Volcano has hostel-style lodging, so you can sleep near the trailheads instead of commuting from the coast. Ranger talks give context for free, which makes self-guided travel easy here.

💡 HighlightsThe experiences that define the visit

  1. Halema’uma’u Crater overlook: The summit crater of Kilauea is the park’s signature view, and at night an eruption can light the clouds orange.
  2. Kilauea Iki Trail: A loop that descends through ohia forest to a hardened lava lake, with steam vents along the way.
  3. Thurston Lava Tube (Nahuku): A walk-through tunnel under fern forest, lit in the main section and dark beyond.
  4. Chain of Craters Road: A winding drive down to the coast past old lava flows and pit craters.
  5. Hōlei Sea Arch: A natural arch cut into black lava cliffs at the road’s end, with waves crashing below.
  6. Pu’u Loa Petroglyphs: A short boardwalk walk to thousands of carvings in smooth lava rock.
  7. Steam Vents and Sulphur Banks: Boardwalks beside yellow-crusted vents releasing steam near the visitor center.
  8. Nāpau Crater Trail: A longer hike across
… read more 👉
  1. Halema’uma’u Crater overlook: The summit crater of Kilauea is the park’s signature view, and at night an eruption can light the clouds orange.
  2. Kilauea Iki Trail: A loop that descends through ohia forest to a hardened lava lake, with steam vents along the way.
  3. Thurston Lava Tube (Nahuku): A walk-through tunnel under fern forest, lit in the main section and dark beyond.
  4. Chain of Craters Road: A winding drive down to the coast past old lava flows and pit craters.
  5. Hōlei Sea Arch: A natural arch cut into black lava cliffs at the road’s end, with waves crashing below.
  6. Pu’u Loa Petroglyphs: A short boardwalk walk to thousands of carvings in smooth lava rock.
  7. Steam Vents and Sulphur Banks: Boardwalks beside yellow-crusted vents releasing steam near the visitor center.
  8. Nāpau Crater Trail: A longer hike across old flows and forest to a remote crater.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park needs only the entrance pass for everything above, and backcountry camping or Mauna Loa cabin stays require a permit arranged ahead.
Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.

Things to do around Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park

Big Island in a Day: Volcanoes Waterfalls Sightseeing and History

Big Island in a Day: Volcanoes Waterfalls Sightseeing and History

4.9(7127) 11h
From €250
per personViator
Hilo Shore Excursion Volcanoes National Park and Black Sand Beach

Hilo Shore Excursion Volcanoes National Park and Black Sand Beach

4.8(3106) 6h
From €153
per personViator
Small Group Big Island Twilight Volcano and Stargazing Tour

Small Group Big Island Twilight Volcano and Stargazing Tour

4.9(1752) 12h
From €280
per personViator
Big Island Highlights: Coffee, Volcano, Black Sands & Waterfall

Big Island Highlights: Coffee, Volcano, Black Sands & Waterfall

4.9(1068) 11h
From €271
per personViator
Big Island: Deluxe Volcano Experience with Restaurant Dinner

Big Island: Deluxe Volcano Experience with Restaurant Dinner

4.9(631) 11h
From €310
per personViator
Hilo Shore Excursion: Active Volcano, Lava Tube, Waterfall and Gardens

Hilo Shore Excursion: Active Volcano, Lava Tube, Waterfall and Gardens

4.9(454) 5h 30m
From €171
per personViator
Manta Ray Night Snorkel Experience of a Lifetime

Manta Ray Night Snorkel Experience of a Lifetime

4.7(593) 2h
From €124
per personViator
Private Tour: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Eco Tour

Private Tour: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Eco Tour

5.0(329)
From €182
per personViator
Volcano Adventure: Hilo Sightseeing w/ Optional Helicopter Tour

Volcano Adventure: Hilo Sightseeing w/ Optional Helicopter Tour

4.7(432) 10h 30m
From €184
per personViator
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Hilo Highlights Small Group Tour

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Hilo Highlights Small Group Tour

4.9(290) 5h 30m
From €171
per personViator

Ratings based on Tripadvisor reviews. When you book through this link, you support our work at no extra cost to you.

🌤️ When to go?Weather, crowds, and seasonal trade-offs

  • Dry Season (April to October): Coastal areas run 24 to 29°C (75 to 84°F) with more sun, and the summit of Kīlauea sits cooler at 15 to 22°C (59 to 72°F). Daylight lasts roughly 13 hours in June.
  • Wet Season (November to March): Expect rain on the Hilo side and the summit, with highs of 18 to 24°C (64 to 75°F) and nights near 10°C (50°F). Days shorten to about 11 hours.
  • Crowds and Prices: Mid-December and June to July are busiest, and lodging in Volcano Village rises 20 to 40 percent. September and early May are quieter.
  • Lava Glow: The crater glow shows best after dark all year, and it depends on eruption activity.
Book Volcano Village lodging at least a month ahead for holiday weeks, and pack a rain shell in any month.

source: climatestotravel.comJANJanuary: fair for travelingFEBFebruary: fair for travelingMARMarch: fair for travelingAPRApril: highly recommended for travelingMAYMay: excellent for travelingJUNJune: good for travelingJULJuly: good for travelingAUGAugust: good for travelingSEPSeptember: highly recommended for travelingOCTOctober: highly recommended for travelingNOVNovember: fair for travelingDECDecember: fair for traveling
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🛏️ Where to stay?Choosing the right base

Volcano Village, just outside the park entrance, is the best base for backpackers, about 5 minutes by car from the visitor center. It has B&Bs, cottages and a few hostel-style rooms, with dorm beds around US$45 to 70 and private rooms from US$120. Inside the park, Kīlauea Military Camp offers cabins and rooms, open mainly to military-affiliated guests, and Volcano House sits on the crater rim with rooms from about US$300. Camping is the budget option: Nāmakanipaio Campground has tent sites around US$15 to 20 and basic cabins, while Kulanaokuaiki Campground is primitive, with first-come sites at … read more 👉
Volcano Village, just outside the park entrance, is the best base for backpackers, about 5 minutes by car from the visitor center. It has B&Bs, cottages and a few hostel-style rooms, with dorm beds around US$45 to 70 and private rooms from US$120. Inside the park, Kīlauea Military Camp offers cabins and rooms, open mainly to military-affiliated guests, and Volcano House sits on the crater rim with rooms from about US$300. Camping is the budget option: Nāmakanipaio Campground has tent sites around US$15 to 20 and basic cabins, while Kulanaokuaiki Campground is primitive, with first-come sites at about US$10 per night. Hilo, about 45 minutes away by road, has the widest choice of hostels and cheaper guesthouses, and Pāhoa and Kailua-Kona are options if you are circling the island.
Best hostels in the USA


Best quality hotels in the USA

👛 Costs (as of 22 October 2026)How expensive it really is

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park costs a backpacker roughly US$115 to 190 per day, with the entry fee small next to lodging. The total below assumes camping or a dorm and a rental car.
CategoryBudget RangeLocal Reality
Entrance FeeUS$15 to 30US$30 per vehicle for seven days, US$15 on foot or bike. Prices may vary.
Accommodation (high season)US$15 to 70Tent sites at Nāmakanipaio run US$15 to 20, dorm beds in the area US$45 to 70.
Local TransportUS$50 to 80Rental cars start around US$50 per day, plus gas at Hawaiian prices. No park shuttle operates.
Food and SuppliesUS$25 to 50Groceries in Hilo or Volcano Village are cheaper than park dining. Plan for pricey restaurant meals.
Total Daily BudgetUS$115 to 190Based on the sums above, using high-season rates.


source: nps.gov
⚠️ Prices can change and everyone travels differently, so take this as a rough guide. Hope it helps you plan your adventure!

🥾 TrailsTrail guide for Hawai’i Volcanoes national park

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park offers walks from ten minutes to several days, mostly on lava rock, boardwalk and rainforest path.
  • Kilauea Iki Trail: About 6.4 km loop, 2 to 3 hours, moderate. Rainforest descent, then a walk across the crater floor with steam vents.
  • Devastation Trail: About 1.6 km round trip, 30 to 45 minutes, easy and paved. Passes a landscape of cinder and dead trees.
  • Pu’u Loa Petroglyphs Trail: About 2.4 km round trip, 45 to 60 minutes, easy. Crosses lava to a boardwalk of carvings.
  • Crater Rim Trail: About 17 km loop, a full day, moderate. Sections can be walked individually, and
… read more 👉
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park offers walks from ten minutes to several days, mostly on lava rock, boardwalk and rainforest path.
  • Kilauea Iki Trail: About 6.4 km loop, 2 to 3 hours, moderate. Rainforest descent, then a walk across the crater floor with steam vents.
  • Devastation Trail: About 1.6 km round trip, 30 to 45 minutes, easy and paved. Passes a landscape of cinder and dead trees.
  • Pu’u Loa Petroglyphs Trail: About 2.4 km round trip, 45 to 60 minutes, easy. Crosses lava to a boardwalk of carvings.
  • Crater Rim Trail: About 17 km loop, a full day, moderate. Sections can be walked individually, and some are closed after earthquake damage.
  • Mauna Loa Trail: About 12 km (7.5 miles) one way to Red Hill Cabin, with about 1,030 m of climbing, strenuous. Since the 2022 eruption the summit cabin cannot be reached on this trail. High altitude, exposed lava and rough weather.
Wildlife is modest but memorable: the nēnē (Hawaiian goose) grazes near the roadsides, and bright native birds flit through the ohia trees. Weather swings quickly at 1,200 meters, so bring a rain layer and sturdy shoes.
There is no public bus to the park entrance, so most travelers drive from Hilo or Kona. It is busiest from late morning to afternoon, and the park charges an entrance fee, valid for seven days. Some areas close because of volcanic gas or activity, so check conditions at the visitor center.
⚠️ Hiking info can sometimes be outdated or inaccurate. Before you hit the trail, check the latest conditions with locals. If you do spot anything that's off, I'd love to hear from you, so I can update it for fellow travelers.

🛡️ SafetyScams, Hazards, and Annoyances

Hawai’i Volcanoes is well managed, and most problems come from the weather and the volcano itself. Check the park’s eruption and air quality updates daily, since volcanic gas (vog) can irritate lungs, and anyone with asthma should carry medication. Rain and fog arrive quickly at 1,200 meters (4,000 ft), so carry a shell and stay on marked trails. Lava rock is sharp and uneven, so wear closed shoes with grip, and carry at least 2 liters of water for the dry coastal hikes, which have no shade. Honor closures, because crater edges and sea cliffs are unstable. Leave nēnē geese alone and keep your distance. Don’t leave valuables visible in parked cars.
Check Country Safety

FAQFrequently asked questions about Hawai’i Volcanoes

Plan on two full days for Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, or three if you want to hike. Day one covers the Kīlauea summit, Crater Rim Drive and Thurston Lava Tube, and a night visit to see the glow. Day two suits Chain of Craters Road, which runs about 19 miles (31 km) one way to the coast, and the Kīlauea Iki trail, a 4-mile (6.4 km) loop taking 2 to 3 hours.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is hard to visit without a car, since no public shuttle runs inside it. The Hele-On bus from Hilo reaches Volcano Village only a few times a day, and it takes about an hour. From there you can walk or bike short sections, but Chain of Craters Road is about 19 miles (31 km) long and tough on foot. Renting in Hilo, around US$50 per day, is the easiest fix.
Yes, Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park charges US$30 per vehicle, US$25 per motorcycle, and US$15 per person on foot or bike, valid for seven days. Annual passes such as the America the Beautiful pass (US$80 for US residents, US$250 for nonresidents) are accepted. Day hiking needs no permit, but backcountry camping requires a permit, around US$10 per night, from the visitor center on the day or day before your trip.
⚠️ Things can change over time, so always validate details locally before you go.

Other American national parks near Hawai’i Volcanoes

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We 💚 feedbackWhat to keep in mind

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park deserves two full days, and a third if you plan the Mauna Loa climb. One day only skims the crater rim and a single hike. I would split the time so that you see the glow once at night and walk Kilauea Iki in the morning.

✈️ When did I visit the USA?
In January 2023 I visited New York. Many years before, before digital cameras existed, I discovered most of the national parks in the West.

✍️ Help improve this page!
The information on this page is based on my own backpacking experience in the USA, supplemented with up-to-date research and feedback from other travelers. Travel details can change, so if you notice anything outdated or incomplete, feel free to let me know.



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Johan, backpacker and founder of TakeYourBackpackHi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past 3 decades, I’ve backpacked through 90+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.

This site is built on a combination of firsthand travel experience and carefully curated insights from other backpackers. Many guides are based on places I’ve personally visited, while others bring together tips, observations, and practical advice shared by trusted travelers I’ve met along the way.

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