Visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park On The Big Island

The impressive Kilauea Volcano on Hawaii's Big Island is the world's most active volcano and has been erupting for more than 25 years. The Big Island is one of the few places on earth where the magnificence of a live volcano can be experienced through the beauty offered by the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The spectacular volcano's name, meaning "much spewing", holds true as the volcano's lava creates a plume of steam as it spills into the Pacific Ocean.

The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on Hawaii's Big Island is the island's number one visitor attraction with 377 square miles of unfamiliar terrain providing a spectacle to behold, taking visitors on a journey back to the beginning of creation. Kilauea has been erupting since 1983 whilst Mauna Loa, the Big Island's other volcano, last erupted in 1984. The great mana, or spiritual power, can be felt as the vast National Park is explored.

Hawaii's Big Island is a truly unique island offering experiences and landscape to thrill - here there are 11 of earth's 13 climate zones, so be prepared for changeable weather and pack accordingly, so that you can enjoy all the natural glories of the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Mauna Kea is the world's tallest mountain from the ocean floor and at its peak, where there is snow to play in. It measures 13,796 feet from sea level and is thus higher than Mount Everest. Hiking lovers will be in their element at the Volcanoes National Park's rocky trails and at the Waipio Valley, the "Valley of the Kings".

Visitors can stop off and relax at one of many of the Big Island's beaches including the green sand beach of Papakoa at South Point, which is made from Olivine crystals. A must see place is Hilo, the island's largest city and capital which holds a traditional Hawaiian aura and is great for entertainment, culture and cuisine. The tropical rainforests, cascading waterfalls and deep gorges of the Hamakua Coast are a world away from the arid landscape of the eastern coast and a wonder to explore.


For a longer stay to enjoy all that the area has to offer, you will find a variety of hotels and lodges in the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The area is also good for camping with two designated drive-in camps: Namakani Paio, accessed via Highway 11 and Kulanaokuaiki, accessed from Hilina Pali Road. Both are free except for a park entry fee and no reservations are necessary but please be aware it is operated on a first come, first served basis. You are permitted to stay at either of the parks for one week out of four and for no more than thirty days in one year. Namakani Paio has good barbecue pit and picnic facilities. There is no running water available at Kulanaokuaiki but two out of the three sites that make up Kulanaokuaiki in the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park have wheelchair access facilities.

If you're camping in a tent, or walking in the area, it is good to know that the weather in the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park can be wet and cool. An effective rain fly and warm clothes are essentials.