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Before you go
Your trip to Volcano.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Volcano – Hawaii Destination Hawaii Island (Big Island) about 345 km from Honolulu
How to get there
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Hilo International Airport (ITO) Hilo · 45 km
Approximate distances. Check flights and bus, train or boat schedules before you travel.
By Highway 11, which climbs from Hilo and its airport in about 45 minutes. From Kailua‑Kona it’s roughly 150 km via the south side of the island. There are island buses with few departures.
How many days
One day for the park; two days to hike and see the crater also at night. The Punaluʻu beach fits into the trip to or from Kona.
When to go
All year. The altitude makes the climate cooler than the coast, with nights between 10 °C and 15 °C, and frequent rain. Bring a jacket at any time of year.
The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.
Do you need a car?
Yes. The park is large and buses have few departures. Inside the park, roads lead to viewpoints and trails. Drive on the right.
Suggested itinerary
An order that works
Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.
One day in Volcano
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Morning
Kīlauea caldera
Stop at the visitor center, drive the Crater Rim Drive and see the Nāhuku lava tube.
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Afternoon
Chain of Craters Road
Drive down Chain of Craters Road to the Hōlei lava arch and return in the late afternoon.
2 days in Volcano
Day 1
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All day
Volcanoes National Park
Crater Rim Drive, Nāhuku and the Kīlauea Iki trail.
Day 2
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Morning
Chain of Craters and Punaluʻu
Drive down Chain of Craters Road and, on the way out toward Kona, stop at Punaluʻu beach.
Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.
Before you go
Frequently asked questions
Is it worth sleeping in Volcano?
Yes. Staying in the village allows early access to the park and returning at night, when the lava glow is more visible during eruptive periods.
Is it cold in Volcano?
Nights usually range from 10 °C to 15 °C, because of the altitude of about 1,100 meters. Bring a jacket.
How far is Volcano from Hilo?
It’s about 45 km by road to Hilo, descending the slope of Kīlauea.
What is vog?
The haze formed by volcano gases. It can affect people with respiratory problems; check park advisories.