Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park protects some of the most unique geological, biological, and cherished cultural landscapes in the world.
Photo: Courtesy of J. Frank / NPS
About Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park protects some of the most unique geological, biological, and cherished cultural landscapes in the world. Extending from sea level to 13,680 feet, the park encompasses the summits of two of the world's most active volcanoes - Kīlauea and Mauna Loa - and is a designated International Biosphere Reserve and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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HIdrive time
HIdrive time
HIdrive time
HIdrive time
Driving times from Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, one way, via road — a realistic day is 8–10 hours behind the wheel.
Entrance fees
Entrance - Private Vehicle
$30.00Private Vehicle Pass - The private vehicle pass admits the passholder and up to 14 passengers of a single, private (non-commercial) vehicle.
Entrance - Motorcycle
$25.00Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.
Entrance - Per Person
$15.00Pedestrian/Cyclist Pass - Admits one individual bicyclist, hiker, or pedestrian visiting without a private vehicle. An individual pass is not required for visitors aged 15 and under.
Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus
$100.00The commercial entrance fee for a Road Based Guided Tour is based on vehicle seating capacity. For a 16-25 passenger vehicle the user fee is $100.
Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach
$200.00The commercial entrance fee for a Road Based Guided Tour is based on vehicle seating capacity. For a 26+ passenger vehicle the user fee is $200. Large vehicles, defined as more than 26 feet in length and/or more than eight feet wide, are only allowed to operate on Crater Rim Drive to Kilauea Visitor Center, Kūkamāhuākea (Steam Vents), and Uēkahuna. Mauna Loa Road to the Kīpukapuaulu turnabout.
Commercial Entrance - Per Person
$15.00$15 per person for Commercial Non-Road Based Guided Tours. This includes hiking more than one mile on one trail, bird watching on foot for more than one hour at one location, and/or or bicycling tours.
Hours
Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park
- Mon
- All Day
- Tue
- All Day
- Wed
- All Day
- Thu
- All Day
- Fri
- All Day
- Sat
- All Day
- Sun
- All Day
Kahuku Unit
- Mon
- Closed
- Tue
- Closed
- Wed
- Closed
- Thu
- 8:00AM - 4:00PM
- Fri
- 8:00AM - 4:00PM
- Sat
- 8:00AM - 4:00PM
- Sun
- 8:00AM - 4:00PM
Activities
Getting there
The weather the summit of Kīlauea (~4000' elevation) varies daily and may be rainy and chilly any time of the year. Temperature varies by elevation. At the summit of the volcano, temperatures may be 12 to 15 degrees cooler than at sea level. The coastal plain at the end of Chain of Craters Road is often hot, dry, and windy with the possibility of passing showers.
Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to enter Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park?
- Entrance to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park starts at $15. See the fees section above for each pass and vehicle type.
- What is there to do at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park?
- Popular activities include Arts and Culture, Backcountry Camping, Backcountry Hiking, Biking, Birdwatching, Bookstore and Park Store.
- Which national parks are within a day's drive of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park?
- Within about a day's drive you can reach Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail (2 h 23 min), Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park (2 h 36 min), Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park (3 h 7 min), Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site (3 h 37 min).