Kohala Coast Vacation Rentals

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Visit Hawaii Volcanoes Park during your Kohala Coast Vacation

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island has been and still is the most distinctive and fascinating destination on a Big Island vacation. It's worthwhile a visit during your stay on the Kohala Coast. Taking Hwy 19 it's about a 2-hr drive from the Kohala Coast via Hilo to Volcanoes National Park. If you schedule plenty of time for your trip to Volcano, you have a chance to visit Waipio Valley Lookout, Akaka Waterfalls and Hilo Rainbow Falls. Check on lava flow update on-line or at the phone number of Volcanoes Park 808-985-6000. You can also receive a detailed weather report there. Live Kilauea Volcano pictures are captured by webcam at Puu Oo vent.

If you want to spend the night near Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, see our listings of fully equipped Volcano accommodations, Volcano vacation rentals, vacation homes or B&Bs close to Volcanoes National Park.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on our Best Hawaii Vacation Blog

2008 Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Videos

Volcano Watch at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Breathtaking, spectacular und unforgettable photos by Big Island visitors!

2004 Lava flow at Volcano Park	Park visitors enjoy lava heat
Designed by Pele, Goddess of the Volcano	Hawaii Volcanoes National Park at night

Sightseeing on your trip to Volcano National Park

We recommend to get an early start fom your vacation home or vacation condo on the Kohala Coast. Best to plan a day trip. Just to name a few attractive sights on your way to or from Volcano:

Waipio Valley Lookout on the Hamakua Coast - see virtual tour of Hawaii
Visit famous Akaka Waterfalls - see virtual tour of Hawaii
Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden Hilo, one of the most beautiful places in Hawaii. A unique tropical nature preserve.
Hilo Zoo.com Friends of the Zoo. Welcome to the Pana'ewa Rainforest Zoo.
On your way to or back from Volcano, don't miss the biggest Farmer's market of the Big Island Hilo Farmer's market with the freshest tropical fruits, tropical flowers and vegetables at very affordable prices plus Hawaiian gifts and crafts. Days: Wednesday and Saturday (big time!). A few stands are always open during the rest of the week.

When coming all the way from the Kohala Coast to Volcano with different stops at spectacular Big Island landmarks, like Waipio Valley and Akaka Waterfalls near Hilo, park visitors might want to consider to stay a night or two at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Find comfortable and affordable Volcano Accommodation near the park.

Volcanoes National Park www.nps.gov/havo

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park was established in 1916 as the country’s 13th National Park. It was created to preserve the region’s unique volcanic features, its early human history, and the plant and animal life that is part of this special bio-region. The National Park service is responsible for the protection of this great resource and its visitors.

According to Hawaiian legends, this is the home of Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of fire. Her first home was one of the smaller Hawaiian islands, Ni’ihau, but the goddess of the sea chased her from island to island, destroying each dwelling that Pele had created. Pele finally found a haven in Halema’uma’u, in Kilauea Caldera, where she resides today.

Volcano Park Entrance

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is located 30 miles southwest of Hilo and 96 miles southeast of Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii. There is only one entrance off route 11, south of Hilo and east of Kona.

General Visitors Information

The park is open 24 hours a day, year-round, including holidays. For general information, please, call 808-985-6000 or stop at the Kilauea Visitor Center, the Thomas A. Jaggar Museum or the Volcano House Hotel (808-967-7321 or volcanohouse@earthlink.com . Park information is also available at the website www.nps.gov/havo For an eruption update, call 808-985-6000. Temporary road signs will direct you to safe points whenever eruptions occur. When you enter the park, tune to AM radio 530 for park information.

Park Entrance Fees

Your entrance permit is good for seven consecutive days. The entrance fee is $10 per vehicle and $5 per hiker, bicyclist or motorcyclist over 16 and under 62. Entrance fee is free if you have an annual Hawaii Volcanoes Pass ($20), which may be obtained at park entrance stations, or an annual National Park Pass for all national parks and recreation areas.

Kilauea Visitor Center

Is located a quarter mile from the park entrance. It is open from 7:45am to 5p.m. daily. A 25-minute park movie is shown hourly and there are displays on volcano formation and geologic processes, native plants and animals, and early Hawaiians. Maps, posters, books and videotapes are for sale. Parking and restrooms are available. Backcountry permits (necessary for all overnight backcountry camping trips, no fee applies) may also be obtained.

What to bring when visiting the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

While touring the park, it is a good idea to wear a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen because the sun can be intense. However, the weather can change within minutes. Be prepared for cold, rainy and windy weather (4,000ft elevation) when you visit the park. Temperatures and rain vary a lot by elevation and location. While very warm at sea level, you might find freezing temperatures when climbing Mauna Loa summit. Evenings at the park can be chilly. Have warm clothes available. Wear comfortable walking shoes rather than sandals or flipflops. Bring drinking water and food as they are not readily available in some areas of the park. You can get these items at the Volcano House or Volcano Village.

Safety tips for Volcanoes Park Visitors

Sea cliffs and coastal lava flows can be treacherous. Stay on trails all the time. Recent lava flows are shell-like and can collapse easily. Wave action continually erodes the base of sea cliffs, undermining them and causing large parts to fall off. Fumes from volcanoes can compound respiratory or heart problems and are considered hazardous to infants, pregnant women and elderly people. Follow instructions on warning signs and handouts.

Gas stations in the Park

There are no service stations located in the park. Gas and limited automotive service is available at two stores in Volcano Village on the way to Hilo one mile northeast of the park.

History of active Big Island volcanoes

The Hawaiian islands are mere tops of gigantic mountains rising from the floor of the ocean. The newest of these islands, Hawaii, is relatively young, geologically speaking. Five volcanoes formed the Big Island, but only three are considered active: Mauna Loa, Kilauea and Hualalai. Mauna Loa and Kilauea are two of the world’s most active volcanoes. Because the eruptions of Hawaiian volcanoes are gentler than those of most other volcanoes around the world, the edges of active vents are frequently accessible.

Mauna Loa

the second tallest mountain in the world, rises 13,677ft above sea level and descends more than 8 miles below it. Only Mauna Kea at 13,796ft surpasses it in height when measured from sea level. Mauna Loa has erupted 37 times since 1832. Its last eruption occurred in 1984, and for a time it seemed to threaten the city of Hilo.

Kilauea

4,000ft, Mauna Loa’s smaller neighbor, is one of the world’s most active volcanoes. For more than 100 years, Kilauea was almost continuously active. The current eruption began January 3, 1983, and is the largest and longest flank eruption in history. There is no indication when it may end. Go to www.hvo.wr.usgs.gov/ for current volcano information and photographs.

Volcano Rain Forest

The windward side of Kilauea, with an annual rainfall of more than 100 inches, has a distinctive rain forest.

Flora and Fauna in Volcano

Hawaii’s tropical climate and isolation have developed a diversity of native species. Some animals and plants are endemic (found only in Hawaii). Sadly, many native species are extinct, destroyed by non-native plants and animals and by humans. The NPS is involved in efforts to ensure the future of other endangered species in the park, like the Nene goose, the state bird of Hawaii.

Volcano Accommodations near Volcanoes National Park

Volcano vacation rentals Volcano vacation rentals & Volcano vacation homes .
Explore Ancient Lava Tubes - Unique experience on the Big Island of Hawaii.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park More information about Volcanoes National Park

Watch Hawaii's active volcano from the air.

Check with Big Island helicopter companies for prices on Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Tours

Blue Hawaiian Helicopters Circle of Fire (45 minutes)
Island Hoppers (Airplane) Volcano Waterfall Tour (50 minutes)
Mokulele Flight Service (Airplane) Pele's Delight (40 minutes)
Safari Helicopters Deluxe Waterfall Volcano Safari (55 minutes)
Sunshine Helicopters Formations of Pele-Kilauea Volcano (45 - 50 minutes)
Tropical Helicopters Volcano-Rainbow Falls Adventure (45 minutes)

Volcanoes National Park as seen from the helicopter.

Don't miss these ongoing events when visiting Big Island's Volcanoes National Park.

VOLCANO ART CENTER
Place: Kilauea, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
The Volcano Art Center is a nonprofit, tax-exempt, educational organization created in 1974 to promote, develop and perpetuate the artistic and cultural heritage of Hawaii's people and environment through activities in the visual, literary and performing arts. Under a cooperating agreement with the National Park Service, Volcano Art Center presents ongoing programs in the Park. Call: (808) 967-8222 or visit their site.

RANGER-LED PROGRAMS: HAWAII VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK
Date: Daily
Ranger-led walks and hikes enrich your knowledge of the Park's resources and Hawaiian culture. Walks may be wheelchair accessible or may be longer hikes. The daily schedule of ranger presentations is posted each morning at 9:00 a.m. in the Kilauea Visitor Center. Call: (808) 985-6000 or visit their site.

AFTER DARK IN THE PARK: HAWAII VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK
Date: Every Tuesday
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Place: Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium
After Dark in the Park is a series of free evening programs on topics of geology, biology, Hawaiian culture and history. Call: (808) 985-6000 or visit their site.

10/2/08 Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Lava Flow Update

This is a short update for our Big Island visitors who are planning a visit to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park in the fall months of 2008. As we know from increased lava flow experiences in the past, the number of visitors to the Park has increased over the past few months dramatically ever since the eruption in Halemaumau crater on March 11th, the first eruption at that location since 1982. The colors of the plume are constantly changing from white to gray and even pink. The Park is open 24hrs. At night, the dramatic glow from the vent keeps visitors at awe. There are not many places on earth where visitors can watch safely an active volcano.

The show continues on the coast, and the Kalapana viewing site, located at the end of Highway 130 in the Puna District, is attracting thousands of visitors every week who watch the lava ooze and burn its way across the coastal plain, then roil into the sea with huge clouds of steam and sprays of molten rock. The viewing area is open daily from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m., with the last car permitted into the parking area at 8 p.m. Volcano scientists assess the ever-changing lava activity and report to Hawaii County Civil Defense on a daily basis.

The excellent overlook at the Jaggar Museum is normally open, and will remain so as long as conditions permit. Visitors can also still get stunning views of the heavy plume of steam and gas from the wall at Volcano House hotel and along the adjacent trail. The downwind stretch of Crater Rim Drive is closed off for now. For daily updates on lava viewing areas in the Park and visitors' information visit Volcano Eruption Update.