Kohala Coast Vacation Rentals

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Volcano Watch at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

2/8/2008 "State wants to keep lava-watchers away, close eruption site to public until 2009"
Read the whole article in West Hawaii Today

Visit Hawaii Volcanoes Park during your Kohala Coast Vacation

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island is distinctive, fascinating and worthwhile a visit during your visit to the Kohala Coast. Taking Hwy 19 it's about a 2-hr drive from the Kohala Coast via Hilo to Volcanoes National Park. 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's active volcano Kilauea in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Breathtaking, spectacular und unforgettable photos by Big Island visitors!

Dramatic lava flow June 4, 2004	Park visitors enjoy lava 'displays'
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park	at its best!
Nature's fireworks & art!	Lava sculpture

Sightseeing on your trip to Volcano

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. 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

Volcanoes National Park as seen from the helicopter.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park	as seen from a helicopter tour.
Pele is fuming	Lava flow seen from helicopter

Blue Hawaiian Helicopters $165 Circle of Fire (45 minutes)
Island Hoppers (Airplane) $89 Volcano Waterfall Tour (50 minutes)
Mokulele Flight Service (Airplane) $104 on-line Pele's Delight (40 minutes)
Safari Helicopters $149 Deluxe Waterfall Volcano Safari (55 minutes)
Sunshine Helicopters $140 Formations of Pele-Kilauea Volcano (45 - 50 minutes)
Tropical Helicopters $138 Volcano-Rainbow Falls Adventure (45 minutes)

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.