Hawaii Volcanoes National Park – Big Island, Hawaii Vacation

We visited Big Island, Hawaii in November 2021. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is a drive from either Kona or Hilo, but it’s really worth it if you’re staying on the Big Island. This is really one of the most amazing parks I’ve been to – it’s also open 24/7. It was so auspicious to have arrived after a recent eruption. The lava lake was still present at the summit of Kilauea in the Halema’uma’u crater. 

If you have time to explore more, there is a lot to do that is accessible/flat. First walk through the Thurston lava tube. It’s really interesting to walk through the tube and imagine how the lava shaped it. Parking can be tricky if it is busy, but most spaces only allow you to park for 30 minutes. If they’re full, swing back around and you’ll likely catch someone leaving. There are lights inside during the day, but they do shut-off at night. There are often tour groups coming through, so if you don’t come with a guide, you’ll hear fun facts anyway!

If you go to the visitor’s center, there’s quite a bit to walk around to see. A trail takes you on a nice walk through some sulfur beds, to some steam vents, and you can even take it to the Kilauea Overlook. From the overlook, you can see some of the steam coming from the lava lake. It is about a 45-minute walk from the visitor’s center to the Kilauea Overlook.

If you want to see the lava lake with the best view, you need to park at Devastation Trail and then hike about a mile to see the lake. The hike is flat and quick. Be prepared for crowds. You may even be directed to park in an area farther away depending on how busy it may be. I highly recommend viewing the lava at night to maximize the experience. Definitely have flashlights or headlamps at the ready! It gets very dark. To get the best pictures at night, remember to turn down your exposure!