Best things to do in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Updated April 26th, 2022
Hawaii volcano hikers people walking hiking on mountains in Haleakala volcanic background landscape. Two young tourists couple on trek hike outdoors.
Image credit: maridav / 123rf

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes is a national park located on the Big Island of Hawaii. The park is home to two of the world's most active volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa. Hawaiʻi Volcanoes is also famous for its diverse landscape, which includes lava fields, rainforests, and the only place in the United States where you can find petroglyphs.

The best things to do in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park are to hike through the lava fields, explore the rainforests, and see the petroglyphs. The lava fields are a must-see, as they are constantly changing due to the eruptions of the volcanoes. The rainforests are also a beautiful sight, and are home to many different species of plants and animals. The petroglyphs are another highlight of the park, and are a fascinating glimpse into the past.

In addition to the park, there are many other top tourist attractions in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes. The Big Island is home to many beautiful beaches, as well as the city of Hilo, which is a great place to shop and eat. There are also several volcanoes that you can visit, including the world-famous Mount Kilauea.

1. Visit the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Visitors would experience an amazing experience when visiting the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The park is located in the islands of Hawaiʻi and is home to some of the most active volcanoes in the world. The park is a great place to learn about the geology of the islands and see some of the most impressive natural scenery.

2. Take a lava boat tour

When someone takes a lava boat tour in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes, they may feel excited as they board the boat and see the glowing lava in the boat's engine. They may feel awe as the boat slowly approaches the lava flow and sees the fiery red-orange lava pouring out of the volcano. They may feel nervous as the boat gets close to the lava flow, as the heat can be intense. They may feel proud as they witness the beauty of the molten lava as it flows down the mountain.

3. Visit the Jaggar Museum

When visiting the Jaggar Museum in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes, visitors are likely to feel inspired by the exhibits and learn about the history of the volcano and the people who have lived there. The museum is well-organized and easy to navigate, and the staff is knowledgeable and friendly.

4. Take a hike through the Thurston Lava Tube

The visitor would experience an amazing view of the active volcano while hiking through the Thurston Lava Tube. The tube would be hot and humid, with a natural gas smell. Although it is a bit of a hike, it is definitely worth it to see the incredible view.

5. Watch the lava flow at night

A visitor experiences a night hike to watch the lava flow at the Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. The visitor hikes up a short trail to an overlook, where they can see the lava flowing down the mountains. The visitor can also see the light from the volcanoes and the stars in the sky.

6. Take a helicopter tour

When a visitor takes a helicopter tour in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes, they will be flying over the active volcanoes and experiencing the amazing views. The tour will last approximately one hour and will take you to some of the most active volcanoes in the state.

7. Visit the Pu'u 'O'o vent

When someone visits the Puʻu ʻOʻo vent, they may feel a sense of awe as they take in the incredible view. The vent is located high up on the rim of the volcano, and from up here one can see the entire active caldera. Visitors may also feel a sense of accomplishment as they make their way down the steep and narrow path to the vent. The air is hot and humid and the view is unforgettable.

8. Go stargazing

When someone visits Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park for stargazing, they may be able to see different types of stars and planets in the night sky. Visitors may be able to see the Milky Way, star clusters, and even planets.