Island of Hawaiʻi, Hawaii

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

The park protects two of the world's most active volcanoes, Kīlauea and Mauna Loa. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an International Biosphere Reserve.

Official visitor website

All landmarks

Photo: Brocken Inaglory, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The story

Nature & National Parks
Indigenous History & Living Cultures

Why it matters

The park protects two of the world's most active volcanoes, Kīlauea and Mauna Loa. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an International Biosphere Reserve.

Why it may matter to you

The Hawaiian Islands are still being formed — a rare chance to see new land being made.

The fuller story

The volcanoes are sacred in Native Hawaiian tradition, home to Pele. Hawaii was an independent kingdom until its monarchy was overthrown in 1893, before annexation by the United States.

Plan your visit

Hours, prices, reservations, and closures change. Check the official visitor website.

Time to allow: 1–2 days (our estimate)
Setting: Mostly outdoor
Tickets and reservations: Entrance fee. Check the official visitor website.
Getting there: A car is needed; the park is about 45 minutes from Hilo by road.
With family: Volcanic gases can be dangerous for people with heart or breathing conditions, pregnant people, and young children. Follow closures.
Seasons and weather: Eruption activity and closures change often; check alerts before going.
Accessibility: Accessibility information from the operator(opens nps.gov in a new tab)

Times are estimates and distances are straight-line. Citizen Navigator is an independent educational resource. Visitor access and conditions change. Confirm current details with the destination's official operator.