Do you know how to plan your Hawaii Volcanoes National Park itinerary? There’s so much to see and do! What are the “can’t miss” experiences? Is your time there limited? Let me give you some suggestions based on our own experiences in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

Kilauea Caldera, a vast brown-gray barren crater

Here are three Hawaii Volcanoes National Park itineraries, based on the length of your stay there. Enjoy!

Published June 26, 2024…Updated January 9, 2025

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Your OneDay Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Itinerary

You’ll have to make some tough choices with only one day in the park. Here are our suggestions…

Kilauea Visitor Center

Begin your day at the Kilauea Visitors Center. It’s just inside the entrance to the park on the right side of the road. There is ample parking here both in front and to the side of the visitors center. It opens at 9:00. Restrooms are located at the far end of the building.

Kilauea Visitor Center in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Do a little souvenir shopping here. Pick up a map. Talk to a park ranger or volunteer about your options. (The volunteer we spoke with spent several minutes filling us in on the best hikes, the history of the park, and the animals we would see.)

Crater Rim Trail

Let’s make our way to Crater Rim Trail and Sulphur Banks Trail next. You may begin at the visitor center – the Sulphur Banks Trail begins or ends (it’s an out-and-back trail) at the far edge of the visitors center, in front of the Volcano Art Center Gallery.

Or you may drive past the visitors center a short distance to the Crater Rim Trail and the Sulphur Banks Trail parking area. The parking area will be on your left. Walk up the short trail just off the parking area and you find yourself on the edge of the Kilauea Caldera, the giant crater formed by the eruption of Mount Kilauea beginning in 1500 AD.

Trail sign pointing towards Steaming Bluff Overlook and Crater Rim Trail

The Kilauea Caldera (crater) is 140-170 meters deep, almost 3 miles long, and 2 miles wide. The “floor” of the crater is approximately 2,600 acres! From 1983-2018, the volcano erupted almost continuously. In fact, it erupted recently while we were there (June 3, 2024). The eruption was large enough that it shook our room and woke us up at around midnight!

The view from the crater rim is unforgettable. Don’t forget your camera! There are some spectacular photos to be taken here.

The huge Kilauea Crater seen from Crater Rim Trail.

Turn left on the Crater Rim Trail (while facing the crater) and you will see steam rising in the air. These are steam vents, created by steam and gas escaping from fissures caused by the volcano. You can feel the temperature rising as you stand by them.

Warning! Do not leave the trail! You could be seriously injured if you get too close to the steam vents!

Steam vents emitting steam along Crater Rim Trail
Steam vents emitting steam along Crater Rim Trail

Pro Tip…

The Crater Rim Trails sits at approximately 4000′ elevation and can be surprisingly windy and cool, especially in the morning. You might want to bring along a jacket.

Sulphur Banks Trail (Ha’akulamanu)

Next on your itinerary is the Sulphur Banks Trail. You’ll find it across the road from the Crater Rim Trail parking lot. There is a walkway adjacent to the road leading up to the trailhead. (It can also be reached from the Kilauea Visitor Center, as mentioned above.)

This trail leads you to an area where steam and sulfur gases escape through fissures in the ground into the Earth’s atmosphere. The gases are extremely hot and extremely smelly.

White steam and sulfur gas rising from the ground at the Sulphur Banks

This easy out-and-back trail is 1.2 miles roundtrip. It winds around several steam vents, with educational signs along the way.

Sulphur Banks Trail ends (or begins, depending on where you start) at the Kilauea Visitor Center. This trail is an out-and-back, meaning you’ll have to retrace your steps to your automobile, no matter where you begin.

Crater Rim Trail to the Keanakako’i Overlook

It’s time to get back in your car and continue driving west.

Crater Rim Trail follows most of the northern edge of the Kilauea Caldera. It is possible to walk it to the old Jagger Museum and the Keanakako’i Overlook, a 2.1-mile hike (one way) from the parking lot.

The Crater Rim Trail leading to the summit of the Kilauea Caldera

Or you can drive it! Crater Rim Drive follows Crater Rim Trail. Just follow the signs to the observation points along the way. There will be parking areas and restrooms at each of the stops.

You will get a new view of the crater from a different angle at each stop. Also, look for the wildflowers along the path. You’ll see O’hia, a small tree with beautiful red blossoms – the state tree of Hawaii.

The Kilauea Caldera seen from Crater Rim Trail
A bright, red O'hia blossom
A small O'hia tree budding out

You will soon see the old Jagger Museum on your left. Park here. Jagger Museum was the first museum in the park and a popular visitor attraction. However, in 2018 a massive eruption by Kilauea irreparably damaged the facility. It is currently being demolished.

The building was named for Dr. Thomas Jagger, the renowned volcanologist, whose idea it was to create a permanent geological observatory and lab here.

The Jagger Museum, damaged by the Kilauea eruption in 2018

Continue walking past Jagger Museum on the Crater Rim Trail to the Keanakako’i Overlook. The views here are breathtaking. Of course, the views all along the entire trail are breathtaking!

The vast Kilauea Caldera seen from the Keanakako'i Overlook

This is the end of the trail and the road. At one time hikers/drivers could continue around the rim, but both are now closed due to high levels of sulfur gas caused by previous eruptions.

Lunch

After taking photos of the crater, hop back in your auto and head back to the visitor center. If you’re hungry, you have a couple of options nearby.

Option #1 – You could eat in the park. Volcano House is a lodge operated by the National Park Service just across the road from the visitor center. It features The Rim restaurant and Uncle George’s Lounge. (We suggest making reservations, just to be safe.)

Option #2 – You could eat outside the park. We suggest the Lava Rock Cafe. It’s only five minutes from the park entrance. (You probably passed it on the way to the park.)

Lava Rock Cafe is in the back of the General Store. Look for the General Store sign on the front of the building, and the gas pumps. There is also a quilting shop next to it.

I had the Hawaiian Burger, a large burger with a slice of pineapple, flavored with teriyaki sauce, and a plate of french fries. Yum! Mary Ellen (my wife) enjoyed a Mushroom Swiss Burger and fries. For dessert, we split a BIG slice of homemade coconut cake. With tax and tip, the total cost was $70.27. (I know…that’s a lot to pay for lunch, but the food is EXPENSIVE in Hawaii.)

Volcano Art Center Gallery

Stop in the Volcano Art Center Gallery following lunch (or before if you prefer). It’s next door to the visitor center in a brown wooden building. It is filled with beautiful artwork. Paintings, sculptures, and woodwork depicting life on the island will make you want to reach for your wallet! The Center also teaches classes regularly. Make your own flowered lei! Learn to pen sketch, block print, even cook with native foods.

Devastation Trail to Pu’upua’i Overlook

After a busy morning of hiking and sightseeing, you might just want to go back to your hotel for a nap or a swim in the pool. But if your lunch revived your energy, how about one more short hike?

Devastation Trail is one of the first stops you will come to when you travel down Chain of Craters Road. The trailhead begins at the Devastation Trail Parking lot (look for the sign below) or at the Pu’upua’i Overlook. Both are off Chain of Craters Road, which begins on your left, just past the entrance station to the park.

Road sign pointing to Devastation Trail

The trail is 1.0 mile roundtrip. It is flat, easy, and paved. This trail is also wheelchair and stroller accessible. This barren landscape was created when Kilauea erupted in 1959, covering the entire area in cinder and ash.

Devastation Trail winding through the barren landscape of cinder and ash

And yet, life and beauty grow and thrive here! The barren landscape is dotted with beautiful flowers and colorful birds.

Bright yellow birds looking for food around a large spread of pink flowers
Young o'hia tree budding out

The trail ends (or begins) at Pu’upua’i Overlook. The view here is excellent. You can watch hikers walking through the Kilauea Crater.

Your TwoDay Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Itinerary

Double the days, double the fun! On your first day in the park, use the suggested itinerary from the section above. On your second day, you’ll explore a different section of the park.

Chain of Craters Road

A trip to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park can easily be planned around three roads. The first is Crater Rim Road. The second is Chain of Craters Road.

Chain of Craters Road is an 18.8-mile-long road running north/south on the park’s eastern side. It begins on your left, just inside the park entrance, before you get to the visitor center.

Follow the signs for 1.7 miles to Kilauea Iki. The drive is stunning since you’ll be traveling through the Hawaiian rainforest. There is a large parking lot here, along with restrooms. Park your auto, and pull on your boots – we’re going to do some hiking!

Kilauea Iki

Kilauea Iki is the trail through the Kilauea crater. It is a 3.2-mile loop, rated Moderate by AllTrails. This trail is mostly out in the open, with no shade on the crater floor. The weather here tends towards “mood swings”, so it’s best to be prepared for anything.

Pro Tip…

Bring sunscreen, a hat, a rain jacket, and plenty of water. WEAR BOOTS! The lava is jagged and sharp!

Kilauea Iki, the trail leading through the desolate floor of the Kilauea Crater

The trailhead begins in the parking lot. Actually, there are two trailheads, one at either end of the parking lot. Since the trail is a loop, you may begin from either trailhead going in either direction.

If you begin at the trailhead nearest the restroom, you will be hiking counterclockwise. This begins with a flat section of trail around the rim of the crater. You will then encounter a STEEP section of stone steps leading down to the floor of the crater. From here it’s a level walk across the base of the crater. There are large stone cairns (piles of rocks) all along the way, to help you stay on the path.

Pro Tip…

Decide which direction to hike (clockwise or counterclockwise) based on whether you prefer steep steps or steep switchbacks at the end of your hike. Clockwise ends with steep steps; counterclockwise ends with steep switchbacks. We went clockwise.

The trail through the barren landscape of Kilauea Caldera

This hike can best be described as “other-worldly”. It is completely covered by hardened lava, some smooth, some rugged, and some razor-sharp. Huge fissures and cracks are present in the lava. The sides of the crater rise steeply above you. We hiked Kilauea Iki on a rainy day, adding to the eeriness of the trail.

But…out of the devastation produced by volcanic eruptions are some of the most beautiful flowers I have ever seen. O’hia trees seemed to grow right out of the hardened lava, showing off their beautiful red flowers.

Bright red O'hia tree blossom

Begin With the End in Mind…

If you choose to hike clockwise, at the far end of the crater you will reenter the forest and ascend several steep stone stairs, leading out to the crater’s rim. From here you will hike to the parking lot.

If you choose to hike counterclockwise, at the far end of the crater you will reenter the forest and ascend several steep switchbacks, leading out to the crater’s rim. At the top of the switchbacks, you will have a couple of options…

Option #1 – You will emerge into a large parking area at the top of the trail. Across the parking area is the Thurston Lava Tube Trail. This is a short loop hike through a tube created by lava flows. (More about the lava tube later.) After completing this lava tube loop, return to the Kilauea Iki Trailhead, turn right, and you will walk along the crater rim back to your auto.

Option #2 – Or, you may turn left at the top of the switchbacks and follow the trail 0.6 miles along the rim of the crater back to the Kilauea Iki parking area. Either of these options works fine.

If you choose option #2, you may stop for a restroom break, then just drive a little further down the Chain of Craters Road to the Thurston Lava Tube parking area, and take the short loop hike to the lava tube.

Thurston Lava Tube Trail (Nahuku Trail)

The Thurston Lava Tube Trail, also known as the Nahuku Trail, is an easy 0.4-mile loop. There is a sign marking the trailhead, visible from the lower edge of the large parking lot. The trail begins with a few steps leading to a small overlook, where you will turn right.

The path down to the lava tube is a bit steep. Fortunately, there are handrails along the path – I encourage you to use them. Look for the gorgeous wildflowers along the trail.

In about five minutes you will come to the entrance of the tube.

Pro Tip…

At the beginning of this short hike, there is a restroom if you turn left on the trail instead of right. This is good info if you have just completed a 2-3 hour hike on the Kilauea Iki.

Entrance to Thurston Lava Tube, with dim lighting creating a red glow in the tube
Inside Thurston Lava Tube. Dim lighting on the walls created shadows on the floor

The name “Nahuku” means “protuberances” in Hawaiian. According to the National Park Service, this probably came from the lava drippings that once hung from the ceiling of the tube. The English name, “Thurston Lava Tube”, comes from Lorrin Thurston, a local newspaper publisher who discovered the tube in 1913. Thurston was also an advocate for the establishment of the national park.

According to the National Park Service, “…lava tubes are formed by a river of molten lava. When a lava tube is active, lava travels along its floor at temperatures that exceed 2,000º F (1090º C). When the supply of lava stops at the end of an eruption, or if it gets diverted elsewhere, it leaves behind an empty cave.” It is estimated this lava tube is 350-500 years old!

The lava tube is 600′ long. It is dimly lit (think of it as mood lighting), and cool inside. Water drips from the walls and ceiling. This is a great spot to be creative with your photography!

At the end of the lava tube, you will climb a set of stairs to the surface. Follow the loop trail back to the parking lot. You will pass a restroom just before you get to the parking lot.

Lunch

By now you will be ready for lunch. As mentioned above, you may eat in the park at Volcano House, or at one of the restaurants outside the park. Here are a couple of other options.

Check out Aunty Pon’s Thai Food Truck, located in Volcano Village in the Volcano Community Center parking lot. I had Cashew Shrimp Stir Fry and Mary Ellen had Pad Thai. We also got an order of spring rolls. With tax and tip, our meal came out to $50. The food was really good, and it was twice as much as we could eat. Two people could easily share a plate. So much food!

Or…here’s another idea. The General Store (mentioned above) makes wonderful deli sandwiches. I walked in and said, “I hear you make the best sandwiches on the island”, to which the employee replied, “Yes, we do!” And she was right. They make your sandwich just like you want it. With a couple of bags of chips and a couple of drinks, plus tax and tip, we spent a little less than $60.

The General Store opens at 7:30am, so we stopped there about that time, picked up our lunch, and took it to eat later in the day. We dined in our car on our way to the Holei Sea Arch.

Holei Sea Arch Trail

The Chain of Craters Road continues south, 22 miles, all the way to the ocean. The drive will take about 45 minutes without stops. However, there are several stops along the way. There’s a reason the road is called “Chain of Craters”, after all.

You will pass several craters on your way to the ocean. Go ahead and stop at each of them. They range from spectacular to breathtaking. Most have observation platforms at the end of small walkways.

You will also pass huge lava fields. It’s mind-boggling to imagine the amount of lava that has flowed over the surface of this island.

Brown, barren lava field with the ocean in the background

The road eventually deadends by the ocean. There is a small parking area, two utility buildings, and some restrooms. The road continues but barricades block vehicles from traveling beyond this point. Step around the barricade and you will be on the Holei Sea Arch Viewpoint Trail.

Pro Tip…

This “trail” is on asphalt, so boots are not required. However, there is ZERO shade, so we do recommend a hat!

The trail, (which is just a closed-off highway), is about 0.4 miles out and back. It is completely flat but surprisingly interesting. First, you are walking along the Pacific Ocean. Second, a large variety of tropical plants are growing along the trail. The National Park Service has placed several signs along the road, identifying the plants and giving some information about each. We saw Rattlepods, Great Morinda, Hawaiian Rose, Fan Flower, Lantana, Morning Glory, Guava, and much more.

Beautiful red and yellow Rattle Pod blooms
Green Great Morinda fruit with waxy leaves and small, white flowers
Hawaiian Rose, with clusters of small, white blooms
Green Fan Flower leaves with small, white blooms

At 0.2 miles down the road, you will see a small sign on the right pointing to the Holei Sea Arch Viewpoint. Follow the sign through a stand of volcanic boulders and prepare to be awed!

The Holei Sea Arch is a 100′ tall arch reaching out from the shore into the Pacific Ocean. The arch is approximately 100′ from the viewing area. It was formed by the constant force of the waves eroding the rock surface, and will eventually collapse into the ocean.

Holei Sea Arch, a large vocanic stone arch jutting out over the ocean
Ocean waves crashing into Holei Sea Arch

After some time at the arch, we decided to see what was at the other end of the road. The answer is, “Not much”. If you turn right when you leave the arch viewing area, you can walk about 0.3-0.4 miles to a second barricade, beyond which the road continues. This is an Emergency Evacuation Route, which is opened if needed during hurricanes or volcanic eruptions. Other than a stand of palm trees, there was not much to see here.

A small grove of palm trees with the blue ocean in the background

Pu’uloa Petroglyphs Trail

After leaving the Holei Sea Arch parking lot, be sure to stop at the Pu’uloa Petroglyphs Trail. It’s on your way back, just 5 minutes up the road. This trail is 1.3 miles out and back and is rated “Easy” by AllTrails. You should also know it is a narrow, dusty footpath through a hardened lava field, completely devoid of shade. And it is worth every step.

Pro Tip – This is a short, easy trail, but the sharp lava rock and the lack of shade make it a bit challenging. We would encourage you to wear boots, wear a hat, and bring lots of water.

The trail leading to Pu'uloa Petroglyphs over barren lava rock with white clouds in a blue sky

At about 0.6 miles down the trail you will come to a boardwalk forming a square about 30-40′ per side. Inside and outside the square are dozens of petroglyphs, pictures carved into the rock by the first inhabitants of this area.

There are petroglyphs of humans and animals. There are geometric shapes, such as circles. It is fascinating!

Petroglyph of a human figure carved into stone
Petroglyph of two human figures carved into stone

In several areas are lines of small holes carved into the stone. We were told by a volunteer at the Kilauea Visitors Center that these represented families, with each small hole representing a child.

Petroglyph featuring a row of dots carved into stone, thought to symbolize children
Petroglyph featuring a row of dots carved into stone, thought to symbolize children

Mauna U’lu Eruption Trail

If you still have some energy left, there is one final stop on Day #2. It’s the Mauna U’lu Eruption Trail, just 13 minutes up the road from the Pu’uloa Petroglyphs. It’s an easy, 0.6-mile-long trail through what looks like the surface of Mars.

Hardened lava forms oddly shaped outcroppings here. The ground is mostly barren, except for the occasional O’hia tree. It’s hot and dry, and strangely beautiful. There was a group of college students researching the area while we were there. The hike will only take you about 15 minutes, so why not?

Oddly shaped volcanic boulders along the Mauna U'lu Eruption Trail

Your ThreeDay Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Itinerary

If you’re fortunate enough to have three days in Hawaii, I suggest you spend your third day driving Highway 11 through the park heading south and west. This is the road you turned off to enter the Entrance Station at the park. Instead of turning, continue to drive straight past the park.

Highway 11 leads to Kona on the west side of the island. Kona is about 96 miles away, a 2.5-hour drive (if you don’t stop). But you should definitely stop because there are some very cool things to see and do on this highway.

Impossibly blue ocean waves against brown stone cliffs

Punalu’u Black Sand Beach

Punalu’u Black Sand Beach is worth stopping for. First, it’s a black sand beach, and that’s not something you see every day. But beware – the black sand can be hot and rough – we recommend shoes here.

Second, there are restroom facilities here, a few concession stands, and a lifeguard on duty (at least when we visited). There is also a large parking area.

People on the Punalu'u Black Sand Beach in Hawaii. This beach is covered in black sand. Waves are washing ashore

Third, next to the beach is a large area of hardened lava outcroppings that lead out to the oceanfront. It’s a great place to explore, and there are ample photo opps here!

Blue ocean waves crashing into lava boulders at Punalu'u Black Sand Beach

Southernmost Point in the United States

I always thought Key West, FL was the southernmost point in the United States. I was wrong. That honor belongs to the southern tip of the Big Island, Hawaii. From Punalu’u Black Sand Beach you will drive southwest on Highway 11 for about 10 miles. Your GPS might take you down Kamaoa Rd, or South Point Rd – either route is fine.

From Highway 11 you will drive 11ish miles to the “edge of the world”. Just follow the signs. When you arrive, you will see cars, Jeeps, and trucks parked haphazardly all over the place. The Pacific Ocean will be in front of you, about 20′ below a sheer rock face. And the bluest water you’ve ever seen, stretching out as far as you can see.

Incredibly blue water off the southernmost point in Hawaii

Look for the Sea Cave, but Don’t Fall In!

Take some time to do some exploring here. Near the Emergency Lifeguard stand, you will see a large hole in the ground. Carefully look over the edge and you will see a sea cave beneath you, with waves crashing into it.

Beautiful blue water flowing into a cave in the cliff face along the shoreline

Continue walking on and you may see adrenaline junkies jumping off the rock cliff into the ocean below, then climbing back up the rocks to do it again. (You will not, however, see ME jumping off the rock cliff into the ocean…)

Continue walking from there to the lighthouse standing watch over the jagged rock coastline. Just before you get to the lighthouse there is a small cove surrounded by tall, rough lava rock cliffs. Watching the ocean waves roll into and out of this cove is mesmerizing. Just don’t get too close to the edge!

Blue-green ocean waves rolling into a cove surrounded by stone walls

Time to head back to the car. Set your GPS for Highway 11, and drive north on Highway 11. When you get there, turn left to keep moving towards Kona, or turn right to head back towards Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

KaiLoki’s Restaurant and Bar

You are probably getting hungry by now. Try out KaiLoki’s, the southernmost bar and restaurant in the United States, for an interesting dining experience.

KaiLoki’s is on Highway 11, just a bit up the road from South Point Rd. Look for the sign on your right. It was a Sunday, about 2:30 pm when we stopped there. We didn’t know it, but we were about to enter an episode of the old TV show “Cheers”…

About a dozen locals were all seated around the bar, watching the women’s softball college world series. The locals were of all shapes, sizes, and ages, wearing all sorts of clothing. They all knew each other well. They were laughing and talking loudly and poking fun at each other. I enjoyed watching all of them as much as I enjoyed the meal!

And we both enjoyed our meal very much. My fish and chips were excellent and cooked just right. Mary Ellen had hamburger steak and she said the meat was the best she had ever had! Plus the place was clean and our waitress kind and friendly.

Other Points of Interest

At this point, we turned around and headed back to our lodge in Volcano. But I should mention a couple of things. If you continue to Kona, there are several more things to see.

Look for coffee shops and coffee farms. (Kona Coffee is perhaps the best coffee I’ve ever had – and I drink A LOT of coffee!)

Don’t miss the Pu’uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park. (Try saying that five times real fast!) This site is considered sacred by Hawaiians. It was a place of refuge, forgiveness, and safety for those who had broken the law, war refugees and their families, and others. Several of these sites existed throughout the islands, but this is the best-preserved.

There are several beach parks along the way as well, including…

  • Pebbles Beach
  • Ho’okena Beach Park
  • Shoreline Park
  • Kahalu’u Beach Park
  • Magic Sands Beach Park

And of course, Kona features a lot of good places to eat and lots of fun things to do!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Is there an entrance fee for Hawaii Volcanoes National Park? Yes, $20/automobile, $14/motorcycle, payable at the Entrance Station, unless you have a Park Pass. These may be obtained through www.recreation.gov.
  • What time does the park open and close every day? The park is open 24/7/365. It never closes – even on holidays!
  • What about volcanoes? Is this park safe? It is! While this area is volcanically active at times, the National Park Service is constantly monitoring this activity. At any hint of trouble, the park (or sections of the park) will be closed for your safety.
  • Can I bring my dog hiking with me? Sorry, dogs are not allowed in the park, for their safety.

The Verdict – How to Plan Your Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Itinerary

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is unlike any other national park we have visited. It has both lush rainforest and stark, desolate volcanic craters. But there is beauty everywhere you look, from the seashore to the desert landscape. We will never forget our experience there.

So make the most of your visit to the park, no matter how many days you are there.

Happy Hiking!

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The Author

Jeff Powell is the Creator/CEO of National Park Ventures and Smoky Mountains Ventures. He and his wife Mary Ellen are on a venture to visit every national park in the United States and share what they experience with their readers. Their goal is to help their readers maximize their own national park ventures.
Jeff and Mary Ellen have two sons, two grandkids, and two dogs. They live in the mountains outside Blue Ridge, GA.