Unexpected Things to Do in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

There are so many unexpected things to do in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. We were continually surprised and delighted by what we saw and experienced. The park has an “otherworldly” aura about it—barren landscapes, lush forests, bleak lava fields, and beautiful flowers. Every day brought with it a new adventure!

We want you to have that same experience. Here are (some) of our favorite unexpected things to do in the park…

(At the end of this post, look under the “Related Posts” section for the link to “Unexpected Things to Do Near Hawaii Volcanoes, National Park.” It is the follow-up to this post.)

Published August 21, 2024…Updated January 8, 2025

Hiking Through Volcanic Calderas

A caldera is formed by volcanic eruptions that cause rock, mud, lava, and gas to explode from within the earth to the surface. The surface ground then collapses, forming a huge depression or “caldera” in the ground. This is what formed the Kilauea Caldera.

The Kilauea Caldera is massive, measuring 2.5 miles long and 2 miles wide. Its floor is approximately 2600 acres, and the circumference of the crater is 7 miles. This is a very large crater…and you can hike through it!

The hike is a 3.2-mile loop with an elevation gain of 582′, all at the end of the trail as you climb out of the caldera. AllTrails rates the trail as “Moderate.”

The landscape looks like what I imagine the surface of Mars would look like. “Barren” only begins to describe it. Hardened lava forms the base of the caldera, with frequent breaks formed by underground pressure and upheavals. It would be easy to get lost here, were it not for the large cairns (piles of stones) marking the trail.

But here’s the unexpected part – beautiful flowers have pushed their way up through the hardened lava, providing frequent splashes of color along the way. (There’s a life lesson about perseverance and determination here somewhere…)

This is literally beauty from ashes. What a wonderful surprise!

Pro Tip

• The weather in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is extremely unpredictable. Rainstorms can appear at any time, and the temperature can drop. You might want to bring along a rain jacket. It rained on us the entire hike!
• This trail begins in the Kilauea Iki parking lot. Since it is a loop, you can go in either direction. Hike counterclockwise if you want to end with a long climb up switchback trails. Hike clockwise if you want to end with a long climb up stone steps.
• There is a large parking lot here with a restroom.

Strolling Through a Lava Tube

Here’s another unexpected thing to do in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: stroll through a lava tube. Where I’m from in north Georgia, we don’t have many lava tubes, so this was a first for me.

Thurston Lava Tube (Nahuku in the Hawaiian language) was formed 500 years ago by a river of 2000-degree (Fahrenheit) molten lava running underground here. As the lava slowed and hardened, walls and a ceiling were created.

Beautiful, eerie, otherworldly, mesmerizing—these are just a few of the words I would use to describe this short walk. It is also refreshing since the tube is much cooler than the outside temperature.

The loop trail to the lava tube and back is only 0.4 miles long and is rated “Easy” by AllTrails. The lava tube itself is approximately 600′ long.

Pro Tip

• There are two parking areas for Thurston Lava Tube. You can park at Kilauea Iki Overlook (the trailhead parking area for the Kilauea Iki Trail), a 1-mile roundtrip walk along the rim to the lava tube. Or you can park in the parking area right in front of the Lava Tube Trailhead.
• There are restrooms at both the Kilauea Iki parking area and on the Thurston Lava Tube Trail.
• The lava tube is lit from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. every day. Outside of those times, we recommend bringing a flashlight.
• The lava tube has low ceilings, wet floors, and dim lighting. Watch your head and watch your step.

View Volcanic Steam Vents and Sulphur Banks

I was already aware of the steam vents created by Kilauea, but I was still fascinated by them.

Steam vents are cracks in the ground through which steam escapes to the surface of the earth. The Sulfur Banks are essentially the same thing but with more sulfur deposits left near the vents.

Look for the steam vents at the beginning of the Crater Rim Trail. From the parking area, walk to the trail and turn left. You’ll see them – just look for the steam! (There is actually one in the sidewalk at the parking lot.)

The steam from these vents is hot and can cause injury if you get too close. Due to the elevation, the temperature on the trail can be a bit cool in the morning. We spent a little time next to the vents, just warming up!

To get to the Sulphur Banks trail, cross Crater Rim Drive from the Crater Rim Trail parking lot, and follow the short walk uphill to the trailhead. Or, you can begin the trail in front of the Volcano Art Center, just to the left of the Kilauea Visitors Center. This easy hike is flat (some of it is wheelchair-accessible), and only 1.2 miles long.

The trail leads to Haʻakulamanu, the Sulphur Banks pictured above. Due to the steam-heated ground, few trees grow here. The banks are colored with reds, yellows, pinks, and purples due to the escaping sulfur gases.

Pro Tip

• Stay on the trail! The steam vents and sulfur banks are dangerous if you get too close!

Driving Through Enormous Lava Fields

I had never seen anything like it. Miles and miles of hardened lava fields stretch out from inland on the Hawaiian island all the way to the ocean. The desolation is hard to imagine. It’s almost…aggressive!

You can, of course, view hardened lava all over the island. The section I’m writing about is on the Chain of Craters Road, driving south, on the way to Holei Sea Arch.

This area is known as Mau Loa o Maunaulu. “Mau Loa O Maunaulu” means “The long continuously growing mountain” or “forever growing mountain.” There is a pullout here where you may stop and take a closer look.

You may even walk to the ocean from here on the Keauhou Trail, which leads to backcountry camping sites on the coast.

Pro Tip

• The sun is HOT here, so wear a hat, but hold onto it – the wind in this area is fierce!

Visiting Holei Sea Arch

The Holei Sea Arch is one of the highlights of a trip to the Big Island. It is at the end of the Chain of Craters Road, 22 miles from the Kilauea Visitor Center. The drive itself makes visiting the arch worthwhile!

This is literally the end of the road—usually. The road beyond this point is barricaded unless a natural disaster occurs (think volcanic eruption or hurricane), at which point the barricades are removed, and the road opens as an emergency evacuation route.

There is parking here, as well as a couple of storage buildings and restrooms.

Walk past the barricade for approximately 1000′ to the viewing area for Holei Sea Arch. You will literally be walking down a paved road, but since it is barricaded, there is no traffic to worry about.

Along the way, you will be treated to a variety of wild plants and flowers, which have been labeled with small signs. Very interesting!

The viewing area is small but perfectly adequate. The views of the arch are stunning!

The arch is 90′ high and was created by erosion from the waves crashing against the stone. It is expected that the arch will eventually fully collapse into the sea. In fact, a large portion of the arch broke off and sank in July 2022.

Experiencing Centuries-Old Petroglyphs

The Pu’uloa Petroglyphs had me channeling my inner archaeologist!

Petroglyphs are ancient stone carvings depicting humans, animals, birds, sea turtles, and more. They are thought to be 800 years old! Many believe that petroglyphs were created to commemorate an event (such as a birth), a person, or some other object or animal.

There are dozens of petroglyphs here, arranged both inside and outside of a square boardwalk.

The trailhead begins at a pullout off the Chain of Craters Road, just 5 minutes from Holei Sea Arch. Signs here provide interesting information about the area and the people who once lived here.

Pro Tip

• The hike to the petroglyphs is 1.3 miles out & back and is rated “Easy” by AllTrails. It is also rock, dusty, and hot. We recommend taking some water with you...and wear a hat!
• The nearest restrooms are back at the Holei Sea Arch parking area.

Discover Amazing Plants & Flowers

I expected to see beautiful flowers in Hawaii—after all, it is known as a “tropical paradise.” However, I was completely surprised at the colors and diversity of the plant life.

‘Ohi’a trees, wild orchids, flowers in yellows and blues and greens – just amazing!

And the ferns! They grow to be enormous. Their unfurled fronds are fascinating.

And the trees were eye-popping! The huge Monkeypod trees with their enormous trunks and the impossibly wide spread of their limbs caused me to stare in amazement.

Pro Tip

You’ve heard the saying, “Don’t miss the forest for the trees.” Let’s turn that around—”Don’t miss the trees for the forest.” There is so much natural plant life to see in Hawaii that it is easy to become overwhelmed by it all and miss it.

The challenge is to slow down and take the time to look and see the wonders surrounding you. Stop and really see the flowers. Climb a tree. Enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is Hawaii Volcanoes National Park worth visiting? Yes! Yes! Absolutely, it is! There is no other national park like it!
• Where’s the beach? I know – when you think of Hawaii, you think of the beach. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is mostly inland, though. It does border the ocean in some spots, but these are mostly craggy, high lava rock. But do not fear – this is Hawaii, and there are public beaches along the shores in every direction.
• Will I see lava? You might! That’s entirely up to the volcanoes.

• How much does the park cost?
  • $30 per private vehicle
  • $25 per motorcycle
  • $15 per pedestrian or bicycle
• When is the best time to visit? The temperature on the Big Island averages 71-77 degrees throughout the year. The park is busiest during the summer and is also at its most humid. October-May are the rainiest and windiest. May seems to be the best of all worlds.

The Verdict – Unexpected Things to Do in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Get ready to be surprised in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Expect the unexpected. Have your camera ready. Get out there and have an adventure!

Aloha!

(Be sure to look under the “Related Posts” section below for the link to “Unexpected Things to Do Near Hawaii Volcanoes, National Park.” It is the follow-up to this post.)

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• Unexpected Things to Do Near Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
• Experience the Best Hikes in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
• The Best Restaurants in Volcano, Hawaii
• The Best Place to Stay Near Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
• How to Plan Your Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Itinerary