This national park is a great experience, whether you can only visit for an hour or two, or take days to hike and see more. We and another couple chose a 2 hour tour, as we drove over from Kona as … Full review by FoodieWineFun
Dec 9, 2024
Every visit to Hawaii Island is incomplete without a visit to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Volcano Day is always a highlight, and getting to experience it this time with not only my wife, but my m… Full review by Matthew S
Dec 1, 2024
The last time we were here, was in 2017 and we wanted to go back to see the changes that were caused by the eruption in 2018. The changes were amazing, so glad we got to go back to the park. We went… Full review by parrottdize
We would like to spend two full days at the park (family of four with 9 & 12 year old). Day 1: Visit Visitor Center, do longer 5-6 mile Kīlauea Iki loop starting at the Visitor Center or Devastation Trailhead (if open, trip is in future). If we are still up for it we would then do sites along Chain of Craters Road. If not, leave it for Day 2. Day 2: If we get everything in above, what would you do on day 2? Kahuku Unit? Muana Loa road?
A:
My recommendation to you is to arrive at trail head early, spots filled very fast. We hiked first then did the Chain of Craters Road after. Excellent day.
We will be with my 80 yr old mom who doesn’t want to walk on uneven surfaces and my 3 kids, ages 6 and 4 yr old twins. Any trails or itineraries that are not too long/dangerous/uneven? Thanks
A:
I would suggest going to the volcano visitor center. There are park rangers that will answer all of your questions, and where the best place to go if you’re not interested in hiking. Also …
I would suggest going to the volcano visitor center. There are park rangers that will answer all of your questions, and where the best place to go if you’re not interested in hiking. Also across from the visitor center is the volcano house. We stayed there one night and had a really good view of the glow. We took so many pictures. Seeing the actual lava lake is hit or miss when going on a hike. Hope this helps. Have a wonderful time!
Hi. We are planning to go here but my hubby has recently developed a fear of heights, e.g., walking near cliffs. Are there “heights” like this along the trail?
A:
No problems with heights, since I have the same fear. Most trails have plenty of land past the railing so you don't feel like you are looking straight down. Use your judgement & all …
No problems with heights, since I have the same fear. Most trails have plenty of land past the railing so you don't feel like you are looking straight down. Use your judgement & all will be good!
How many days should I plan to visit VNP? Also looking for recommendations while in the park.
A:
1 or 2....or, if you will be on the island for 10 days or longer, or if this is your #1 priority, or if you are dedicated hiker or naturalist, maybe 3. VNP is huge, with many hours worth of drives …
1 or 2....or, if you will be on the island for 10 days or longer, or if this is your #1 priority, or if you are dedicated hiker or naturalist, maybe 3. VNP is huge, with many hours worth of drives and hikes. Also, it will likely be sunny in the morning then start to rain the afternoon, so you may not have full days. With all that said, I spent one day, about 8 hrs, in the park and felt completely fulfilled. TOP SITES (IMO): 1) Kilauea Iki Trail - amazing hike through old crater, 2hr 2) Crater Rim Drive - incredible drive from visitor center down to ocean, through massive lava fields, 2-4hr 3) Halema’uma’u trail - beautiful hike through a rainforest down to the active Kilauea crater, 1.5hrs 4) Kikaeau overlook - this is the active volcano, you can also see the glow at night, 1hr—-This is my “best of” list and a good full day, you can see it adds up to 6-8hrs. If you feel like you will want to do more hiking than this, add another day. Hope this helps!
Hi, We will be in Hawaii at the end of January and staying in Waikola Village. We only have one day to go to the volcano/Hilo side. Is it realistic to see the volcano, the botanic gardens and a waterfall or 2 on the way home in one day? Travelling with 4 adults...
A:
Hi - there is a lot to see at Volcanoes, and one of my favorite hikes is the Kilauea Iki Trail. It's fairly short at 4 miles, but involves some elevation. I walked it "clockwise" as you …
Hi - there is a lot to see at Volcanoes, and one of my favorite hikes is the Kilauea Iki Trail. It's fairly short at 4 miles, but involves some elevation. I walked it "clockwise" as you view the caldera, but think it may be easier to go "counter-clockwise". The reason I say that is the elevation paths are different - one is steps & the other is switchbacks through the jungle. The steps got pretty tiring going up & I thought the switchback would be a more enjoyable way to go up the 400 feet of elevation.
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