Theodore Roosevelt Presidential LibraryPublic Lands Directory

Alerts and conditions

Park Closure Hilina Pali Road Shoulder Work Extended to 11/27/26

Hilina Pali Road beyond the Maunaiki Trailhead is closed to motorized vehicles from 6 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday for shoulder work. Hikers, bicyclists and backcountry permit holders will be given access but should expect delays while heavy machinery works on the road. The work should be complete by 11/27/26. The entire road will be open to all use outside of those hours including weekends and holidays.

Danger Kīlauea eruption

Volcanic eruptions can be hazardous. Stay out of closed areas and monitor air quality. Eruptions can last a few hours and are often separated by pauses lasting several weeks.

Read the full alert

Caution Kīpukapuaulu Trail Closed Due to Hazardous Trees and Hanging Limbs

Kīpukapuaulu Trail remains closed due to numerous hazardous trees and hanging limbs resulting from several recent storms. Managers are developing a plan and will reopen the trail when it is safe.

Information Sulphur Banks Bridge Closed; Boardwalk is Open

The Sulphur Banks Bridge is damaged and closed until further notice. The Haʻakulamanu area, boardwalk and Sulphur Banks Trail are open and accessible from the west side near Steam Vents.

Information Upper Kahuku Road Closed Beyond Boot Decontamination Station

Upper Kahuku Road remains closed beyond the boot decontamination station due to storm damage. The Visitor Contact Station and most trails in the Kahuku Unit are now open following Hurricane Lala. Kahuku Road above the Lower Palm Trailhead is deeply rutted by the recent heavy rains. A 4WD is recommended to access areas above the Lower Palm Trailhead.

Caution Protect Yourself from Volcanic Tephra

Volcanic ash, rock and glassy strands (tephra) is present at Kīlauea summit and can irritate your skin, eyes and respiratory system. For your safety, do not handle it. Eye protection, long sleeves, long pants, a hat, closed-toe shoes and a dust mask are recommended.

Overview

Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park protects some of the most unique geological, biological, and cherished cultural landscapes in the world. Extending from sea level to 13,680 feet, the park encompasses the summits of two of the world's most active volcanoes - Kīlauea and Mauna Loa - and is a designated International Biosphere Reserve and UNESCO World Heritage Site.

From the National Park Service

History

The designation history for this site (every law, proclamation and order, and the administration behind each) is being researched and checked by the Library’s historians.

What to see and do

Activities

  • Arts and Culture
  • Biking
  • Camping
  • Backcountry Camping
  • Car or Front Country Camping
  • Guided Tours
  • Hiking
  • Backcountry Hiking
  • Front-Country Hiking
  • Junior Ranger Program
  • Wildlife Watching
  • Birdwatching
  • Park Film
  • Museum Exhibits
  • Shopping
  • Bookstore and Park Store
  • Gift Shop and Souvenirs

Browse hiking, biking and paddling routes on AllTrails

Plan your visit

Hours

Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park: Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park is open 7 days a week, 24 hours a day including holidays.

Kahuku Unit: The Kahuku Unit is open on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is closed on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays.

Fees and passes

  • Entrance - Private Vehicle — $30.00
  • Entrance - Motorcycle — $25.00
  • Entrance - Per Person — $15.00
  • Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus — $100.00
  • Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach — $200.00
  • Commercial Entrance - Per Person — $15.00

The America the Beautiful pass covers entrance fees at federal recreation lands across all four agencies.

Getting there

Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park is located on the Island of Hawai‘i. From Hilo: 30 miles southwest on Highway 11 (45 minute drive); from Kailua-Kona: 96 miles southeast on Highway 11 (2 to 2.5 hour drive), or 125 miles through Waimea and Hilo via Highways 19 and 11 (2.5 to 3 hours).

Visitor centers

Campgrounds

  • Nāmakanipaio (16 sites)
  • Kulanaokuaiki (9 sites)

Weather

The weather the summit of Kīlauea (~4000' elevation) varies daily and may be rainy and chilly any time of the year. Temperature varies by elevation. At the summit of the volcano, temperatures may be 12 to 15 degrees cooler than at sea level. The coastal plain at the end of Chain of Craters Road is often hot, dry, and windy with the possibility of passing showers.

Phone: 8089856011

Whose lands these are

These lands are the ancestral and present-day homelands of Native nations. A section on whose lands these are is being prepared with tribal review. In the meantime, Native Land Digital offers a starting point.

Photos

A cloud-filled volcanic crater at sunrise with a mountain rising behind
Kīlauea Iki · NPS Photo/J. Wei
Lava flows and ferns in front of a cliff at sunset
Hōlei Pali · NPS Photo/A. LaValle
Rocky coastline with palm trees and a cliff beyon
Halapē · Courtesy of J. Frank
Trees and tall grass through steam at sunrise
Steam Vents · NPS Photo/A. LaValle
Grassy hill dotted with trees underneath a blue sky with white clouds
The Kahuku Unit · NPS Photo/A. LaValle
A lava tube lit by warm electric light
Nāhuku · NPS Photo/D. Boyle

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