Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

The car costs $25 and is valid for entry and exit for 7 days. It is very cost-effective if there are many people coming. After paying, you will be given a small white receipt. Be sure to keep it safe, as your ticket will be checked next time you come in.

The entire scenic area is divided into two lines, one circular line is to see the crater, and the other is to the beach. We played on both lines, which were divided into two days. On the first day, we decided to go to the circular line.

There are some attractions on the loop line that are volcanic steam.

The crater is a large pit filled with surging lava. The best vantage point for viewing the crater is along the northern loop trail to the Jaeger Museum.

However, the viewing platform next to the museum is very crowded, so it is difficult to wait for a good viewing and photo opportunity. Therefore, I recommend the viewing point: walk about 200 meters east along the trail next to the road. There is a flagpole platform on the right, which is an excellent viewing point away from all the crowds.

The volcanic cave looks much more spectacular at night than during the day.

Volcanoes National Park is located in the southeastern part of the Big Island of Hawaii, USA. It is the largest national park in Hawaii, covering an area of 929 square kilometers. The following is a detailed introduction to it:

History and Culture

History: The Hawaiian Islands emerged from the sea 70 million years ago and remained uninhabited until 1600, when Polynesians from the Marquesas Islands were the first to settle. The park was established in 1916, and in 1961, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park was officially established by an act of Congress. It became a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1980.

Cultural legend: Legend has it that the goddess Pele resides within the Hawaiian volcanoes, and that the eruption of Kilauea is meant to welcome her back from her travels. Hawaiians are deeply entrenched in tradition, and even today offer offerings of meat, fish, fruit, and flowers to the goddess.

Natural landscape

Active volcano wonders:

Kilauea Volcano: Standing 1,222 meters above sea level, it is known for its frequent activity, erupting 50 times in 30 years. Its eruptions are spectacular, with lava surging and splattering like a fountain. A torrent of golden water, like a bursting dam, flows through fissures and gushes from the crater, creating a formidable and unstoppable force.

Mauna Loa: Hawaii's largest volcano, Mauna Loa stands 4,170 meters above sea level. Its conical shape rises from the Pacific Ocean, 6,000 meters below the surface. From seabed to summit, it rises over 10,000 meters, more than 1,000 meters higher than Mount Everest. It has erupted approximately 35 times, and the crater still remains on its summit.

Diverse topography: In addition to active volcanoes, the park also features dense tropical rainforests, mineral-rich deserts, and forests where towering ferns intertwine with dark leaves, forming a rich and diverse natural landscape.

Rich flora and fauna: This is home to many rare plants and animals, including Hawaiian geese, hawks, crows, Hawaiian white-bellied waterbirds, and a large number of unique plant species. Of the approximately 1,000 plant species recorded, 95% are not found anywhere else.

The Big Island of Hawaii is a volcanic island. Besides Mauna Kea, it also boasts Kilauea and Mauna Loa, both located within Volcanoes National Park. From Hilo, it's about a 40-minute drive along Highway 11 to the entrance to Volcanoes National Park. From Kona, west of the Big Island, the drive takes about two hours.

The entrance fee to Volcanoes National Park is $25 per vehicle, valid for seven consecutive days. If traveling on your own, the entrance fee is $12 per person. Upon arrival at Volcanoes National Park, you should immediately visit the visitor center to inquire about road conditions for the day. A Chinese-language guide map will be provided.

For an average visitor, six hours should be enough to visit the Volcano National Park. I don't think a phone or a DSLR camera can fully capture the charm of the park; you really need to be there to experience it firsthand.

This national park is very large and has countless trails. During normal times, you can also sign up for many tours that allow you to get close to the Lava flow.

The huge craters and the Chain of Craters Road leading directly to the seaside, the condensed magma in front of you and the hot steam rising around you are constant reminders of the majesty of nature.

We first went to the vistor center to get a map. After the staff explained which areas were closed and which were accessible, we set off. The most recent eruption was in May and continued into October, so many roads were closed for fear of injuries from the flaming red lava.

Because of its location, it rains year-round, especially as you get closer to the top. It was cold and the weather wasn't nice, so I didn't feel like getting out of the car to take pictures. My husband called me a squeamish person, hahaha, but I dragged him over. The pungent smell of sulfur was even worse than that of Yellowstone National Park (⊙o⊙)...

There are many Nene, a protected wild animal in the park. Feeding is prohibited. They look similar to ducks and are quite interesting.

Affected by the last volcanic eruption, many places are closed, and the lava cannot be seen, which is a bit disappointing! The black lava rocks look like cinder mines in the photos, and there is no beauty that can be seen with the naked eye.

After opening on the 22nd, a large section has been closed (see the red circle in the picture). Only the yellow line, which leads directly to the beach, is accessible, and most of the branch hiking trails are also closed. A notice at the entrance says there's currently no lava viewing area on the island, so there's nothing much to see in the near future, except for some black volcanic rocks. (2018.10.10)

I heard that some areas were opened on September 22nd. I went there at almost 3pm. There was heavy fog and I didn’t get to visit many areas marked in the first picture. But let’s take a look and experience it.

This is a place you can be proud of having visited in your lifetime.

In front of the Volcano Museum is a flat, vast expanse of boundless volcanic lava. There is a large volcanic crater in front of the museum and a small active crater in the middle. White smoke rises from the small crater. It is said that you can see burning magma at night.

Besides driving directly into the center of the park, there's also an off-road route, a coastal trail from the south that takes you all the way to where the lava flows into the sea. Locals rent bicycles and headlamps at the trail entrance. It's recommended to head in late afternoon, as the lava becomes more visible after dark. Bring a flashlight or rent a headlamp from a local to keep your hands free. If you're walking, the one-way journey takes two hours, so bring plenty of water. The trail entrance is easy to find; it's at the end of the southern highway. There's also a lively local night market at the entrance once a week.

Crater Rim Drive, the road around the lava lake, is oval-shaped, with many observation points within the circle. Jagger Museum is an officially recommended observation point, and telescopes are also set up for tourists to use. It is close to the lava lake and relatively easy to observe.

In the early morning, the stars have faded and the sun is about to rise. Behind the clouds, the red golden light shines on the crater. The scenery around the lava lake gradually becomes clearer, and steam continues to spew out of the surface. The picture is as bizarre as Mars.

It’s strange that there wasn’t a single tourist around during such a stunning sunrise. We had this photo opp all to ourselves.

Along the Chains of the Craters Road, from inland to the coast, you'll find volcanic rocks formed from lava of different ages. Signs indicate the age of the lava in each area, and the color and shape allow you to roughly tell the age of the lava.

The grass in the cracks shows the hope of life, never giving up, and being self-reliant, and also shows humans another awe-inspiring side of nature.

Now, the volcano park is monitored every day and the latest information about magma and lava is transmitted online. Because volcanic activity and magma conditions are constantly changing, it is recommended to check the latest status every day before going.

With the eruption of volcanoes starting in May, the location where you can see the lava will definitely change. However, there are still a few ways to see the lava:

Helicopter, hiking and boat tours.

Watching the magma from a helicopter saves you the trouble, but the distance to the magma is more than 100 meters, so you can't get close to the magma.

A prerequisite for a sightseeing boat is to see the lava entering the sea.

Lava hiking is the best way to see lava in my opinion. The time and distance of the hike depend on where the lava appears.

Essential equipment for hiking:

A sturdy pair of hiking or trekking shoes

A raincoat

a flashlight

a bottle of water

A sun hat

A firm belief and courage

Standing on these rocks felt like standing on a frying pan of medical stone, with the sizzling sound of a burning stove beneath my feet and white steam rising from the rocks. I didn't dare stand there for too long, fearing the rubber on the soles of my shoes would melt.

I went to Kilauea National Park in February 2018 using the national park annual pass. The roads in the park are very good. The crater should be viewed in the evening; the fiery red light cannot be seen during the day.



What is unforgettable is the hike in search of flowing magma. In the park, you can start hiking from the Elephant Trunk at the southernmost end, but I did not choose this route as it is a little longer. I started hiking from the end of Highway 130 outside the park and headed northwest, hiking for 6-8 miles. When I was almost at the foot of the mountain, it got dark and it was easy to see the red light emitted by the flowing magma, which made it easy to find the magma.



It was completely dark on the way back, and the compass on my iPhone malfunctioned. There was no light to guide me, and the sky was overcast and there was no starlight to refer to. I almost got lost. Finally, I kept the red light on the distant mountain behind me to the right, and then I headed southeast and finally got out of the no-man's land.



However, many cracks have appeared in the southeast of the Big Island, and magma is spewing out. It is unknown when it will recover.

The experience here is truly unique. Immersed in the miles of volcanic lava flowing from the crater to the sea, I feel so insignificant between the world, while tiny grasses stubbornly emerge from the cracks of the lava. Life is endless! The climate is also unique. In a second, I'm in and out of a downpour, then clear up and a rainbow flies across. As I ascended, the crater was filled with smoke. I wandered into the museum, and when I emerged, the clouds and mist dissipated, revealing the full crater, the flames leaping vividly. It was magical! It was a worthwhile trip.

I forgot how much the volcano ticket cost, maybe $15 or $20 per car, with unlimited entry and exit for seven days.

I was wearing sandals at the time and ended up cutting my feet. You should all wear sneakers!

The Volcano Park is well worth a visit. It has many places to hike. Due to time constraints, we only chose the driving route and drove around it.

With the standard facilities of a US national park, you can drive through it in a day. Hiking is a good option, but you'll need two or three days. Bring your own food and plenty of water. Besides the popular attractions, my husband and I hiked 10 kilometers using an offline map (WeChat Sports showed we walked 23 kilometers round trip). Hitting the lava was incredibly exciting—a must-do experience! Haha, but my feet were so exhausted after the hike that I spent most of the next day resting at the hotel.

It takes a whole day to visit, so it is recommended to go early in the morning. It is close to the Hilo area and you can stay in Hilo for one night.

The ticket is $25 per car, and there is no limit on the number of entries within 7 days. When you give the receipt, you will also be given a park map, which provides 4 suggested tour routes and methods.

We hiked from the Visitor Center to the Steam Vents and Jaggar Museum, a three-hour round trip. Steam vents are places where geothermal heat causes steam to emanate from underground cavities, and you'll see plenty of them along the way.

Crater Road ends at Sea Arch, a 45-minute drive one way. There are no services along the way, including drinking water, gasoline, or food. Restrooms are only available at Mauna Ulu in the middle and at the end of the road. Across from the park office, you can see the 18-meter-high Sea Arch, formed by the impact of waves and erosion. From the side, I've always thought it resembles Elephant Trunk Hill.

The end of the road is the starting point for hiking to see the lava entering the sea. It is 18km round trip and takes about 5-7 hours. You can only walk, not ride a bike or drive, and you need to bring your own food and water.

Our first stop was the largest crater. Because of the constant plume of smoke billowing from it, the surrounding sky was blanketed in thick clouds. The area around the crater was devoid of tall vegetation, making it ideal for capturing expansive, open space. So, I suddenly had the idea to ask my husband to take some photos. Just as we finished our photoshoot, it started to rain, so we took shelter in the exhibition hall next to the crater. The hall was filled with murals, solidified lava, and documentaries of various eruptions, a rich tapestry of volcanic culture. The mist rising from the rain-soaked crater intensified, and the clouds above thickened. After viewing the crater, we moved on to another attraction, this one boasting lush vegetation resembling a tropical rainforest. Just moments earlier, it had been a burnt plain; the landscape had changed dramatically.

Friendly reminder, be sure to eat a full meal or bring your own dry food before going to the volcano park, because there is no place to eat or buy water inside. You have to go to the sea arch at the end of the park to find a small shop. We bought a popsicle and a bottle of Coke, which cost nine US dollars.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park costs $25 per car, and you can enter and exit multiple times within seven days. There is a hotel in the park, which is convenient for going to the crater to see the lava at night, but it was fully booked very early and it was impossible to make a reservation. The park is very large and is divided into different attractions of different sizes. You can get a Chinese map. We only visited a few major attractions marked on the map. It was quite interesting, but time was tight. If you want to have a good time, it will take at least a day.

I think the most striking feature of Volcanoes National Park is its desolate and spectacular beauty. Black volcanic lava rocks fill the landscape, creating a poignant and breathtaking feeling. However, this feeling cannot be expressed in photos or videos. Of course, this is also due to our limited skills and the fact that we only have mobile phones. But when driving on the road and taking in the scenery on both sides, it's easy to become completely lost in thought...

Going to the Big Island is all about the volcano and lava. The hike took 7.5 hours, with heavy rain, strong winds, and scorching sun. You'll be dehydrated and exhausted. If you're planning to go, be sure to wear professional gear, sunscreen, and fall prevention. And most importantly, bring plenty of water.

The park is quite large, perfect for exploring by car. I'd seen a guide claiming it was one of the best attractions on the Big Island, perfect for a full day. However, for those of us who weren't pressed for time and were looking for a more in-depth experience, even a day wouldn't be enough. So, we only explored half of the park this afternoon.

Tickets: $25 per car, valid for seven days. We bought a $30 Tripple annual pass, which includes access to Hawaii's three national parks: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island and both Haleakala National Parks on Maui. If you're not traveling to Maui, you don't need the annual pass.

There are two routes in the park: 1. Crater Rim Drive, which is 11 miles long; 2. Crater Road, which is 40 miles long and ends at the seaside.

Everyone went to see the Holei Sea Arch, which resembles an elephant's trunk. Many people came to watch the sunset, but there were no tour groups.

Although the weather was bad and it was drizzling all the time, I was freezing to death, but it was still worth it. I plan to come back next time and stay for a few days to walk the trail.

I just returned from Big Island. The diverse landscapes and scenery are all packed into one place, making it well worth a week's worth of exploration. The most breathtaking experience was getting up close and personal with the lava. We hiked with our guide for 1.5 hours, less than a meter from the lava vent. We were scorched red hot, but the awe was indescribable. Our guide also took us to see three fire dragons erupting from the mountain. It was a truly life-time experience. After dark, the lava flow became even more vivid and stunning, but it took another hour and a half to two hours to walk out of the volcanic valley in the darkness, which was quite difficult and dangerous without a guide. Therefore, if you want to see the lava flow up close and safely, hiring a good guide is essential. Our guide was a petite, energetic woman who spoke French, and her assistant, Matthew, was kind and adorable. He spoke both English and Chinese. He studied Chinese at Dalian University of Technology and visits China every year, a rare opportunity. I highly recommend these two guides. You won't be disappointed with this five-hour round trip experience of close contact with the volcano. Their phone number is 808-209-9894, Fabienne and Matthew.

This place is incredibly large, and a self-driving tour is essential. A few months before our visit, the volcano erupted, but it's since subsided. During the day, all you can see from a distance is a huge plume of smoke. At night, the red glow of the magma flowing from the crater becomes dazzling. So, we visited the volcano park twice, just to experience the different views during the day and at night.

The park is dotted with craters of all sizes, with white smoke billowing everywhere and large areas of black magma (which forms land after cooling) everywhere.

It's said this is the origin of Hawaii, where a volcanic eruption sent lava into the sea, gradually forming the Hawaiian Islands. We later took a helicopter ride to see the largest crater from above, which was a truly spectacular sight. The park offers many areas to explore, including the Grand Crater, the Lava Cave, and Elephant Trunk Hill. It was a truly exhilarating drive.

Hawaii's iconic attractions, the shocking degree depends on whether you can see the magma, the unique landform

Witness the power of creation at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Located 30 miles (48 kilometers) southwest of Hilo, it's home to Kilauea volcano, one of Earth's most active volcanoes. Witnessing the unforgettable spectacle of both creation and destruction makes this park one of Hawaii's most popular tourist attractions.

Here you'll find tropical rainforest landscapes, the Road of Destruction, the Halemaumau Crater, and arches formed by the erosion of molten rock by the sea. The park is vast and requires a full day. It's best to visit in the evening for the best view of the volcanic eruption.

The 7-day pass costs $25 for a car. If you're just driving and not hiking, I recommend going after 2 p.m. so you can see the fireworks erupting from the volcano's lava flow after dark. It's quite spectacular!

The active volcano gave away its lava as a gift. So stunning!

Take a night tour of the Volcano Park and admire the strange red light formed by the refracting of volcanic lava above the crater from the observation deck of the Jagger Museum.

The temperature at Volcano National Park was freezing at night, and my thin coat was no match for the chill. I could only gaze at the volcano for a moment, then immediately run into the museum to warm myself before leaving. After a few trips back and forth, I couldn't take it anymore and headed home. The drive from Volcano National Park to Hilo takes between one and a half and two hours.

In the morning we returned to the Volcano Park. This vast park with diverse scenery can be visited for many days, and the ticket is valid for 7 days.

There are two self-driving routes for visiting the volcano park, one is the circular route around the crater (Crater Rim Drive), and the other is the crater link (Chain of Craters Road) that goes directly to the seaside.

The first stop is naturally the Visitor Center, where you can learn about the volcano's current situation. Due to recent frequent lava activity, only a section of the circular route is open.

The park also offers numerous hiking trails. The closest to the visitor center is the Sulphur Bank Trail. Crossing a floating bridge, you'll find caves and rock holes stained yellow, orange, and green by the sulfuric acid gases released daily.

The section of trail that leads to the steaming cliff crater offers stunning views of the crater rim, where it feels like the fires of hell are cascading down towards you.

The closest observation point to the volcano is at the Jaggar Museum. The view during the day is completely different from that at night.

My route was from east to west, so I went to the lava tunnel first. The parking lot near the tunnel has a half-hour limit, but that was plenty of time to explore the tunnel. The tunnel was formed over 500 years ago when the lava flowed, and the surface layer cooled and solidified, but the lava beneath continued to flow. While the seaward side of Kīlauea appears to be solidified black rock, red lava still flows toward the sea below, following a similar path as the Thurston lava tunnel. When the lava flow ceased at its source, the remaining lava drained out of the tunnel, forming the tunnel we see today. The tunnel is quite dark, and while there are lights at intervals, it's still recommended to bring your own flashlight; the LED light on your phone will suffice.

There are many places where steam is coming out near the Steam Vents. There are parking lots near two of them, so you can experience it up close. I stood in the steam for a while. There was a faint smell of sulfur and it was very warm, which was just right for me who was feeling cold in the drizzle.

The Jagger Museum is located alongside the Kilauea Observation Deck. Kilauea is a structure consisting of a large crater within a smaller one. On a clear day, the observation deck offers a panoramic view of both craters, including steam rising from the smaller one. However, the red glow reflected from the steam can only be seen at night. However, it often rains at the summit, and foggy weather can obscure anything. Since it happened to be foggy that day, we decided to explore the museum first. This museum specializes in volcanic knowledge and features numerous exhibits, including many examples of solidified lava that are touchable. (After all, there are plenty of specimens on display; if you break something, you can simply retrieve some from the surrounding area.)

The smoke from this crater will reflect the red light of the lava inside the crater on a clear night. This photo can often be seen in the volcano park, so tourists basically wait for the night to come, and we are no exception.

I found a photo online and found that on a clear night, the Halema'uma'u crater should look like this (Figure 6).

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is perhaps the closest place in the world to an active volcano. The park's vastness surprised us. Seeing plants growing amidst the devastated lava fields was a testament to the tenacity of life. From a helicopter, seeing the lush greenery still lining the burning flames was deeply moving and awe-inspiring. Entering the park's lava tubes further reinforced our sense of the power of nature.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is the world's largest currently active volcano and the only one accessible by car, offering close-up views for those with limited mobility. The park boasts not only spectacular scenery but also excellent facilities and excellent road conditions. Watching the lava erupt after dark is truly indescribable. Watching the lava flow into the sea from a helicopter is an unforgettable experience.

It is best to visit the volcano park once during the day and once at night, but there is heavy fog at night, so please drive carefully.

Our group booked a lava boat to approach a lava tube from the sea. We booked the 5:00 p.m. boat, and the view before sunrise was spectacular! By the time the rest of us took the 10:00 p.m. boat, the lava tube had already formed a crust. I heard there have been very few lava flows this month. On the way back, we even saw a group of dolphins chasing our boat.

Kilauea, one of the two volcanoes that make up Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island, remains permanently active and is one of the few active volcanoes in the world open to the public for close-up viewing. Kilauea's attractions are primarily located along the "Circle and Road" trails: the "Circle" is a circuit around the active crater, while the "Road" follows the path of lava from the crater to the sea.



The volcanic circuit (currently closed for a section, so it's essentially a semicircle) features several observation decks offering diverse views of the roiling crater. The most famous and closest to the crater is the Jaggar Museum. The best time to view the lava is naturally at night, but despite the continuous activity, not every night is suitable. Due to varying activity levels and the angle of view, each observation deck only offers a view of approximately half the crater. If the active area is located in the far half, visitors can see it; however, if they are in the near half, the crater's rim obscures the view. Therefore, the hotel staff recommended that if you stay at the volcano for more than one night, you should visit every day for a better view of the lava. We stayed there for two nights. We were lucky enough to see the lava eruption on the first night, but it was almost impossible to see it on the second.



Daytime driving and hiking through the park are also great options, allowing you to see attractions such as the lava flow into the sea, lava tubes, and the famous "Elephant Trunk Arch." We recommend the Kīlauea Iki Trail, which leads into the Kilauea Iki Crater. The eruption of Kīlauea volcano in 1959 formed this crater lava lake. Over the decades, the lake has cooled and hardened, allowing visitors to walk on it, though steam can still be seen on parts of the surface. Walking on such a bizarre surface is a must-see experience in Volcanoes National Park. The Kilauea Iki Trail loop is 4 miles (6.4 kilometers) long, with a 122-meter drop. It's a moderately difficult hike and takes 2-3 hours to complete. We took a short hike and it was quite enjoyable and unique!

Volcanoes National Park is a unique feature of the Big Island. It consists of two main sections: the main park, encircled by the circular Crater Rim Drive, and the coastal section along the Chain of Craters Road. Crater Rim Drive may be partially closed depending on the activity of Kīlauea Volcano. The park's attractions are easily accessible, and you'll rarely miss them if you drive along the road.

Then we set off again, heading to the Volcano National Park. The entrance fee to the Volcano National Park is a one-time ticket that allows you to enter and exit the park freely within a week. It seems to be $20 per car, but I can't quite remember. The weather here changes a lot. When we arrived at the volcano, we began to feel the temperature drop a bit. It was a bit rainy and a bit cold. Fortunately, we brought jackets. When we arrived at the volcano, it was already time for dinner. There is a restaurant in the Volcano House Hotel next to the Kilauea Visitor Center. This restaurant has a huge floor-to-ceiling window, so you can eat while looking at the volcano. It's nice.

This is the volcano seen from the floor-to-ceiling window of the hotel. It was very shocking at first sight, but when you go to other observation points, you will find it even more shocking and closer, haha

There are many spots around the crater where you can view the volcano. We visited each one and found the best view was from the Jaggar Museum. It was the most stunning and spectacular! (Playing cool little ant)

From a distance you can see smoke everywhere, volcanic smoke.

Next, we'll wait until dusk to observe the crater, which is even more spectacular. This is just a small part of the volcano park. We'll continue along the Chain of Craters Road. Along the way, there are signs indicating the age of the volcanic lava and spots to observe the natural flora and fauna of the rainforest. Sometimes, while walking, you'll spot a large bird in front of you.

Anyway, wherever you see a car parked, it's a tourist attraction, hahahaha. It's quite interesting to drive around and see the plants growing from the volcanic lava. I can't help but sigh at the tenacity of life. At the end of the road is the sea. I don't know if it's because of the weather, it's drizzling, or because it's close to the sea, the wind is a bit strong. There is a famous attraction here, the elephant's trunk formed when the lava flows into the sea. You can see the lava flowing into the sea here, but since last year, the path of the volcanic lava has changed and it can no longer be seen here, which is a pity.

The volcano park is huge, and it takes almost half a day to complete a full circuit. Towards dusk, we returned to the Jaggar Museum to observe the crater at night. The sun sets late here, so it was still bright when we arrived. After observing it for a while, we decided to head back to the car to rest for a while before going back to see it. The temperature was so low and cold at night, and it was warmer inside the car. We were so tired that we both fell asleep in the car for over an hour. When we woke up, it was pitch black outside, so we immediately got out to see the volcano. Wow, it was truly spectacular! The volcano at night is truly magnificent! Photos can't express the awe-inspiring feeling. It was truly worth the trip. The foreigners next to us kept exclaiming, "Wow, wow, wow!" It was truly amazing.

Needless to say, this is a must-see on the Big Island of Hawaii. The facilities are well-equipped, and the tourist information is excellent. The volcanic landscape is truly spectacular. A word of advice: dress warmly, as mornings and evenings can be quite cool, and the winds can be quite strong. You can expect to spend about five hours leisurely exploring the entire park. Hiking is not included.

If you come to the Big Island, you must visit the Volcano National Park. You can visit it for as short as 4 hours or as long as several days. There are many places worth visiting here.

There are natural scenery here that is not found in China, such as the lava tunnel formed by the flow of volcanic rocks in the picture.

It's a great place. Magnificent volcanoes and desolate scenery, as if it were on another planet.

There are two routes in Volcano National Park: the Crater Rim Drive, which loops around the crater, and the Chain of Craters Road, which leads directly to the beach. The trolley bus ticket to Volcano National Park is $5, valid for seven days, and includes a map of the park (Chinese maps are available at the visitor center near the main gate). Besides the driving route, the most enjoyable part of Volcano National Park is the hiking trails. The jungle feels quiet and beautiful, but the thought of the lack of people still leaves a lingering sense of dread. There are so many hiking trails in Volcano National Park that it's said you could complete them in seven days. We only hiked for two hours before the rain started to fall, so we returned to the parking lot. Next up was the Chain of Craters Road, which leads directly to the beach. We ignored the little attractions along the way and headed straight for the beach. Halfway through, we saw a vast expanse of volcanic rock. Looking at the map, we discovered it was lava from the 1970s. Half a century of sedimentation has given a hint of life to the devastated landscape.

The scenery where the volcano park leads to the sea is very beautiful, and at night, you can see the light of the lava. For details, please see my travel notes.

During the day, you can walk along the trail to see various volcanic landforms, and at night you can watch the big pit "spit fire" and look at the stars.

We were lucky enough to catch the volcano erupting when we went there.

The natural scenery of the volcano park is amazing. During the day, you can see white smoke coming out of the crater, and at night you can see red light. It is very shocking to see it with your own eyes.

This is the most worthwhile place to visit on the Big Island of Hawaii. If you have more time, I recommend hiking the Kilauea Iki Trail. Although it takes about three hours, it's definitely worth it. It circles the Kilauea Iki crater and then traverses the entire bottom of the crater – a truly cool experience.

Besides Mauna Kea Observatory, the Big Island's most famous attraction is arguably Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, located on the southeastern tip of the island. This park, often considered a "must-see destination," is renowned for its two active volcanoes: Mauna Loa and Kīlauea. Only here can you truly experience the power of nature and witness destruction, creation, and rebirth firsthand. The best way to visit the park is by car. Admission is $15 per car, $10 per motorcycle, and $8 per person on foot. Entry is unlimited for seven days, and admission is free after 7:30 PM. There's only one restaurant in the park, located next to the visitor center. If you're planning a day trip, be sure to pack plenty of food and water. As for clothing, long pants and hiking boots are recommended for daytime use, along with a light jacket. A down jacket is essential for nighttime.

The southern route offers more attractions and offers more fun! We first arrived at the Kilauea Iki crater observation deck. On November 14, 1959, Kilauea Iki erupted massively, creating a spectacular lava lake. Even today, you can still see the plumes of volcanic smoke, and if you hike down to the lava lake, you can still feel the heat from the ground. Further up the road, we reached the Lava Tube, which requires walking through a stretch of pristine forest. Mauna Ulu, which erupted in 1969, is now desolate. Finally, we reached Holei Sea Arch, the southernmost point, where rope-like lava can be seen everywhere.

Volcano National Park is a must-see on the Big Island. If you have time, you can also walk along the loop trail to the vicinity of the crater. In addition to visiting during the day, you can also drive in at night to see different scenes.

It's worth a visit, but it's best to enter the park around 6pm so you can see both the daytime and nighttime views. The night view is even more spectacular. The entrance fee is 15 yuan per car, valid for a week.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is a must-see on any trip to the Big Island of Hawaii. If you haven't visited Volcanoes National Park, you haven't really been there. Located on the east side of the island, Volcanoes National Park encompasses two active volcanoes: Kīlauea (one of the most active volcanoes in the world) and Mauna Loa. That night, I stayed at the entrance to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. I woke up exhausted at 3 a.m. to head to Kīlauea's crater, as only after dark could I capture photos showing the crimson flames.

It was my first time seeing an active volcano. It was so shocking. Smoke was coming out everywhere. The ground was also hot when I stepped on it.

Watching volcanoes, hiking, and encountering rainbows, how can you not come here! If you are a photography enthusiast, please prepare your equipment and come here. At night, looking at the crater with a sky full of stars is very shocking and beautiful. Unfortunately, I only take pictures with my mobile phone, and the night view is only rubbish. I am already considering the road of poverty for three generations 555

The volcano park is at a high altitude and the top of the mountain is very cold, so remember to bring a windbreaker.

The volcano is full of sulfur smell. Remember to go back to see the crater at night. The ticket is valid for one week. The usual itinerary is to visit the volcano park during the day, go to the black sand beach in the afternoon, and go back to see the crater in the evening.

The Hawaiian Islands, located in the central North Pacific, comprise over 130 islands stretching from southeast to northwest, stretching 2,400 kilometers. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, located on the island of Hawaii in the U.S. state of Hawaii, covers an area of 929 square kilometers and primarily encompasses two modern active volcanoes: Mauna Loa and Kilauea.

We entered in the middle of the night, following the locals!

This is the only way to see the crater at the closest distance! If you want contact information, please contact me.

This is a must-see attraction on the Big Island of Hawaii, truly breathtaking. The entrance fee to Volcanoes National Park is $15 per car, which includes 7 days of free admission, making it well worth the price. A map of the entire park is provided upon purchase. Upon entering, you should first visit the visitor center, located near the main gate. Here, you can ask for information, such as road closures, and join a variety of hiking tours. After reviewing the map, we decided to follow the volcano drive, starting with the most distant Elephant Trunk Rock. The drive takes 45 minutes, and we'll then gradually explore the various smaller attractions on the way back. For more information, visit the Volcanoes National Park website, which provides real-time updates on the volcano (available in Chinese). The famous Thurston Lava Tube and Thurston Caverns are also must-sees. Halemaumau Crater is a must-see at night; it's truly breathtaking compared to daytime views!

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So beautiful!

The most active volcano on Earth, but unfortunately, the volcano has been a bit capricious recently. You can't see the hot lava, only wisps of white smoke. There are two routes to drive around the volcano park. One is to go to the Jaggar Museum to see the crater, and the other is to drive along the Chain of Craters Rd all the way to the lava outlet. The scenery along the way is really stunning and highly recommended!

One of the most important things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii is to see the volcano. Volcanoes National Park is located in the southern part of the island. Getting there is usually by car or with a tour group. There are different types of tour groups. For example, a day tour around the island allows you to see the volcano from the visitor center or observation deck. Alternatively, you can sign up for a dedicated day tour to the volcano park, which offers a more in-depth tour of the volcano, though this will involve some hiking. We took the round-the-island tour, so we saw the volcano from the observation deck during the day. Our guide said the best time to see the volcano is before sunset. The sky and clouds there are very three-dimensional, and the colors at sunset make the volcano view especially beautiful. The most important thing is to see the swirling lava after dark, which is quite breathtaking. There are almost no public services there. Aside from restrooms and a food stall at the activity center, there are few restrooms nearby, let alone restaurants or convenience stores. So be sure to pack plenty of food and water. In addition to summer clothes and sun protection, it's also recommended to bring a jacket (especially for women), as it can get cold if it rains, and the wind can be quite strong at the volcano. (Nearby) There is also a scenic spot similar to a cave nearby. If you are on the way and have time, you can go and see it. It is not bad.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, the Big Island's top tourist attraction, boasts the world's youngest land. Only here can you truly feel the power of nature, witness destruction, creation, and rebirth firsthand, and experience the pulse of the earth.

The volcano park is so beautiful that I couldn’t help but upload a lot of photos. It is really big and you have to drive in to have fun. It costs $15 per car.

This is the world's largest active volcano, constantly emitting steam. The visitor center has drinkable rainwater, which can be collected in cups. If you don't have a cup with a lid, the visitor center sells them. However, please note that for environmental reasons, single-use plastic bottles are not permitted. There's also a small museum next to the visitor center that showcases the volcano's flora and fauna.

Tickets for Volcano National Park are purchased per car or per person. Driving costs $10 per car and is valid for 7 days. Before entering, I thought, "It's just one park, so 7 days is enough." But then I realized, 7 days isn't enough! I really didn't want to leave. It's so beautiful, and nature is so magical and powerful!

The Big Island of Hawaii is an active volcano. Although it has not erupted, geothermal steam can be seen everywhere on the island, as well as some hidden lava flows that can only be viewed from a helicopter.

The volcanic crater is very large, but unfortunately the photos can't capture the power of nature! I strongly recommend that you go and see it, it is a completely different feeling from the sun and the beach.

When visiting the Big Island of Hawaii, taking a trip to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is definitely one of the most exciting things to do. This volcano, known as one of the safest in the world, is located in the southeast of the Big Island. The two most active volcanoes in the world, Mauna Loa and Kilauea, are both located in this park. Kilauea Volcano is still erupting to this day, which makes people have to admire the great power of nature.

I was surprised to find that there were no entrance fees for Volcano National Park during those two days. It was President's Day, so I was so lucky! The volcano crater was right outside the Jaggar Museum, so I went inside to take a look while it was still open.

The smoking thing in the distance is the volcanic crater. Many people were waiting there to take pictures after sunset. I definitely made a mistake. I didn’t expect it to be so cold near night.

After dinner, my husband still yearned for the volcanic crater, so we bundled up in down jackets and gloves and headed back to the volcano park. We were surprised to see so many people still lingering there, cameras at almost 10 p.m. Everyone was whispering, and the silence was complete. Only the occasional gurgling of lava could be heard, and I felt like I was about to be swallowed up. The night view, besides the vibrant crimson before my eyes, was filled with a sky of stars that seemed within reach. I felt like the stars were blinking, too numerous to count. The beauty was indescribable, and just quietly gazing into the distance was satisfying. I later stargazed at Mauna Kea, but it wasn't as breathtaking as this.

Feel the powerful force of nature up close.

Make people respect nature.

The road to the volcano park is easy to find and follow. You can find it by following Highway 11. You can buy your ticket directly at the entrance to the volcano park without getting off the bus. We went on a Sunday, and the volcano park is free on Sundays.

Once inside the volcano park, you'll find the information desk, where you can choose a tour route based on your stay. Some areas are closed due to last year's eruption. After about 40 minutes of walking, our group of four finally reached the bottom of the crater.

At first glance, the ground is pitch black, with scattered grass and shrubs growing in the cracks, a reminder of its tenacious vitality. A few dozen meters away, thick fog shrouds the landscape. Occasionally, a person emerges through the mist, a scene that feels like a time traveler, as if they are messengers sent from heaven.

The entrance fee to the park is US$10 per car. You can see different landforms along the way. The soil near the volcano is usually fertile, so one side is like a tropical rainforest, with various tall trees and grasses and ferns, while the other side, where the volcano once passed, is barren.

The volcano is very bright in color at night, and it is set against the red sky from a distance! This is the guide I checked online. You must go to see the volcano in the volcano park at night.

If you want to have fun, spend at least a day, there are many surprises and beautiful scenery!

There is a telescope on the observation deck. The place with the most smoke in the picture above is where the magma is erupting. I can't take a photo of it, but I saw the magma erupting with my own eyes!

It's simply amazing! I recommend visiting on sunny days and at night. On sunny days, you can see the sea colliding with the volcanic rocks at the end of the road and see all kinds of lava. At night, you can see the red light of the volcano and the flow of magma.



The volcano park is very large, and the tickets are valid for seven days. We spent the afternoon and evening of the first day and the morning of the second day to appreciate the different scenery here, visit volcanic caves, hike to see the magma formed by volcanic eruptions, watch the collision of sea water and volcanic rocks, step on the world's youngest land formed by a volcanic eruption in 2003, and the most shocking thing is watching the red light of the flowing volcanic magma at night. At that moment, I seemed to know what eternity means.

Tickets to Volcano Park are $10 per car, valid for seven days. A map is included with your ticket. There are two main driving routes within the park: one runs east to west, ending at the Volcano Museum, where you can view the active crater. There was a recent eruption just before we arrived. The other is the southbound Chain of the Road, which continues south until the lava flow breaks. We first viewed the active crater, which was covered in a plume of white smoke. The daytime attraction is the Volcano Museum, which contains a wealth of information about volcanoes, some of which is about legends and some about science. Mr. Wu and I took Yanyan on a tour. Yanyan was very interested in volcanoes, especially the goddess Peli. I explained that wherever Peli goes, eruptions occur, and that there are many different colors and forms of volcanic rocks. You can also experience earthquakes caused by the surging lava.

After leaving the Volcano Museum, we headed south. Our first stop was the Sulphur Pit. The white smoke rising from it was incredibly pungent, rich in sulfur dioxide. After a quick look around, we decided to leave and continue on. There were warning signs warning of toxic gases, so we advised evacuating immediately if we felt unwell. We then visited the Lava Tube, the next stop after the Sulphur Pit. This cave-like structure, left behind by the passage of volcanic lava, required a ten-minute hike. After the exercise at Diamond Head, this was much easier. Yanyan completed the entire hike on her own. It was just overcast and rainy, with towering trees lining the path and traces of lightning strikes, giving it a primeval feel. We continued south, stopping and starting along the way. At an observation deck, we heard a rumbling sound—the sound of waves crashing against the lava. This is where Oshima was born, where everything began. At that moment, we felt the overwhelming power of nature. The air throughout the Volcano Park was slightly hazy, but still far below the moderate smog in our capital.