Rocky coastline with palm trees and a cliff beyon

National Park · Hawaii

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

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.

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Things to do

  • 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

Weather & when to go

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.

Entrance fees

  • Entrance - Private Vehicle

    Private Vehicle Pass - The private vehicle pass admits the passholder and up to 14 passengers of a single, private (non-commercial) vehicle.

    $30.00

  • Entrance - Motorcycle

    Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.

    $25.00

  • Entrance - Per Person

    Pedestrian/Cyclist Pass - Admits one individual bicyclist, hiker, or pedestrian visiting without a private vehicle. An individual pass is not required for visitors aged 15 and under.

    $15.00

  • Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus

    The commercial entrance fee for a Road Based Guided Tour is based on vehicle seating capacity. For a 16-25 passenger vehicle the user fee is $100.

    $100.00

  • Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach

    The commercial entrance fee for a Road Based Guided Tour is based on vehicle seating capacity. For a 26+ passenger vehicle the user fee is $200. Large vehicles, defined as more than 26 feet in length and/or more than eight feet wide, are only allowed to operate on Crater Rim Drive to Kilauea Visitor Center, Kūkamāhuākea (Steam Vents), and Uēkahuna. Mauna Loa Road to the Kīpukapuaulu turnabout.

    $200.00

  • Commercial Entrance - Per Person

    $15 per person for Commercial Non-Road Based Guided Tours. This includes hiking more than one mile on one trail, bird watching on foot for more than one hour at one location, and/or or bicycling tours.

    $15.00

Operating 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.

Campgrounds

FAQ

How much does it cost to visit Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park?
Entrance to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park costs $30.00 (Entrance - Private Vehicle), $25.00 (Entrance - Motorcycle), $15.00 (Entrance - Per Person). The America the Beautiful annual pass ($80) covers entry at every NPS site.
What are the hours at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park?
Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park is open 7 days a week, 24 hours a day including holidays.
Do I need a reservation for Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park?
No timed-entry reservation is currently required to enter Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Campgrounds and permits may still need to be booked separately on Recreation.gov.

Related guides

Trip plans and deep-dives from the PeepTrip blog featuring Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.

Keep exploring

More parks in Hawaii.

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