Located on the island of Hawaii in the U.S. state of Hawaii, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is a popular tourist destination. Located within the park are two active volcanoes: Kilauea, which is considered to be one of the world’s most active volcanoes, and Mount Mauna Loa, which is considered the world’s most colossal shield volcano. Scientists can gain knowledge into the formation of the Hawaiian Islands as well as access to the park to conduct volcanism research there. Visitors can enjoy magnificent volcanic scenery, sights of rare flora and animals, and a glimpse into the traditional Hawaiian culture that is related to these settings while exploring the park.
A national park in Hawaii’s Volcanoes National Park protects some of the most unusual geological and ecological landscapes on the planet, as well as some of the country’s most treasured cultural landscapes. Kilauea Volcano National Park, which stretches from sea level to 13,681 feet above sea level and includes the craters of two of the world’s most active volcanoes – Kilauea and Mauna Loa – has been named an International Biosphere Reserve and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, among other designations.
Entrances and how to reach Hawaii Volacanoes National Park
While the rest of Hawaii offers a multitude of exciting activities and things to see, visitors to Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park have only one opportunity to get up close and personal with an active volcano: travelling to the park. The park lies 30 miles southwest of Hilo (a 45-minute drive) and 96 miles southeast of Kailua-Kona on Highway 11 (a 2-hour drive). Plan to walk, cycle, or drive about once you arrive because there is no public transportation within the park’s 500 square miles. You should expect to pay a fee to enter the park with your car, motorcycle, or bicycle.
Getting to Volcanoes National Park in Hawaii
On the island of Hawaii, the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is located.
- 30 miles southwest of Hilo on Highway 11 (45-minute drive)
- From Kailua-Kona, use Highway 11 southeast for 95 miles (2 to 2.5 hours), or take Highways 19 and 11 for 125 miles through Waimea and Hilo (2.5 to 3 hours).
- 90 miles southeast on Highway 200 from Waikoloa (2-hour drive).
Within the park, there are no shuttle buses or public transportation options. Often, ride-sharing firms will not come to the park to pick up passengers.
The park headquarters are in the Klauea Visitor Center, which is located at 19.429496, -155.257103 latitude/longitude.
Getting to Hawaii Island
Hawaiian Airlines, an inter-island carrier, flies to Hilo Airport on Hawaii Island. Inter-island airlines Mokulele and Hawaiian Airlines fly into Kona Airport.
More information on current Hilo Airport airlines can be obtained at http://hawaii.gov/ito/customer-service/airlines-at-ito.
More information about current Kona Airport airlines can be found at http://hawaii.gov/koa/customer-service/airlines-at-koa.
Rental Cars
Both the Hilo and Kona airports offer automobile rental services. The public bus (Hele On Bus), commercial tour buses, taxis, motorcycles, and bicycles are all available at various spots throughout the island. There are no rental cars or bicycles available in the park.
Public Transportation
Hele On Bus is a limited-route public bus service. Within the park, there is no public transit or shuttle service. Within the park, rideshare apps can be difficult to utilise due to the area’s limited availability.