Background
This site contains two of the most active volcanoes in the world, Mauna Loa at 4,170 m and Kilauea at 1,250 m, both towering over the Pacific. UNESCO says eruptions have created a constantly changing landscape whose lava flows reveal surprising geological formations, with rare birds, endemic species and forests of giant ferns.
The park gives scientists insight into how the Hawaiian islands formed and visitors a view of the Hawaiian culture tied to the landscape; the Kanaka Maoli considered the volcano sacred, the home of the goddess Pele. Wikivoyage says the park is open 24 hours a day all year, that ancient Hawaiians settled the Puna and Ka'u coast between 1200 and 1450, and that above all visitors should be respectful.
- 1200–1450Ancient Hawaiians settle the Puna and Ka'u coast
- 1916Hawaii National Park is created
- 1987Inscribed as World Heritage
Find Your Way Around
The main parts of the site, in the order most visitors see them
- 1Kilauea CalderaThe crater rim overlooks and, when it erupts, the glow after dark.
- 2Kilauea Visitor CenterNear the entrance, open 7:45 to 5, with the latest eruption news.
- 3Thurston Lava TubeThe easy walk through a lava tunnel in the rainforest.
- 4Kilauea IkiThe hike across a crater floor that was a lava lake in 1959.
- 5Chain of Craters RoadDown over old flows to the coast.
- 6Mauna LoaThe world's largest shield volcano, for serious hikers.
Know Before You Go
From Wikivoyage and the GoGo guides
Kilauea in a Day
Not yet in a GoGo guide
- 08:00Kilauea Visitor Center and Crater Rim2 hrsThe caldera overlooks.
- 10:30Thurston Lava Tube45 minThrough the lava tunnel.
- 11:30Kilauea Iki Trail3 hrsAcross the old lava lake.
- 19:00Crater Glow After Dark1 hrIf the volcano is erupting.
Best Time to Visit
Best months: Jan, May–Oct. Rainy season Feb–Apr, Nov–Dec.
Typical highs
Climate: NASA POWER