This amazing National Park is unique and extensive with ongoing volcanic activity. We enjoyed our stay at Kilauea Military Camp which was very convenient for visiting the steam vents and the lava tub…Full review by littlemamadob
Feb 24, 2025
The park was very interesting. It was some of the closest views I have been able to see. The volcano erupted on Tuesday before we went on Saturday. I wish we could have seen that. A park ranger c…Full review by billd45c
Feb 19, 2025
Went very early on a Monday. Stopped by the visitor center before they even opened for a restroom break before heading to the steam vents. Also went to the lava tube and Kiluea Iki trail (great hike…Full review by LadySolo9525
We would like to spend two full days at the park (family of four with 9 & 12 year old). Day 1: Visit Visitor Center, do longer 5-6 mile Kīlauea Iki loop starting at the Visitor Center or Devastation Trailhead (if open, trip is in future). If we are still up for it we would then do sites along Chain of Craters Road. If not, leave it for Day 2. Day 2: If we get everything in above, what would you do on day 2? Kahuku Unit? Muana Loa road?
A:
I would add the lava viewing in the evening - see at least 2 main viewing points eg. Kilauea overlook, Keanakako'i overlook. If mauna loa is open when you get there that's an option. …
I would add the lava viewing in the evening - see at least 2 main viewing points eg. Kilauea overlook, Keanakako'i overlook. If mauna loa is open when you get there that's an option. Steam vents and sulfur banks are cute, won't take you long.
We will be with my 80 yr old mom who doesn’t want to walk on uneven surfaces and my 3 kids, ages 6 and 4 yr old twins. Any trails or itineraries that are not too long/dangerous/uneven? Thanks
A:
I would suggest going to the volcano visitor center. There are park rangers that will answer all of your questions, and where the best place to go if you’re not interested in hiking. Also …
I would suggest going to the volcano visitor center. There are park rangers that will answer all of your questions, and where the best place to go if you’re not interested in hiking. Also across from the visitor center is the volcano house. We stayed there one night and had a really good view of the glow. We took so many pictures. Seeing the actual lava lake is hit or miss when going on a hike. Hope this helps. Have a wonderful time!
Hi. We are planning to go here but my hubby has recently developed a fear of heights, e.g., walking near cliffs. Are there “heights” like this along the trail?
A:
No problems with heights, since I have the same fear. Most trails have plenty of land past the railing so you don't feel like you are looking straight down. Use your judgement & all …
No problems with heights, since I have the same fear. Most trails have plenty of land past the railing so you don't feel like you are looking straight down. Use your judgement & all will be good!
How many days should I plan to visit VNP? Also looking for recommendations while in the park.
A:
1 or 2....or, if you will be on the island for 10 days or longer, or if this is your #1 priority, or if you are dedicated hiker or naturalist, maybe 3. VNP is huge, with many hours worth of drives …
1 or 2....or, if you will be on the island for 10 days or longer, or if this is your #1 priority, or if you are dedicated hiker or naturalist, maybe 3. VNP is huge, with many hours worth of drives and hikes. Also, it will likely be sunny in the morning then start to rain the afternoon, so you may not have full days. With all that said, I spent one day, about 8 hrs, in the park and felt completely fulfilled. TOP SITES (IMO): 1) Kilauea Iki Trail - amazing hike through old crater, 2hr 2) Crater Rim Drive - incredible drive from visitor center down to ocean, through massive lava fields, 2-4hr 3) Halema’uma’u trail - beautiful hike through a rainforest down to the active Kilauea crater, 1.5hrs 4) Kikaeau overlook - this is the active volcano, you can also see the glow at night, 1hr—-This is my “best of” list and a good full day, you can see it adds up to 6-8hrs. If you feel like you will want to do more hiking than this, add another day. Hope this helps!
Hi, We will be in Hawaii at the end of January and staying in Waikola Village. We only have one day to go to the volcano/Hilo side. Is it realistic to see the volcano, the botanic gardens and a waterfall or 2 on the way home in one day? Travelling with 4 adults...
A:
Absolutely! Just make sure you depart early so you have the full day there. On the way back, why not call in to Kona to swim with Manta Rays. That was the highlight of the holiday!
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