Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Custom Search Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, established in 1916, displays the results of 70 million years of volcanism, migration, and evolution -- processes that thrust a bare land from the sea and clothed it with complex and unique ecosystems and a distinct human culture. The park encompasses diverse environments that range from sea level to the summit of the earth's most massive volcano, Mauna Loa at 13,677 feet. Kilauea, the world's most active volcano, offers scientists insights on the birth of the Hawaiian Islands and visitors views of dramatic volcanic landscapes. Over half of the park is designated wilderness and provides unusual hiking and camping opportunities. In recognition of its outstanding natural values, Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park has been honored as an International Biosphere Reserve and a World Heritage Site.     CONTACTS Email - HAVO_Interpretation@nps.gov Fax- 808.985.6004 Write to Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park P.O. Box 52 Hawai'i National Park, HI 96718-0052 Phone Visitor Information - 808.985.6000 - TRAVEL BASICS Operating Hours, Seasons Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park is open 24 hours a day all year; Kilauea Visitor Center is open daily from 7:45 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.; Jaggar Museum is open daily from 8:30 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. Getting There PLANE - Hilo and Kona airports are served by inter-island carriers, Hawaiian Airlines and Aloha Airlines. Some major airlines have direct flights to Kona from the continental U.S. CAR - Located on Hawai'i, often called the 'Big Island', Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park is 96 miles from Kailua-Kona driving southeast on HWY11 (2 to 2 1/2 hour drive), or 125 miles through Waimea and Hilo via highways 19 and 11 (2 1/2 hour drive). The park is 30 miles from Hilo (45 minute drive). Vehicles may be rented at the Hilo and Kona airports. Most major car rental companies are represented at both airports. BUS - For the current Hele On bus schedule, visit this webpage: www.co.hawaii.hi.us go to: What's New select: Bus schedules Weather & Climate The park has distinct climate zones that vary according to elevation. Visitors should be prepared for a wide range of weather conditions. Weather at the summit of Kilauea (4,000' elevation) fluctuates daily and can be rainy and chilly any time of the year. The coastal plain at the end of Chain of Craters Road is often hot, dry, and windy. Bring rain gear, light sweaters or jackets, sturdy shoes, hats, water bottles, sun glasses and high UV factor sunscreen. For island weather forcasts, call (808) 961-5582. Accessibility The Kilauea Visitor Center, Jaggar Museum, Volcano House hotel, and Volcano Art Center are wheelchair accessible. Pullouts along Crater Rim Drive and Chain of Craters Road afford panoramic views of the park. For information on accessible pathways, other facilities and programs, inquire at the visitor center. Getting Around Explore the summit of Kilauea volcano via Crater Rim Drive, an 11-mile loop road that encircles the summit caldera. On the drive, visitors will pass through a desert, cross the caldera floor, and enjoy the beauty of a tropical rainforest. If you have three to four hours, visitors may also explore the East Rift and coastal area via Chain of Craters Road. This road descends 3,700 feet in 20 miles and ends where a 1995 lava flow crossed the road. Depending on changing volcanic activity, there may be opportunities for viewing active lava flows. No food or fuel is available along the Chain of Craters Road. CAMPING 1. Namakani Paio Open All Year Located off Highway 11, 31 1/2 miles out of Hilo at 4,000' elevation. It is a large, open grassy area with tall eucalyptus and ohi'a trees. Camping is FREE - NO reservations needed. Stays are limited to 7 days in a month and not to exceed 30 days per year. This campground has restrooms, water, picnic tables,and barbecue pits. The large pavilion has picnic tables and a fire place (no firewood is available). Weather may be cool and damp year-round. Daytime temperature range: 60s to 70 degrees F. Nightime temperature range: high 30s to low 50 degrees F. We suggest that you have a tent with a good rainfly and bring warm clothing for the cool evenings. For More Information on this campground please call (808) 985-6011 2. Kulanaokuaiki Open All Year Located at 2,700' elevation and about 5 miles down the Hilina Pali Road. Camping is FREE - NO reservations needed. Stays are limited to 7 days in a month and not to exceed 30 days per year. Kulanaokuaiki is a new campground with only 3 sites available for camping. 2 of these sites are wheelchair accessible. There are barbecue grills, a vault toilet, and picnic tables. There is NO WATER at this location. LODGING Volcano House Open All Year As Hawai'i's oldest continually operated hotel, with a history dating back to 1846, the Volcano House has for decades captured the hearts of local islanders and traveling visitors from all over the world with its own unique charm. The hotel is located within Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park at the 4,000' elevation on the Big Island of Hawai'i. Volcano House is nestled on the crater rim of Kilauea, one of the world's most active volcanoes, offering a spectacular view and a timeless experience. Facilities include 42 rooms and 10 cabins. There are two gift shops, which carry a variety of items including souvenirs, books, videotapes, film, clothing, jewelry, and local arts and crafts. Other amenitiees include a bar and restaurant. For more information: Visit our inDEPTH webpages and look under: Visitor Information. Call: (808) 967-7321 or email: volcanohouse@earthlink.net For More Information on this lodging please call 808-967-7321 FACILITIES Museums THOMAS A. JAGGAR MUSEUM Open All Year Phone - (808) 985-6000 Location - Located along Crater Rim Drive, three miles from the park entrance, the Thomas A. Jaggar Museum offers earth science displays and features murals depicting Hawaiian culture. An adjacent overlook offers a panoramic view of Kilauea Caldera and Mauna Loa. Visitor Centers KILAUEA VISITOR CENTER Open All Year 7:30am to 5:00pm daily Phone - (808) 985-6000 Location - Located just inside the park entrance, Kilauea Visitor Center offers visitor information and exhibits. Special Programs - Films and videos, highlighting the park's special features and current eruption, are shown in the auditorium from 9:00am to 4:00pm daily. A schedule of Ranger-led walks/talks is posted on the Ranger Activities bulletin board in the visitor center at 9:00am each morning.   Map Detailed Map Contact Info Phone, Email, Address, GPS coordinates Campgrounds Nearby List of Nearby Campgrounds Weather Local weather forecast These outdoors activities are available near Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.   Campgrounds Near Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: Nmakanipaio Campground, Hawaii County, 2 miles away   Hotels Near Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: Aloha Crater Lodge in Volcano, Volcano, Big Island , 3 miles away Aloha Place - Inn of Volcano, Volcano, Big Island , 3 miles away Bamboo Orchid Cottage, Volcano, Big Island , 3 miles away Halana Lodge, Volcano, Big Island , 3 miles away At the End of the Road Bed & B, Volcano, Big Island , 3 miles away The Artist Cottage, Volcano, Big Island , 3 miles away At the Craters Edge, Volcano, Big Island , 3 miles away   Trails Near Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: Crater Rim Trail, Hawaii County , 0 miles away, 10.6 hiking miles, 474 feet elevation difference Halemaumau Trail, Hawaii County , 0 miles away, 3 hiking miles, 469 feet elevation difference Byron Ledge Trail, Hawaii County , 0 miles away, 3.9 hiking miles, 444 feet elevation difference Devastation Trail, Hawaii County , 1 miles away, 0.5 hiking miles, 56 feet elevation difference Sulphur Banks Trail, Hawaii County , 1 miles away, 0.5 hiking miles, 58 feet elevation difference Kau Desert Trail, Hawaii County , 6 miles away, 17.7 hiking miles, 2266 feet elevation difference Napau Crater Trail, Hawaii County , 7 miles away,  11.4 hiking miles, 663 feet elevation difference   Beaches Near Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: Kamokuna, Hawaii County , 17 miles away   Public Lands Near Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: MacKenzie State Park, Hawaii , 28 miles away 'Akaka Falls State Park, Hawaii , 30 miles away Mauna Kea State Park, Hawaii , 32 miles away   Golf Courses Near Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: Volcano Golf & Country Club, Hawaii National Park , 2 miles away Volcano Golf & Country Club, Hawaii National Park , 5 miles away