Such a unique and unforgettable place. Where else can you walk through old lava fields, hike across a crater, and maybe even catch a glimpse of an active volcano? The scenery is surreal — it honestly feels like you’re on another planet. Some parts of the park are hot and exposed, so I recommend going early. Bring water, sunscreen, and snacks. Not much food inside the park, but Volcano Village nearby has a few spots. Definitely worth the visit if you’re on the Big Island.

Absolutely incredible experience. We went on a national parks day so it was free; however, you can easily spend a whole day here and get your money worth. The 4 mile trail is not that difficult. I would recommend going clockwise. Start at the entrance near the lava tube and take the trail all the way across the crater and back up where you’ll end near the lava tube. The first part of the hike is all downhill, then you’ll have a trek across the crater which is incredible… if you take this route you’ll have a short stretch which is pure incline, climbing up steps, but you won’t have the .6 mile constant incline if you did it the opposite direction. Also, if you start by the lava tube, you descend to the crater and have the most incredible views of the crater and the lush treeline behind it!

Incredible Experience at Hawaii’s Big Island Volcanoes! Visiting the Big Island's volcanoes was an unforgettable highlight of our trip to Hawaii. From the moment we entered Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, the sheer scale and beauty of the landscape left us in awe. The contrast between lush rainforest and stark lava fields is something you truly have to see to believe. We were lucky enough to witness the Kīlauea crater at night, and the glow from the lava was absolutely mesmerizing. The park rangers were knowledgeable and passionate, providing great insights into the geology, history, and cultural significance of the volcanoes. We also hiked the Kīlauea Iki Trail, which takes you right across a cooled lava lake—such a surreal experience! The steam vents, sulfur banks, and Thurston Lava Tube added even more variety and fascination to the visit. If you're planning a trip to the Big Island, this is an absolute must-see. Be sure to check for current volcanic activity and weather conditions, and bring sturdy shoes and water. Whether you're into science, nature, or just jaw-dropping scenery, the volcanoes will leave a lasting impression. Highly recommend

Wow what an experience and we saw a small eruption too. Really a great experience. Definitely go for sunset so if there is Lava you can see it when it gets dark. But bring WARM CLOTHES for night time.

A must-visit spot! I recommend going both during the day and at night. Bring binoculars — you can actually see lava glowing between the cracks! Half of the fun starts in the dark ^^ Check out full view of the Kilauea Volcano: @threecontinents10

Didn’t actually see the park during the day, I drove from Kona while the volcano was erupting. It was definitely incredibly crowded but everyone was so respectful of and kind to each other. And everyone was respectful when watching the volcano itself.

Such a cool place. Make sure to pack a sweater or hoodie if visiting later into the day (it got down into the 50s after dark, and we stayed late on purpose for stargazing. Highly recommend!). We also ate at the George’s Lodge place in the Volcanoes restaurant- great people, gorgeous views, and a delicious dinner.

We got to see the eruption which was amazing. Many people going over the guard rails and ropes for better pictures and that’s dangerous, dont do it ! Plus you block the view for everyone else.

Nature at its most awe-inspiring — Kīlauea is an experience I’ll never forget! 🌋 Seeing Kīlauea during its 32nd re-eruption was absolutely breathtaking. The lava fountains shot more than 400 feet into the sky, glowing bright against the sky — a sight that words and photos can’t truly capture. From the crater rim trail and every viewpoint, you could feel the heat radiating and hear the roar of the eruption, a sound as powerful and unrelenting as Niagara Falls. It’s raw, humbling, and almost surreal to witness the earth creating itself right before your eyes. Standing there, you realize how small you are compared to the immense power of nature. Kīlauea isn’t just a stop on a trip to Hawai‘i — it’s a once-in-a-lifetime reminder of the planet’s living, breathing energy.

Amazing to be able to watch this volcano erupt and feel the rumble of the volcano in person.

Well it is what it is and it was magnificent. Missed an eruption by one day! Next time lol.

Great National Park to explore. Nice hiking trails under shade trees.

Pictures from visit in early February 2022 and late January/February 2023. Such a beautiful natural phenomena. When its really quiet, you can actually hear the lava bubbling on the surface

04/28/2025 (Mon) We saw only faint lava activity on the USGS YouTube livestream and heard that part of the trail had been closed due to a road collapse caused by recent earthquakes. Still, since we had already rented a car, we decided to come and check things out. We arrived around 4:30 a.m., and although it was still pitch dark, the stars were stunning. We walked to the current end of the trail as of today, and from a distance, we could see a faint red glow, which gave us a sense of the current volcanic activity.🌋As we returned to the parking lot around 5:30, the sound of birdsong surrounded us from all directions — a breathtaking, almost otherworldly experience that left us deeply moved🕊️🐦🌿🎶 05/06/2025 (Tue) During the day, we saw an incredible eruption being streamed live from a restaurant in Hilo. If we had headed there right after our meal, we probably could have witnessed the spectacular eruption in person. However, since this was our last chance to enjoy Hilo on this trip, we chose to spend the rest of the day by the ocean instead. Later that night, we decided we still wanted to see it, so we left around 9 p.m. Even though it takes about three hours from our hotel, we went anyway. We arrived just around midnight, and the eruption itself had already ended—we were only able to see the lava flowing afterward. Still, the sight of the glowing red lava streaming through the darkness felt mysterious and deeply moving. Thinking about how awe-inspiring the actual eruption must have been, we promised ourselves that next time we visit the Big Island, Kilauea Volcano will be our top priority. 🌋✨

A must see! And shout out to the park worker Hubert who works there at the park doing maintenance! You were an amazing with all the information you gave today! We appreciate you.

Sadly, there were no actual eruptions during our visit, but it is still a sight to see. We arrived around 4 pm and were able to find parking. It gets very windy and chilly, at this time of year anyway.

Spectacular view of lava flow in the crater during eruption. Walk down a little bit you also get a full view of the volcano fountain. Unforgettable experience!

The crater is easy to get to from this point. There are steam pools in the parking lot and the trail is pretty much clear. Purchase your ticket at the gate it’s about 35 dollars and it’s good for 5 days. You can drive around the park plenty of bird sightseeing.

Majestic views are available if not at the lookout, then definitely along the nearby trail, but stay in marked areas! Many hollow pockets and holes near the edges, just unstable ground in general, best to stay on the trail and marked viewing areas!

Photos do no justice to the awe you experience here. Short walk to the rim is senior and kid friendly.

Amazing experience! Got lucky and went on Monday March 3rd around 530p at sunset and it was breathtaking. You have to go to the Volcano House if you’re going to see the lava. Anywhere else you’ll get good views of the smoke but probably not the lava. The $30 pass is perfect car and lasts for a week if you want to go back. Worth every penny.

The volcano wasn't spewing any lava, but it was still remarkable. We used a guided tour to go, which i highly recommend, but even if you go on your own, the steam vents and the path around the Calderon are really neat. The wildlife and plants are really interesting as well. The lava tube is also quite interesting. Though I wish I could have seen lava, I would do it all over again. Once in a lifetime experience.

The Steam Vents are a fascinating stop on the way to Halemaʻumaʻu Crater! You can literally feel the warm breath of the volcano rising from the ground — especially impressive in the cool morning air. The mix of lush green vegetation, steaming earth, and distant crater views makes it a surreal experience. Definitely worth a short stop and a slow walk around.

I was born on Maui and rarely visited the Big Island. I returned for a family reunion and decided to visit Kilauea since it has been over 35 years. The volcano was active and erupted the day we arrived. Unfortunately, we had no time to see it for 3 days after arrival. Once we did visit, it stopped erupting and only had the leftover smoke. The weather was beautiful, and the vents were actively smoking. If you visit the Big Ialand, make sure you put this down as a place to visit.

An amazing volcanic site that’s well worth stopping by. The overlook gives you a chance to embrace the raw, majestic beauty that Mother Nature has to offer. A peaceful yet powerful reminder of the island’s volcanic energy.

Volcanos National Park is a must for everyone visiting the Big island. Be sure to take the road all the way to the coast.

An easy place to get a good view of Kilauea's main eruption site (as of July 9, 2025). Lots of parking and a short walk (150 yards?) to the rim of the caldera.

Very wet, cold. This is typically a different climate zone from the rest of the island. Bring a hoody and pants.

This was the only trail we had time for a national park. However, I would recommend it. When we came, it was extremely misty and foggy so you could not see much, but definitely walking through a lava field with craters was pretty neat.

A once in a lifetime experience that has been happening approximately every week or so since last December - if you haven’t somehow made it to our beautiful island to come see this spectacular display of Mother Gia’s true power then WHAT ARE YOU DOING WITH YOUR LIFE?? Seriously, do whatever you can to make it out here when she is showing off for us… aside from being present for the birth of my children I can honestly say seeing Pele perform like this in all her glory was the most beautiful amazing incredible thing I have ever seen BY FAR.

Episode 31 was spectacular. Parking was relatively easy to find and the trail to see the eruption was well marked. We had two kids under 10 and they made it just fine.

Wow, the volcano had a small eruption and wow was it cool to see. Make sure to dress warm of going at night. Well worth the trip.

Amazing short hike. You can see the amazing views with the black rocks around the crater. Recommend coming if you are in the area! About 20-30 minutes out and back.

Nice easy little trail. Cool and different views. Walk to the end to see the Kilauea Iki trail from above.

You can definitely see the succession taking place. The trail is ready and anyone could go. The flora is amazing.

no its not the biggest one ! the biggest one is in Yemen its huge and big , all i can say is to pray to the great God to have mercy to us we must ask forgiveness guys , and yes this one in hawaii is big and we must respect him

We hiked all the way up to the crater. Tedious and boring crossing lava field after lava field until you reach the summit and realize you're at the scariest place in the word because of the immensity of this volcano. You have to see it to believe it. I felt as never before. Only do this if you're in the best condition and very well equiped for such a challenge. It's a no mercy hike! But if you are able and want to experience nature's destructive might, this is a once in a lifetime experience.

Beautiful and enormous. Hiked here from the Mauna Loa Observatory (not open to public but there is a public parking area outside their gate). The trail is very rough, you have to climb over broken lava tubes and follow rock markers to know where the trail is. Otherwise would rate at 5 stars.

I really enjoy the trip up and down as much as the views from the top. We rented a 4 door Jeep and did this trip with the top off. It was so much fun! I really suggest you give it a try.

Mauna Loa (/ˌmɔːnə ˈloʊ.ə/ or /ˌmaʊnə ˈloʊ.ə/; Hawaiian: [ˈmɐwnə ˈlowə]; English: Long Mountain[3]) is one of five volcanoes that form the Island of Hawaii in the U.S. state of Hawaiʻi in the Pacific Ocean. The largest subaerial volcano in both mass and volume, Mauna Loa has historically been considered the largest volcano on Earth, dwarfed only by Tamu Massif.

Got to see the eruption when we were on the big island this past week. Really cool Neature!

Wonderful National Park. Stunning views and the park staff are so friendly and helpful.

Our island has every beautiful thing that any human being could desire. Eleven of the world's 13 climate zones can be experienced here. When we have snowfall on Mauna Kea, locals will fill their pick-up trucks and go to the beach to have a snowball fight! In my years here, I have witnessed dozens of volcanic eruptions. We also grow the best coffee in the world - Ka'u Coffee. What we don't have are cities and hustle and bustle! This island is the closest place to paradise on earth.

Highly underrated, my 2nd favorite of all the major island, really recommend taking 6 days to drive around the whole island and make sure to go to the rainforest

The island has every kind of climate possible and is so beautiful.

My personal favorite of all the islands to stay on when visiting. Booking a rental on the Kohala coast is guaranteed good weather nearly every day. Known as the "big" island, it has over 11 climate zones. Activities available for all ages. We have done dives, snorkel, zip lines, horses, beaches, waterfalls, kayak, surf, etc.. As far as eating goes, road side food trucks, fine dining, as well as foodland (grocery store) prepared foods are all exceptional.

Loved the Big Island. (Not as busy with tourists as the other islands., which suited me quite well.) What a treat for a Canadian to be able to pick and eat tropical fruit right off the trees! Lots of beaches, great deep sea fishing experience(the guys), and wonderful scenery. Looking forward to returning in the future.

The island is really amazing. You can see everywhere rocks from Volcanoes Lava. There is some different climates inside of the island. You can find wind, sun, rain, cold on the same day around the island. It is really Exotic to visit the island. We saw some turtles, stingrays, Hawaiian Monk Seal and a bunch of fishes snorkeling. The best beaches to go are Hapuna and Two Step. The people on the island are really lovely and nice.

In my opinion, the Big Island is the most interesting. Gorgeous coastline, black sand beaches and.........the volcano. Seeing the scope of the destruction was mind boggling. I’ve been to all the islands, most more than once. But after all these years, it is the Big Island I come back to!

First, we went volcano, hiking to get some hunger. After that, we were sweaty and desperate for a good meal thank goodness we found uncle Jorge’s. Mario was our server. He was a great server and knew all about the menu to make recommendations. The kids had some loaded fries, which probably were not very healthy, but they seem to like them . The Polk strip tease was delicious and had a crispy wonton for my mouth. Even though a burger and a chicken sandwich was ordered everything was devoured like a wolf on a bone. Thanks, God . I would say this place was delicious and the noise level was a little bit insane my ears are hurting. Meanwhile, it was fun to watch some people were doing crazy poses in front of the crater/volcano . Great views. Cheese sandwich. Beer.

Food was pretty good but not amazing. For the price, it should’ve been a little better quality but overall it was good. I recommend getting the pizza which is normally fresh (sometimes not, it’s mostly luck). The view is great, you see the crater clearly and it’s amazing. Service was definitely 5 star, didn’t have any problems and they came pretty often to refill drinks. The wait to get a table is also not the best and sometimes takes awhile. Not many other choices, but I recommend coming if you don’t mind the cost too much.

Got stomach pain and nausea after eating here. Ordered their signature pasta as they were out of pizza and there aren't any other meaningful options for vegetarians here. Also their Caeser salad is a joke. It's literally lettuce with Parmesan on top and a slice of pineapple. Friends ordered Chicken Katsu which was serviced with tomato sauce! The waitress was rude and just ignored any requests for straws, water refills, or utensils. The view isn't that great from here and is viewable even if you don't go to the restaurant.

Destrey is amazing. He made our meal, our night and the experience of a potential volcanic eruption unforgettable. Pizza, salads with house dressing & fish/chips excellent with wife stating “best tartar sauce I think I’ve ever had”. View of the volcano and the trails unparalleled. I highly recommend. Ask for Destrey and enjoy!!!

Not sure what all the bad reviews about staff and food quality were all about, this place was great! The Kalua pork was a good portion size and very flavorful. The view is amazing and the staff were very attentive. I think many of these reviews are over critical for small things because of the high price point but don't factor in you are eating in a historic location with a view that you rarely find anywhere else in the world for a restaurant.

If you have no other option and want to stay in the area, this is ok. The Guava Flow drink is delicious and strong, so worth the money. The fish and chips and the fish dinner leave much to be desired. The macaroni salad was also flavorless. The poke tower starter is SMALL for the price and lacks flavor, but you’re paying for convenience of being at the park. I will say, our server was incredibly nice and sweet. Also: I would try to sub out the rice, such a waste…

This place offers a truly unforgettable dining experience. The breathtaking views of the active volcano while enjoying your meal are simply awe-inspiring. The food was equally impressive. The chicken wings were the best I've had in a long time, and the tomato bisque was also delicious. If you're looking for a memorable meal in a stunning setting, I highly recommend.

Tuk Tuk Thai Food Truck is a solid stop if you’re craving something spicy on the island. The flavors were good and the food definitely had a kick, which is hard to find here. We appreciated the spice level and overall it was a decent meal. Only downside—the meat tasted a bit too processed for our liking. Still, if you’re in the area and want something flavorful and quick, it’s worth a try.

This is one of the best thai food we have eaten so far. Most of the items they have can be made veg. We ordered thai iced tea, spring roles, panang and massaman curry, soup. Everything we ordered was amazing. Must try!!

You can read Any of the reviews & know this place is worth a visit. Anticipate spending $30+, because you're gonna wanna get multiple things, for sure. But it'll be worth it. Their entire menu is amazing, and though making a choice was hard, everything I got was Delicious. Spring rolls with peanut sauce, Tom Kah with shrimp, Pad Tai with Chicken, & the pineapple curry- 🤌 Large portions. High quality. Feel good food.

Such a hidden gem! This small, cute food truck on a golf course is run by the friendliest ladies. We tried the avocado curry with shrimp (my first time having it and it was so good), chicken fried rice, and spring rolls.. everything was full of flavor. The Thai iced tea was delicious too! There’s a shaded tent right next to the truck where you can sit and enjoy your meal. Portions were generous, we even had to take some back to the hotel. Truly not just “good for a food truck” but some of the best Thai food I’ve ever had.

We stopped here at the recommendation of a friend, on our way out of Volcano National Park (& following a long day of hiking). We got the spring rolls, chicken pad Thai, tofu cashew curry, and the green tea + thai tea to drink. It was all delicious and portions were MASSIVE so we very easily have enough for another full meal. The service was also very friendly! Perfect stop after a busy day when we were starved for good food—this delivered◡̈

I was so excited to try Green Papaya Salad for the first time! It is a local favorite food on Big Island and I wanted to make sure I got it from a place that served a truly authentic version. Tuk Tuk has been in Volcano for a long time and consistently receives the highest ratings. Cut to the chase - I LOVED IT! The papaya and vegetables were crispy but tender and that wonderful sauce was amazing. I would describe the flavor of the sauce as lightly sweet, citrusy, with a hint of umami. It perfectly compliments the veggies and those Spanish peanuts add the perfect crunch and saltiness. The girl who waited on me was a delight and my order was ready in just a couple minutes!

Sooo good. I got the yellow curry with chicken and it was amazing. The Thai iced tea was pretty good. I also got the veggie summer rolls and they tasted fresh and delicious. The service was fast as well, the worker told me 20 mins but it was done in less than 10.

My wife and I vacationed on the big island as part of our 40th anniversary and we stayed at Volcano House while exploring Volcanoes National Park. The hotel and restaurant were a great ‘home base’ for our exploration. Room was somewhat outdated but we liked it and the great view of the caldera! The restaurant was great - good food, great view, and great service. Good gift shop that we bought from and had it shipped home. One note - during busy times the hotel doesn’t have reserved spots for hotel guests and that can cause you to walk from parking spots far away…sometimes in the rain. The front desk simply explained that they can’t control how busy it gets and accommodating guest parking ‘issues’. I was polite but this was a poor answer on an issue that definitely can and should be dealt with by reserving spots for hotel guests….even if they charge an extra daily fee for using this lot.

We had reservations for 2 nights but left after 1 night. First night we had dinner in the dining room and it was horrible. We had reservations, but still had to wait 30 min. Not a big deal. My cocktail, special of the evening a grapefruit margarita, which was served after my apoetizer, was very strong, I asked the bartender if I could have a little more juice in it and he grabbed a chuck of a grapefruit, squeezed it with bare hands and shoved it in my glass and said there. Our steak was so tough we couldn't cut or chew it. We told the server and he said let me get you some steak knives. And brought knives. I had at least 5 chewed and spit out bites on my plate before I stopped eating it. The soup was soo fishy tasting, we could barely eat it. The mashed potatoes were cold. We left more than half of our dinners untouched. At $55 a steak and $16 a cup of soup, it should have been edible. Also we had tried for ice for our room earlier on check in, and had to go to the bar. 3 people later saying wait for the bartender. A different bartender for that bar came in and was very rude when we asked to see the bar menu and only filled our small bucket half way. The rooms were beyond out dated. No TV. 1 small fan, no air conditioning, tiny bathroom, but we were there for the scenery so some of the issues could be overlooked. When it was foggy the next day, we couldn't think of any reason to stay. The volcano couldnt be seen, the room was so so, no TV on a foggy night, bartenders were nasty, not hanging there, the food was terrible so we weren't going to eat, we decided to lose our nights pay and head back to our beach hotel. I'll say the check in girls were great with there advice and mimosas, the gift house people were great, the grounds were nice the park is wonderful. . But get a VRBO near by and visit the park. Don't stay at the volcano house.

Two friends and I had lunch at the Volcano House Restaurant yesterday. All 3 of us really enjoyed the food plus we liked being seated right next to the window so we could view the volcano while eating. One friend had Alaskan cod fish & chips, the other friend had pork, rice and an interesting helping of something like macaroni and cheese, but better! I had the Asian BBQ Prawns with riced, bok choy and sweet/spicy sauce. All were delicious! Also our server - a nice young woman, was very helpful. Would definitely recommend this restaurant to other visitors!

Super cool location that overlooks the crater. Staff was friendly and welcoming. The building is old, but well kept. Kind of a bummer they dont have AC in the rooms (we like to sleep in cool air), or TVs (I get they are trying to provide a natural experience). Parking is limited in front of the hotel with overflow across the street (a bit of a walk so drop your bags in the lobby if you have to park at the overflow). Coffee in the mornings by the front desk and complementary Memosas upon arrival.

Stopped in for the view of the caldara and the buffet breakfast. All was very good. The buffet (although a bit pricey) is all you can eat and had an omelet station. They have your expected meats (bacon, breakfast sausage, sausage) and fried potatoes and a potatoes with hash. A small assortment of fruit and breads and of course premade waffles.

What a "house"! This is one of the most unique and memorable places we have ever stayed on vacation. The staff was friendly, the food was delicious, the hiking was amazing, and the view of the volcano was incredible. We enjoyed meals in both restaurants on the property that ranged from pizza and burgers to a more gourmet menu of stuffed big island chicken and ribeye. Sitting in a rocking chair looking at the incredible view of the volcano through the big picture windows while drinking morning coffee was another highlight. This place astounds with its charm and history and unbelievable volcano views from the hotel room, lounge, and restaurants. Thank you to the Volcano House crew for your hospitality! We will always remember this once in a lifetime trip!

I was looking forward for staying at Volcano House because of it's front row view of the volcano. I expected an older hotel as it was from the 1800s, but expected some upgrades. The rooms were very old and tired looking. There aren't enough parking spots for the hotel guests, and many sports were taken by visitors that are not staying at the hotel. Once in the hotel the sulphur dioxide smell is overwhelming. I immediately got a headache. Because there is no air conditioning in the room, I could not turn a fan on to help with the smell and had to keep the windows closed. It got very warm in the room. The rest of the hotel was filled with the smell as well. The next day the volcano erupted and we were fortunate enough to see it so close. It was a truly a highlight of our trip. The room was pricey, as well as the restaurants. Though there is a lot of charm to this hotel my stay was not what i expected. Update: After my initial review, the management at Volcano House reached out and offered a sincere apology for the issues I experienced during my stay — particularly the heavy volcanic smoke and parking challenges. They took my feedback seriously and assured me that steps are being taken to improve these areas for future guests. I also appreciate the thoughtful gesture they made to help make things right.

Very basic as National Park Centers go ... Friendly, professional staff. Small gift shop (larger gift shop at hotel and Arts building). Very good guidance on hiking trails. Note that this Visitor Center is being replaced in 2025, with a temporary Center in place during construction. Note: excellent dining room in the hotel overlooking Kilauea. Food and drinks are very good.

Definitely a must experience while visiting the big Island, Lava Tubes, Volcanoes, Lava Arches, Lava Fields, steam vents, Hiking, sight seeing and if you're lucky the volcanoe will have an episode while visiting. Its truly a beautiful place and there is nothing like it in the world.

The visitor center was nice. It was raining, though. When visiting Hawaii in the summer, all I think about is sunshine. If visiting the National Volcanoes Park, be aware that it may be raining.

Such a nice restaurant with the volcano view! It was a huge portion of the food 🔥🔥 I ordered Chicken Katsu. It was enough to share with 2people!

Great place to see the volcano. I personally think it’s one of the better viewing areas

Hoped to catch the volcano spouting lava 1,700’ in the air. Alas, we missed episode 35 by a couple of days. We had showers and fog for our visit so really didn’t get to see much.

This is a great place to visit and learn about the volcano and so much more about the island in general. We went on a walking tour with a park ranger and I highly recommend it. Was a very light walk suitable for all ages and very informative and fun. There are rest rooms available and a great gift shop with a museum like display.

We did this trail and took the lava tube turn off. We were told that the lava tube parking is scarce and the overlook parking was ample. This turned out to be very true. Trail is mostly shaded, well maintained, and tropical. Lots of plants to look at and numerous scenic overlooks. Watch little kids closely as the cliff is only a few feet beyond the trail fence at points. The views are amazing and plantlife beautiful.

A Great Stop For Wide Crater Views And A Glimpse Of Volcanic Eruptions! Kīlauea Iki Overlook gives you a sweeping view into the crater, with its dramatic lava floor and surrounding cliffs. When I visited, Kīlauea was in its 32nd re-eruption, and from the overlook we could see lava fountains in the distance shooting hundreds of feet high. You could even hear a low roar and feel faint warmth from certain points — a very cool bonus to an already scenic stop. While it wasn’t the main highlight of the park that day, it was still a worthwhile viewpoint that helps you appreciate just how massive and active this volcanic landscape really is.

Great view of the crater. You get to see how massive it actually is. We came near sunset so you get the view with the sunlight then when it sets you can see the glow of the lava. There was also less people at this time.

Just did a 9 day trip to Hawaii a couple weeks ago and this was the absolute highlight of the trip! Besides getting to see Kilauea erupt live, the view even from the parking lot was really good, the trail was beautiful with lots of cover with beautiful trees and flowers, and the view from the main trail once you hit the point past the Iki trail is absolutely amazing! Best part about this train is, unlike the main trail everyone uses to view the eruption, this one had very few people so we got to enjoy it with no tourist noise and just the sound of the birds and the eruption! Somehow I luckily timed the trip just right and got to see the eruption which was a childhood dream come true! For reference, the volcano is currently erupting on average every 20-21 days, although we got lucky and it erupted sooner than that. If you want to see it, check out USGS and watch the local news, that's how we found out it was happening the morning of. Even if the eruption isn't happening, I still highly recommend this hike!

Good access for different hikes. Hiked the crater trail and the lava tube. Pretty easy navigation on these trails

Such a magically beautiful place. My auntie was visiting us from Lana'i. She and I met in Hana Maui in 1989. We were mesmerized by the views, the beautiful hapuu ferns and kahili ginger. A week after these pics were taken, madame Pele showed her strength and erupted. We missed that experience. But nevertheless, visiting Volcano National Park was absolutely breathtaking. It was crowded, hard to find parking. Worth each minute of waiting to just sit here and look at the views from each overlook.

Plenty of parking in the morning. Great views and a lovely walk to the Nāhuku Lava Tube

Cool lava tube, not too busy! Would have loved to have seen it at night too. The loop is nice, stairs down and somehow you end up above it when you come out. Restrooms near the entrance/exit of the loop - one of the few with running water so take advantage!

We went after dark so we had to use the flashlight from our phones up until we got to the actual tube. Very nice short walk. Beautiful scenery leading up to the very well lit tube. Walkable for little ones. I had my two second graders with me. Very cool experience to add to our volcano visit! 🥰🌋

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Volcano Tubes – An Unforgettable Experience in Hawaii Visiting the volcano tubes in Hawaii was truly one of the highlights of our trip, and I can’t recommend this stop highly enough. The entire hike leading to the lava tube is absolutely beautiful — a perfect blend of lush rainforest scenery, cool shaded pathways, and that peaceful Hawaiian atmosphere that instantly slows your pace and makes you appreciate every step. The trail is well-maintained, accessible to most visitors, and filled with vibrant greenery, birdsong, and the kind of natural beauty that feels straight out of a postcard. The real centerpiece, of course, is the incredible lava tube itself. Walking through it feels like stepping into another world. The cool air, the soft echo of footsteps, and the natural volcanic formations lining the walls make it a one-of-a-kind experience. The lighting inside is just bright enough to show the tube’s details while still preserving that mysterious, awe-inspiring ambiance. It’s amazing to stand inside a place formed by molten lava thousands of years ago and imagine the power that shaped it. Whether you’re a nature lover, hiker, or someone seeking a memorable adventure, the volcano tubes are an absolute must-see. As a Local Guide, this is exactly the kind of spot I love highlighting — unique, accessible, and unforgettable. Highly recommend!

I went on a Saturday and did not have any problems finding parking, but there is also an overflow lot. The lava tube loop is a very short walk, maybe 5 minutes altogether. We also accessed the Kīlauea Iki trailhead from this lot, which I would recommend if you have the time, and are feeling up for the 4 mile hike.

Parking spaces were available around 9:30 am and when we hiked back here around 11 am it will as packed with many busses on the side too. The walk is pretty quick and it is a dark tube that gets lit up between 8 am and 8 pm but if you have trouble seeing in the dark or want to see more then bring your own flashlight. The walk is short but getting down to the tube can be steep for some. Be careful. It's a very short walk for the loop.

Nāhuku Lava Tube – Big Island An incredible natural wonder worth visiting! Walking through the lava tube feels like stepping into another world — cool, mysterious, and full of history. It’s an easy stop inside Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park and a great way to experience the raw power of nature up close. Definitely a must-see on the Big Island!

The lava tube is a beautiful experience to see. A cave that will allow you to see how nature works up close and personal.

Epic hike through the crater of Kīlauea. Easy to hike due to steps and railing on either side. The landscape is super cool to see, there are a bunch of switchbacks but easy to navigate. We hiked the loop in about an 1:30 which wasn’t to bad at all.

Great hike! Do it counterclockwise in the morning for a cool walk through the jungle and the easier switchbacks in the shade on the way back up (as opposed to steep stairs in the sun). It gets hot and windy in the crater so bring sun protection and water. It took us about 2 hours with lots of stops for photos.

Seeing the crater is interesting. We happened to be there for an eruption. Easy hike. The steam vents are accessible on the trail too.

On our trip to the Big Island we got to visit this beautiful place twice. Beautiful scenery. Happy, motivated, full of energy, Peaceful going down the mountain to the lava (flat) beds, but coming back up... Was a struggle, ready to just stay there forever, energy drained, legs burning, but still beautiful. Once we finished the trail it was so fulfilling. 🫶🏽 Would I do it again ... No. But not because it's not worth it... But because I would get flash backs of the struggle back up. Definitely a must once try 😉 Just be warned.

Great view of the crater and the trail itself is very interesting. Worth the walk to get a high-level view before going down to walk in the crater. Has a bunch of steps here and there, with some slippery areas.

What an amazing area to explore. A mixture of volcano dust and ash and the then a lush forest is next to it with lava cubes to explore. Easy walking paths for everyone.

Amazing view point, trailhead is just off the road. Be prepared and bring water, it can get hot quick, especially if you venture out to the lava field, beyond the rainforest canopy. The entire trail is paved, but is steep and consists of multiple switchbacks. Closed toed shoes are recommend. Parking is limited, you may need to walk down from the nearby visitors center parking lot. Kids can do it! Our 10 and 8 year old took their time and made it to the middle of the lava field. Checkout the nearby lava tube too.

Amazing view of the Kīlauea crater! 🌋 The Keanakāko‘i Overlook offers stunning scenery with steam vents and lava rocks — you can truly feel the power of the volcano. Easy walk, but bring a jacket — it’s often windy and cool up here.

Watching the lava spout was one of the most exciting experiences I've ever witnessed. This was my first time seeing a live erupting volcano and it was breathtaking!! One of the most beautiful sights I have ever had. A true example of what defines Awesome. So. Very. Beautiful! The hike out to the rim starts at the trail head for devastation trail. It is short (1.2 miles) and mostly paved. There are signs that are well marked and easy to follow. If you get lucky enough to see it at night, definitely see it then.

Well worth the hot walk out to this overlook. It was the best view we got of the steam. Not much shade so be prepared. Restrooms at the beginning. Park at the Devastation Trail parking lot and walk over 2min.

Keanakako‘i Overlook – 5 Stars! Visited July 2025 Probably the best overlook of Kīlauea. Incredible views and a really peaceful spot to take it all in. It’s about a one-mile walk from the parking lot, easy and scenic, but just a heads-up, there are no bathrooms or water at the overlook. Totally worth it! Don’t skip this one if you’re in the park.

I may be just a tad bit biased as someone who got to watch the eruption*, but this is an amazing lookout point for the crater. Just prepare for a walk under the sun. *I actually got to watch two separate episodes but the point still stands

Watched lava flow out of Kileau from Keanakakoi Overlook. Hike in during daylight and take exquisite pictures after dark. Bring a cold weather jacket, pants, poncho, umbrella, and flash light for the hike back to your vehicle after nightfall.

Amazing experience - BEST view of the 2025 eruption! Very easy walk, absolutely worth the hassle of parking. Follow Chain of Craters Road to the Devastation Trail parking lot, walk past the outhouse to start the 1.1 mile hike. Park in the previous lot up, nice short extra hike. Started 12/23/2024 with 30 restart episodes so far, 12+ hours each. Every other week. Bring a friend.

They offer a 7-wine tasting experience that includes both white and red wines. Most of their selections lean towards the semi-sweet to sweet side, making them a great choice for those who enjoy wines with a bit of sweetness. The staff does an excellent job of explaining each wine's unique characteristics, as well as the best food pairings to complement them. One interesting highlight is a wine they recommend for making wine ice cubes, which can be added to other drinks for a fun twist. If you're coming down from Volcanoes National Park, this is definitely a great stop to unwind and enjoy some unique local flavors.

A very pleasant place where you can sample wine and buy local products. We were also delighted with the smoked meat served by the locals who had their own stand. We had a very pleasant time.

Cool experience at this winery. They are putting a hawaiian twist on their wines like adding local fruits and even making a mead with tea in it. The wines lean a bit on the sweet side. Nice atmosphere and the staff were welcoming and knowledgeable.

5 Stars – Fantastic Experience at Volcano Winery Volcano Winery in Hawaii is an absolute gem and one of the most memorable stops we made during our trip. From the moment we arrived, the staff was incredibly friendly, welcoming, and genuinely enthusiastic about sharing their wines. They took the time to answer questions, explain the different varieties, and were more than willing to let us sample a wide range of wines so we could find our favorites. Their passion for what they do really shows and makes the entire experience that much better. The wines themselves are excellent—unique, flavorful, and unlike anything you’ll find on the mainland. Whether you prefer traditional grape wines or the more distinctly Hawaiian blends with local fruits and honey, there’s something here for every palate. We especially appreciated the relaxing outdoor seating, which offers a peaceful setting to enjoy a tasting flight while taking in the surrounding greenery and cool Volcano climate. It’s the perfect place to unwind. Another unexpected bonus was their cigar selection, stored in a well-kept humidor with a variety of quality options. It’s not something you see at every winery, and it added a nice touch for those who enjoy pairing a good cigar with a great wine. Overall, Volcano Winery delivers a fun, relaxing, and memorable experience. Highly recommended for anyone visiting the Big Island.

A great wine tasting experience for the whole family. The perfect ending to our day at the National Park. A huge shout out to the staff. There were two of them and the place was pretty busy. I was initially concerned that they'd be too busy to help everyone but they performed flawlessly and had personalities and senses of humor. I definitely recommend!

Volcano Winery was offered as an excursion with our cruise and we enjoyed it immensely! The tour and tasting were top-notch! The only disappointing element is that I couldn't take more wine with me (weight restrictions for flights) but I will definitely be ordering from their website in the future!

I really love that this place exists and what this vineyard/winery is doing. They are experimenting within the constraints of a unique/challenging climate for grapes (and Hawaii county law). A trial and error process that can’t be easy for the bottom line. Come with an open mind - this isn’t Europe or California. I love their integration of local fruits and teas. My only regret is that they were out of estate grown wines as I had wanted to taste the “terroir.” I look forward to following them and see what they can create!

Great spot to view the lava flow from. We found it very educational for our two daughters. There is lots of history inside the musem area. Small gift shop indes aswell. We parked at the musem as there is plenty of parking there. From the musem it's a nice hike to the steam vents 1.7 miles. very scenic and great photo opportunities. Must see if you are visiting the Big island

Nice collection of lava samples. Great place to view the active crater, especially at night when you can see the glow from the magma. Bring warm clothing if you're going at night as it can get very cold. The parking lot can get very full at night so plan accordingly.

A nice stop while touring the park. Includes some science and also the latest updates in the lava flows for those planning to go see them. Look through the binoculars to see the birds flying around the caldera.

The museum was good but the best part was the lava lake views at night. The museum has a viewpoint of the Halemaumau Crater where the lava lake is on the surface as of November 2016. The views at night are spectacular. This place is a little windy but worth the wait. We stayed closed to the Hawaii volcano national park and we could drive to the museum multiple times under 10 min.

A great place to observe the active volcano crater in Mt. Kïlauea called “Hale Ma'uma'u,” which means Home of the Eternal Crater. If you are a tourist, then it’s 100% worth the visit at dusk. There are a lot of other places to visit within Volcanoes National Park. It’s been fun with my young toddler children.

Ensure that you reach the place well before sunrise( say 5:15 am) and wait it out until sunrise. Completely worth waking up in the morning to see the Kīlauea cauldera from the lookout point. An advice is to probably book a room close by. We stayed at the lokahi lodge which was 10 min away(reasonably priced and a really good stay for a night)

Good place to brush-up your vulcanology knowledge. Little bit of history and a great site to view Kilauea's eastern slope AKA East Rift Zone. Up close and person to live crater. On a clear day, you can see smoke coming out to crater. There are times when rangers take time and share valuable incites of this place. This was one of the top place for Volcanic studies for a while. For time to time you may be able to see Scientists near by. Restrooms available and actual site is walking from parking area. You can cover entire site in 15-20 mins. We started our national park journey from this spot.

Definitely a letdown. This place could really benefit from separate lunch and dinner menus, because the prices we paid for lunch were ridiculous ($20 for a burger and $32 for pasta). The seafood pasta did come with a healthy amount of protein, but the shrimp were all overcooked and rubbery, while the sauce barely had any flavor. My dining partner’s burger wasn’t very tasty (especially compared to the offerings we had at Village Burger earlier in the week) and the roasted potato cubes that came with the dish (not fries) were mushy and bland. Service did their best, as there was only one waitress for the entire restaurant during lunch rush. So the one star goes to the waitress, zero stars for the food. This is clearly a subpar establishment that has survived by preying on high tourist traffic in an area with not a lot of food options. I would recommend giving one of the other restaurants in the area a try instead, or packing a KTA bento to bring with you to the national park.

Good little Cafe in Volcano. The pesto pasta was decent and so was the service, however my Wife's loco moco's burger was overcooked and the rice was under cooked and it was a bit expensive ($15) without any of the usual Hawaiian lunch plate sides. The price was a bit steep for what we got, but I guess thats just the Hawaii price.

Know kidding the best place on the Big Island. Everything on the menu was amazing! They have great fish and steak and pasta and you might miss the wood fired pizza but their crust is AMAZING!!! We ordered two pizzas to go just to get more of it. The bar drinks are awesome and they just added some delicious dessert pizzas! Super fun and friendly staff!

sooooo expected big island and national park mark ups aside, this place was decidedly middling. not sure what the local alternatives are, but the food quality was definitely lacking. the service was kind, flexible and attentive, but one of our servers could have used a shower. The hallway to the bathrooms smelled like a McDonald's at closing time (due to the kitchen mats hanging there). the Ceasar salad was pretty good, nice dressing and fresh hearts of Romaine. the garlic bread that came with it was a pass. The Mac nut pesto pizza was a pass. Both due to pack of flavor and bread/texture that left me wanting. the single tall lillikoi marg was refreshing, especially with the lihing rim. Again, the staff had great attitudes and were super kind!

We are here on our stay in Volcano. The cafe is attached to a convenience store, but don't be deceived by its looks. The service was good but the food was spectacular. We had the seafood pasta which was full of flavour and huge shrimp and we had the special long tail red snapper which was spectacular. Highly recommended, only wish that had been open Tuesday and Wednesday night so we could have eaten there every night!

Delicious and unexpected surprise off the highway. BBQ ribs were soft and very good sauce (high praise from a Texan) but the fish stole the show. Don't miss the in-house pizza and chocolate mousse!

For how expensive it was, I was really disappointed my pork chop was overcooked. The seasoning was good, fresh Broccoli and mashed potatoes were really good. They had a large party that night and all of the appetizers were sold out, which was also disappointing.

The arch itself is pretty small and hard to see but the drive down was scenic and beautiful. I recommend going early so you’re not racing against the clock/sun light. It was extremely windy. There was plenty of parking but again, went pretty late

It's cool.But if you stop about a quarter mile before you get to the parking lot for the sea arch, there are some really amazing sea caves. You have to walk out and look over the edge And the water splashes in it looks absolutely amazing. Just look for the pool off and rock wall at the edge

Well worth the drive. The area is desolate and has its own beauty. We should've gone in the morning, as the sun was an impediment for us...next time we'll know! I would recommend driving the whole way down as early as possible, then hitting the other sites on the return drive.

We visited the Sea Arch in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park — it’s about a 40-minute drive from the park entrance, and absolutely worth it. It’s incredible to see where the Pacific Ocean meets the lava flows, and how the landscape has evolved since the 1950s eruptions. If you enjoy scenic drives, this route is a must. Along the way, you’ll pass craters, lava fields, and dramatic volcanic terrain. It’s all truly captivating — and if you’re into science fiction, it feels like driving through another world.

This is a great fishing destination right off the cliffs. Lottsa old lava flows all around. Watch out for the speed cameras mounted directly above the speed signs.

Limited parking space and can be very hot and windy. Bring lots of water. They have decent restrooms. This is a 40-min drive from Crater Rim Drive. The petroglyphs, chain of craters and others are on the way- something to consider when going here.

ChatGPT says the chain of craters drive ends dramatically at the sea… can confirm this is true. Such a beautiful and elegant place where the sea meets lava. Can’t recommend enough. There are bathrooms.

Despite the hot and sunny day and legs sore from another hike, the 1.4 (round trip) rocky scramble to see the petroglyphs at the end of chain of craters road was so worthwhile! The boardwalk had lots of informative signs and my husband and I loved that on our return hike, we noticed plenty more petroglyphs on and around the trail that we had not seen on the way out. Very cool. Would be a challenging hike for small kids or those needing a flat/paved trail as the terrain is quite rocky from the lava flows.

This 1.5 mile roundtrip walk/hike is a must-do when visiting Volcano. The trek out there has no coverage, so bring a lot of water with you and take breaks to take in the stark scenery. This is worth your time if you’re able bodied. While described as mostly flat, that is not really the case. Once you reach the circular boardwalk at the end you’ll realize the hike was well worth it! What an interesting and historic place to be. On your walk back to your car you will notice petroglyphs dotted along the path. Really just incredible!

An easy-ish hike to see some cool petroglyphs. Roughly 40 minutes round trip, most of the walk is over older lava flows and black sand. The petroglyphs show up in the last 5 minutes of the hike and are heavily concentrated around the boardwalk at the end but that is not all of them. If you look around a little you will find many others dotting the area (see images for examples). Definitely worth the hike to see these incredible pieces of history.

Amazing, incredible. To think that ancient Hawaiians would bring the umbilical cords of their newborn children here to pray for their healthy and successful lives, and carve figures into the stone- magical. The landscape too is inspiring and rugged. Probably one of the best experiences in the park!

The trail was completely empty when I was here which was SHOCKING because this was my favourite place in the park. So many cars driving by and not stopping to check it out. Do yourself a favour and go here! The hike is quick and this is such a special place.

I love looking at historical artifacts like this, so it was a must do on our list. There is a short but rocky walk to the site of the petroglyphs, so closed toed shoes that support your ankles might be a good idea. The ground (lava rock) can be very uneven, so the walk may take a little more time than expected. Upon reaching the site, you will find a wide variety of petroglyphs, with some of them being difficult to see because they have been eroded over the years. It was still worth the short hike to see them. If you appreciate this type of thing! Also, prepare yourself for wind, sun, and rain as we experienced all of the above on our trip!

As part of the Volcanoes National Park, this is one of the sites you want to go see. It shows a lot of the history of the people when they first came to the Hawaiian islands, and the early East carvings are from centuries ago. There's a parking spot off of the chain of craters Road where you can enter the trail The petroglyphs tell a story of people and their lives. Many of them are tribute to new births and families. Read all the signs as you go it'll explain what the petroglyphs mean. Take pictures, but not nothing else. Also, for Heaven's Sake, don't try and draw your own glyphs or initials in the stone, which many people have along the trail leave this historic site with the respect that is given to it by the park service. Stay on the boardwalk as you view the glyphs. It took us about 40 minutes to walk into the site at an easy pace. There is no incline, but it is jagged and rugged, not inducing to mobility impaired people. You will want to follow the trail markings since it is somewhat winding and all the terrain looks very similar and you could easily get lost.

It heckim wimdy! Hold on to your hats and enjoy the uninterrupted view of the lava flow from Mauna ulu all the way down to the ocean shore. From up here you can see all the different eruption points and their flow to a truly breathtaking scale. No photo will do it justice

Loved visiting and taking in the rugged coast line. So beautiful.

Beautiful view, but not so unique compared to other spots on Crater drive Although it looks ideal, I would NOT recommend picnicking here, your food WILL blow away :( 💨🌬️

Amazing views from the observation deck. There are 2 picnic tables...perfect spot to rest and have lunch

Really good viewpoint with amazing views of the coast and somewhere to stop on the way back from the sea arch.

So wonderful and out of this world beautiful. We walked around looking at the different lava flows. Walked through the Thurston tunnel.

Great view over the lava cliffs.

It took us awhile to find the trail head. We hiked up and around but couldn’t find the entrance. We finally found it as we were headed back to the car. It is at the bottom of the trail-but you need to walk past the parking lot. It will be across the way from the Lava Tube. The hike down to the crater was quite long but had many switchbacks. The walk across the crater was surreal and not difficult. It’s amazing to see the cracks here and there, the different formations of rocks/lava. There was one section that appears to be a crack-we threw a rock down and did not hear it. It was fun to explore and we were thankful that it wasn’t a very sunny day as it would likely be a scorcher as there is no covering. It rained on and off but it was perfect for a walk across the crater.

Great hike, 2nd time we have done it. Recommend good shoes, lots of people in flip-flops, but there are some Rocky parts. So interesting across the crater floor, and the hike along the rim has beautiful views, not sure of the exact elevation, but there was some huffing and puffing on the way back up !!

Amazing views. Visitor center had great information, as well as history of volcanoes. Very helpful and pleasant staff. Had to park in overflow parking to see the lava tubes, but it was a very easy and clear trail to reach the tube. Again, lovely views along there, as well. One of the stops along the crater had a rainbow over it for quite a few minutes. Was breathtaking!

Great trail. Can be a bit strenuous is some areas. Should be good for the family. If entering from the lava tube side there is a pretty good decent down to the lava field/crater. Bring water! Recommend exiting the area into the Kilaeau Byron ledge trail. It cuts across the corner of the Kilaeau crater. That will exit by the visitor’s center. You can also turn around at the Byron ledge and head back the way you came. HIGHLY RECOMMEND this hike.

This is a place of surreal beauty! It's a very unique experience hiking through a volcano that was recently active. The hike can be challenging though, requiring some rock scrambling and a steep climb out of the crater. However, you can enjoy the beauty without having to hike. There are two nice areas to "overlook" it. I recommend viewing at sunrise. You can beat the crowds and it's also the most beautiful time of day there.

Incredible and diverse is the only way I can describe it. One minute we were in a rain forest and the next it felt like we were walking on the moon. We hiked the rim, and then down to and across the crater floor of the Kilauela Volcano. ~7.5 Miles, 3.5 hours, big elevation elevation changes. We hiked it counter clockwise and the hike back up was tough.

The Kilauea Iki Crater hike offers an outstanding experience for hikers of all levels. The trail provides relatively easy terrain, allowing visitors to witness the breathtaking volcanic landscape without enduring strenuous challenges. A notable feature of the hike is the opportunity to observe steam events. As hikers venture into the crater, they encounter fascinating steam vents emitting from the ground, reminding them of the volcanic forces beneath the surface. This adds an intriguing element to the overall hiking experience. The highlight of the journey is undoubtedly the Kilauea Iki Crater itself. The vast expanse of hardened lava on the crater floor showcases the dramatic aftermath of past eruptions. The contrasting scenery of lush green surroundings against the desolate, volcanic terrain creates a captivating and unique hiking environment. In summary, the Kilauea Iki Crater hike is a recommended adventure for those visiting the area. With its accessible trail, the chance to witness steam events, and the dramatic beauty of the crater, it offers an awe-inspiring experience that showcases the wonders of nature's geological processes.

A very well maintained trail and tube experience. The lava tube was much shorter than I expected, but beautifully preserved. It's much smaller than the tubes at Craters Of The Moon, but far better for walking and free of debris.

An extremely unique experience unlike any other we have had, was similar to a cave but knowing it is not and see the different characteristics was very interesting. Amazing the process of how they are formed!

Such a cool place. Can’t even describe how beautiful and lush the plants are. Must see in person to appreciate the beauty. Parking is VERY LIMITED but be patient spots open up pretty quickly. We almost drove past without stopping and glad we went back.

Super easy path, doesn’t take long but really neat!! We enjoyed it a lot.

Large lava tube that is well lit and relatively flat and safe. It is wet but without large puddles. There are rest areas and parking lots very close and multiple trails that lead here. I would argue that when the volcano is not erupting that it is the best thing to see in the park.

Super easy hike through a lava tube that is lit up pretty well inside. Has a few small puddles but a restroom.

It's very convenient to get to and certainly worth the effort. You walk down a trail to the entrance, and it's probably a good idea to have a flashlight or use the one on your phone! It is quite dark, be sure that you were some shoes that you do not mind getting wet.

Beautiful place. Only a couple people inside the building, despite there being lots of people outside and around the visitor center. The two people working the store we’re not very friendly and seemed irritated. I overheard them placing bets on which customers would purchase something. Not exactly welcoming. The art is beautiful and widely varied. It is great that is all created locally. Most things cost upwards of $100+, but there’s a small selection of items that are less. They even have some pretty handmade jewelry.

Coolest art, but the rudest people. Was ready to pay bespoke art prices but not at this level of passive aggressiveness... Near zero aloha. To the more elderly woman of the two employees at this shop: For the sake of the skilled artists who deserve better than this, please work on your absolutely horrible attitude.

Art gallery in the original volcano house building. It's pretty big with lots of cool pieces if you're looking for a souvenir. There's a rare restroom with running water right outside (while the visitors center is closed), so take advantage!

Had a nice visit with Claire here at the art center. Nearly bought a piece 23 years ago while here on honeymoon. Nearly bought a piece here last week but ended up with a different piece from elsewhere. This is a great gallery. They stay true to the gallery they have been for decades. I highly recommend at least visiting here, even if you’re not looking to buy. It’s like a Hawaiian Art Museum. It’s very close to Kīlauea which has erupted 32 times since December 2024. Who knows, maybe it’ll be erupting when you’re here. If it is erupting, you’ll want to see it.

I wasn't able to go inside because it was closed but they have nice mosaic artwork on the walls. The tiles are in a variety of different materials. Worth a quick stop for pick if you're passing through. Bite sized cultural info just on the walls.

We loved the guided tour through the forest preserve with our guide from the Bronx! (Go New York!) Massively enriched our appreciation of the Big Island and Volcano NP’s flora and fauna

Tucked away in Volcano City, this hidden gem of a place is well worth the stop. A tour through one of the last stands of tropical rain Forest on the Big Island is an easy and most enjoyable walk with markers to educate and guide walkers. Monday mornings at 9:30 am a guided tour is available. Art displays are tastefully arranged with gift items. Beautiful local artisan jewelry, pottery, glass, carved items, and wall art available for purchase. The sculpture garden is lovely. Do not miss the mosaics on the educational center next door. They are amazing! A quiet place to pause and reflect on old Hawaii aloha. Welcoming, helpful staff.

First Visit – Great Ambience and Flavorful Food! We visited this place for the first time since it’s close to the Volcano House—we were in the area to see the active volcano. We really loved the ambience and the overall vibe of the place. The food was flavorful, though a bit spicier than expected—we asked for medium spice, but it was still a bit too hot for us. That said, the flavors were great and enjoyable. The service was on the slower side, likely because there were more than 10 tables and only 3 servers handling everything. We also noticed it's a popular spot for takeout, which makes sense given its location. Overall, we loved the experience and would definitely recommend it for anyone visiting the area!

This place is within driving distance from the national park and the setting is a proper Sit down place. After hiking and exploring you sometimes don’t want something too casual. The environment was very clean and relaxing. Taste was authentic I asked for spicy and it gave me a real kick and I loved it. Pair it with a Thai ice tea and you’re golden. While service was very warm and welcoming and taste was good I did find it a bit pricey for what it is.

Thai Thai Bistro and Bar is a great spot for anyone craving good Thai flavors. The food is consistently delicious — perfectly balanced spices, fresh ingredients, and generous portions. The drinks menu is ok, and the bartenders are friendly and attentive, making for a great overall experience. The vibe is casual. Highly recommend stopping by for some flavorful Thai cuisine!

This place is a hidden gem! We were surprised to find the parking lot empty when we arrived shortly after 5, and fortunately we didn't let that deter us. Service was fast, servers were friendly, and food was great! They take their spices seriously - my "medium" had my nose running and the regular hot was enough to satiate my husband, who normally chooses the hottest available spice option (and he was glad he didn't here). The N/A Hawaiian Sunset beverage was delicious; crab rangoon were nice and crispy (and grab was either very fine or not much included, which is actually my preference). Green curry and Seafood curry were both delicious and the portions were large. I would skip the lava cake next time (it was "fine"), but would definitely recommend eating here on your trip to the National Park! $118 for two entrees (one seafood), one appetizer, one dessert, one specialty drink and one soda. Little pricey, but based on location (both Hawaii and specifically near a tourist attraction that isn't super accessible), the pricing made sense. Welcoming and clean interior with many interesting decorations. Loved the overall vibe. Mahalo for a great experience!

We got a shockingly tasty green curry and pad see ew. The flavor of the curry was spot on and actually spicy, which was great. It feels pretty legit, with photos of the royal family and decorations. The only downside is the price. It's high even for Hawaii.

Expensive Thai food but taste is authentic. Don’t get Thai spicy unless you’re really used to the spice. Portions are huge and price is on the high side but overall a good dinner option as they’re open until 9pm

Extremely good Thai food. Both the Pad Thai and the Thai Special Curry were absolutely delicious. Not sure if the heat levels make sense, though? They've got mild, small hot, medium, hot, and Thai hot. My wife got the Special Curry as small hot. I ordered the Pad Thai as medium. The server hesitated, as if unsure how to broach the subject, and asked if I liked hot food. Then she asked how hot I'd want it, from 1-10, with 1 being no spice and 10 being extremely spicy. I said 6. The Pad Thai came out, and it was delicious, but it was significantly less spicy than the Special Curry which was "small hot." My only guess is that when I answered 6/10, she adjusted mine down from medium and made it less than small hot. That's the problem with any scale, I guess. It's impossible to be sure what the other person is thinking. I was thinking 6/10 because I was, internally, thinking that if 10/10 is "Thai hot," I definitely want to stay away from THAT. I figured "hot" might be an 8/10, and would at best be "I can technically eat this, but I'll hate myself the entire time." So now my best guess is that 6/10 is mild, or maybe halfway between mild and small hot. Small hot is 7 or 8/10, hot is 10/10, and Thai hot is 15/10. Which is fine, and from what I've heard, it's probably a reasonable way to put it. But I dunno! Anyway it all turned out to work out well, because my wife couldn't handle the "small hot" curry, and she took my Pad Thai. The curry was ALSO delicious, by the way. I can't complain because if mine HAD been spicier, I'd have had nothing to give my wife, lol. Also? The basque cheesecake was absurdly delicious.

Lovely home to the most popular macadamia nut companies in the world. Huge expansive acreage of macadamia nut trees with a lovely visitor center with a wide variety of macadamia nut products. Huge assortment of flavors combined with souvenirs makes this famous nut factory a must stop on the big island.

Nice gift shop! They have one section devoted to local businesses with great Hawaiian made products. The staff was very friendly and helpful. And the samples are always fun! Lovely gardens too.

The macadamia “experience” was lacking, with just a very short video (raising more curiosity than answering questions). However, the small garden behind the building was fantastic. I loved seeing native floral and fauna in such an accessible way! Worth the stop.

Had such a great time here! They met us at the door with samples and told us all about the farm. We took a small nature walk around and got to look in on the production window. Everyone was super friendly and the merch was awesome! Lots of different flavors of macadamia nuts to try and buy. It was a fun visit!

Not really worth the stop as there isn’t much to do here. It’s essentially just a store. The nuts are much cheaper at the grocery stores in town so make sure to buy them there! The ice cream was definitely amazing though!

Once i heard that Mauna Loa Macadamia Nuts is located in Hilo, Hi, i put it on my calendar to go to during vacation. By far my favorite Macadamia Nuts from Hawaii. We stopped by the Visitor Center on vacation. They had a few samples at their counter. My favorite was the Matcha Macadamia Nuts, sold by Hawaiian Host. I highly recommend if you’re a fan of Matcha, like myself. I definitely will be going back on our next trip to the Big Island

Only 3 miles off the main road but worth. Try some macadamia nut sample and shop their collection. There visitors center is immaculate. They also have a gift shop.

Of amazing historic importance, the trail there from Fern Forest is not maintained. Be ready for wild boar. Double check your water supply!

Pu'u O'O crater collapsed during the 2018 eruption. Lava has not flowed from here since. Sadly, this collapse ended the best opportunity for lava viewing in the United States.

Beautiful views from the air!

This post is about SEEING LAVA! Flowing from pu'u O'o. As of 08JAN2018. Lava is not flowing into the ocean but there are lava flows if you are willing to hike from highway 130. Shortest route is not from Volcanoes Park side but from Kanapala side. Drive in from highway 130 through Kanapala. Go to the furthest end of road allowed to drive on. There will be parking, shuttle rides and bike rentals. Shuttle takes you to 2nd gate. Bikes are 15 to 25 usd. Take bike or walk on dirt road highway 130 until 3rd gate. At 3rd gate lock bike and start walking toward Pu'u O'o. Walk inland. If during the day walk toward below the steam vent. If at night walk toward the glow. At this time, as you get close it is best to approach from the right, then turn in. 1st lava is far down the hill. You can walk further up and see more. You will feel the heat before you are able to see molten rock. Keep walking. If worried there are usually plenty of other people that will press on and go first especially the guided tours. Don't turn back. Wait for them. If dark, follow their lights. Make sure you take good shoes, tennis shoes are ok not sandles, head lamps or flashlight with good batteries. Take enough water, your endurance and patience. You will be walking on rough black lava that careful footing is required at all times. There is not a marked trail but some white chalk has been poured on the lava but is basically everywhere. Does not matter where one walks, there does not seem to be a good or bad way. With bike takes 1 1/2 hours in and 1 3/4 or 2 hours back in dark plus 30 minutes or longer viewing this amazing phenomenon. Definitely worth it!

I was blessed in that I was able to hike down into Halemau'mau' when the Summit was dormant in 1995. It was only about 15 feet to the floor at that time. It is amazingly crazy that the Cauldera floor overflowed the highway where we parked. Now the station is the only safe place to look down yo see Pele' in action.

Pretty cool getting to go and see the volcano here. My wife and I both loved it and really enjoyed all the hiking around the national park. Would highly recommend to everyone.

The cone volcano that erupted perpetually for 35 plus years. I've seen it several times all through helicopter rides. The lava fields surrounding it are neat. Even the older ones are best to look at as you can see how the the flows set a path of destruction and even how rainfall has broken down the lava rock into rainforest. Seeing the active lava flow to the ocean was the best part. Helping the Big Island grow larger for decades.

Nice hike in a quiet area of the park. Lots of birds and beautiful forest. Highly recommend. Easy hike and parking.

Bring your binoculars!!! This is an easy hike (> 1 mile). You’ll want to use the NPS app for the self-guided hike along the way. The terrain is nice and the vegetation is unbelievable!

Lovely little loop trail. Lots of variety to keep your attention. Enjoyed seeing trees like Eucalyptus and others that I dont have at home. Definitely use the spray at the entrance and clean shoes before and after due to an invasive fungus they dont want to introduce elsewhere.

Good birding trail in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Short, easy trail in quiet part of park. Easy to get to, easy to park, not far from entrance station, but no line of cars to wait in. Picnic area with vault toilet nearby.

Amazing. It is a bit of an up and down because the trail is on the side of the mountain but there are a lot of neat info plaques about plant species. Definitely download the trail guide before you go. There is no restroom at the trailhead but there's a day use area just before you get here that has one as well as picnic tables.

Great, non-strenuous hike through indigenous flora of the Big Island. Lots of Kalij pheasants on trail, beautiful birds. Heard but didn't see the 'apapane singing in the trees. Not on the standard tourist radar, but definitely worth seeking out!

This is a great, easy trail that is a 1.2 mile loop. There are a lot of plants and snimals here. I could hear many birds and even saw several kalij pheasants. There is a bench along the trailer to rest or sit and listen to the birds. There is a lava tube with a sign saying not to enter. I recommend buying the $2 pamplet at the entrance. It is very imformative and makes a great keepsake of the walk.

Awesome hike that starts at the parking for Thurston Lava Tube. The hike descend switchbacks from street level down into the crater. the crater itself still has active vents so stay on the marked trail. It is a wonderfully surreal landscape as you travel from lush jungle to the barren landscape of the crater floor.

This is a moderate hike and wear good shoes. I lost the soul of my boot. It is easy going down and more difficult coming up. The weather can be rather cool and rainy.

Beautiful trail, beautiful view.. must must go! The crater comes after approx a mile of trail and it's makes everything worth it. Amazing view. Don't start after dark, it might get hard to climb back up.

The hike to get to and from the crater is ~4 miles total, and is definitely worth it. It feels like you're walking on a foreign planet when you're in the middle of the crater. Also, how many times are you going to have the chance to walk across the crater of a dormant volcano; absolutely worth checking out.

Keep an eye out for the unique green Olivine crystals in this crater’s otherworldly landscape. If you are a chronically distracted hiker, plan for at least 3.5 hour round trip from the rim.

It's a very expansive open space. What's surreal is that the flat bottom is smooth almost like man made asphalt, but at places it's cracked and twisted like it was demolitioned. The hike is 4 miles round trip so takes some time but worth it if you have the time.

Super awesome and cool to see this wonderful work of nature. The best part is you can walk/hike on it if you wish to. Unique experience!

This is a short nature walk from info centre. It’s mainly flat and paved but some sections with gravel, dirt and near the end there are stairs. A short walk from the start you’ll find the sulphur steam vents, not for those with medical conditions, infants, and pregnant people. As you continue the hike you get a view of the crater and then you loop back into the forest before returning to the visitors centre.

Cool experience seeing the sulphur banks! If you re not planning to walk real far, it’s best to park in the lot for the steam vents - which is right across the street from the beginning of their trail leading up to the banks. There were multiple displays posted throughout the trail telling you more about the banks and the process of how they came to be. Definitely worth checking out!

I wanted to see some sulfur and it did not disappoint! Very cool to see that bright neon yellow. Interesting explanation as to what gases you're getting here vs the steam elsewhere.

Great Hiking trail and fully handicapped accessible from Visitors Center down into the valley and then up to where they trail comes out and meets up with Crater Rim Drive, just east of Steam Vents. Note to others in wheelchairs, walkers, canes or otherwise have a hard time hiking, this starts off downhill that may make you think it will be a hard climb back out, but it wasn't too bad. Most of the hike is on a well-built raised wooden trail. You have a less steep climb going back up when going towards Steam Vents. There are lots of informative signage along the way to help guide you to what you are looking at. I highly recommend this hike to most everyone.

The views on the sulphur banks while walking the boardwalk and trail are fantastic and otherworldly. The heat from the volcano below is evident in the flora and the landscape. Be smart and stay on the designated trail. The mystery (and danger) of the earth below cannot be overstated. It is cool at the top of the volcano, so dress in layers. Walk is not that long, and totally worth it. Our full loop took approx 1 hour (including coming back in the Illahi Trail and stopping for many photos). Highly recommend when visiting Volcanoes National Park.

Sooooo cool and otherworldly! It was so interesting and crazy that mother earth can do all of this crazy stuff. One of the highlights of the parks and worth the walk to the actual banks. There's also steam vents in the banks!

Super quick and easy walk from the visitor center to see this unique piece of land with extremely hot Sulfur right next to the trail and the steam rising next to you as you walk along this short trail. The sulfur smell was not too overwhelming when we went with a nice breeze to disperse the rotten egg smell.

We, too, hit the eruption jackpot, but stayed for a few days and explored all around - the vents, the trails, a ranger talk or two.

This is where Pele has been dancing almost weekly since December. If you get there at the right time to see her, please be respectful.

The main caldera of Kilauea Volcano. Even when there is not an active eruption, there is plenty to see and learn about. There are plenty of representations of past eruptions as well as flora and fauna of the area, plus lava tubes, etc.

Must go at night for best views!!

Cool crater. You can see the active volcano Kilauea in the crater. If it is erupting, you can see lava, otherwise you would see some smoke.

Stunning breathtaking experience!! This is a must stop when Kīlauea is actively erupting. The crater in the caldera is massive and mind blowing. Truly stunning!

It was the most magically and stunning thing I've ever seen. Visited from Oahu 3 times in 2 months, and Im obsessed. It's definitely a must!

This review is based on the sandwiches (get the sunflower bread), the snack options, and the kindness of the employees. Sandwiches were delicious and very filling. Perfect to grab for a trail hike! Don't get the pre-packaged Salads- they were decidedly non fresh

I'm gonna cut to the chase: they have an espresso bar, AND IT'S FABULOUS! Tragically, I've been driving through Volcano for years, lamenting that you can't get quality coffee in this town - and it's been here all along! I got a dark chocolate frappe, and it was exquisitely rich and robust and not overly sweet. My only complaint was that the large size seemed pretty small. They also have a nice selection of homemade baked goods. I got the Coconut Crunch Cookies, which BROKE DA MOUTH! They were so buttery, light, and crunchy! They have a huge selection of prepared foods, drinks, grocery items, alcoholic beverages, and souvenirs. And, they got plenty ALOHA too! Love this place!

Well stocked local shop with most of the basics. The Lilikoi bread and home-baked cookies were delicious ($4 and $2 respectively). None of the prices are marked so it's best to ask before buying - we got caught out twice : $13 for a loaf of bread and $13 for a bag of prawn crackers 😧

Great little store with very friendly staff. We got milk, chocolate syrup and even a toothbrush (it was an emergency 😀). Great cappuccinos and the barista obligingly lightened the brew for me when I asked. He also went and found my credit card from the restaurant next door (I’d left it there the previous night and it was before their opening time 🤦🏻‍♂️). Mahalo from upstate NY! 🙏

I dont typically review little stores but we were very impressed by this little gem. Very well stocked and organized, especially considering other places that are around! The staff were super friendly. Even some home cooked little items like cookies and macadamia dessert bars.

Surprise, they really have almost everything you might need albeit a smaller version of your larger grocery store. And since it's really the only store in Volcano you might not have any other choose. Prices reasonable for the area and check out is quick and friendly.

Love this place. They have wonderful baked goods, especially the macnut bars. If anyone figures out how to make these I would love to know. We also tried the banana and pumpkin bread. They also make to order sandwiches. I have attached the menu of items that they will put on it. The store has about anything that you could need: Wine, beer, food, snacks, and baked goods.

Food was decent, nothing extravagant. We stumble upon this place because most places were busy or closed during our time in the area. Service could have been better given that it was slow. Restaurant had a lot of cool photos of the volcano up which were for sale and a mural in the patio. Bathroom are outside of the restaurant and were not well kept.

Volcano's Lava Rock Cafe has that perfect island diner vibe I've been looking for. Everything about it feels welcoming and comfortable, and the people who work here are so friendly and amazing. The hospitality here is genuine and makes every visit special. This is hands down my favorite place on the island for cheesecake and coffee. The cheesecake is incredible, and their coffee is always on point. It's become my go-to spot when I need a good treat. If you haven't been yet, you're missing out. Great food, great people, great vibes. What more could you ask for?

Looks are deceiving. This place is really good! Hubby had the fettuccine Alfredo and it was very good. Im not generally impressed by most Alfredo and they surprised me in all the right ways. I had the Teriyaki Chicken. I love that finally someone knows how to grill a chicken breast!!! Nice little char on the outside and tender and moist on the inside. Many places way overcook Chicken breast and dry it out. Kudos! I like i coudl pick my own side because I was in the mood for curly fries. Not a normal combination but I loved that it ticked all our boxes! Definitely would recommend.

They accept phone order and pick up in store. The location is local for Volcano Residents but a lot of tourist are visiting as well. This is the best place with GREAT FOOD AND CHEAP PRICE! Everything are made with Aloha and staffs are amazing! Parking are plenty back to the restaurant. It closes by to the Volcano National park, Volcano Winery and golf course. I love this local place!

We stopped in for a quick and light bite on our trip around the island. A cheeseburger for me and fish n chips for Bae off the kids menu hit the spot. The place is clean, welcoming and the service was spot on. The food wasn't bad either.

Dear All the staff, We would like to express our gratitude to all the staff. On this day, we left our hotel on the Kona coastline and headed to Black Sand Beach. A tsunami warning was issued for the entire state of Hawaii due to the Russian earthquake, so we fled to this restaurant. After enjoying a delicious hamburger, we waited in our car until the warning was lifted. It was past 9:00 pm, and the warning still hadn't been lifted. We spoke to the restaurant manager, who kindly agreed to let us park our car there. They even provided us with water and snacks, which was very kind of them. We were able to return the hotel safely the next morning. Thank you sooooo much.

Friendly atmosphere, lovely local place. Great to go to after a visit to Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. Had the Ola Size Katsu. Never had Katsu before, but definitely a meal for champions. Probably could pump some hard iron after it: rice for carbs, eggs and burger for protein and fats, and delicious gravy to get that blood flowing for a good workout. I was told that was the best bang for buck in terms of food amount, and I was not disappointed. The margherita I had was also very delicious. Everyone was very friendly.