The volcanic landscape of Hawaii’s Hawaii Volcanoes National Park comes to life with steaming fumes, flowing lava, and a nighttime fire display evident in the Kilauea and Mauna Loa Volcanoes that call this park home. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park covers 333,000 acres on the Big Island, and this land is characterized by a massive spectrum of landscape, from lava rock to tropical rainforest. Mauna Loa, the largest active volcano on earth and Kilauea, a volcano still active as recently as this year, are two incredible and surreal sights to behold. Due to the volcanic forces at play here, this park is constantly changing over time.
During our visit to Hawaii in the Summer of 2021, after visiting Haleakala National Park in Maui, we traveled to the Big Island to explore Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
Our flight landed in the late afternoon, and we began our three hour drive from the Kona Airport to the park, arriving late that evening.
After a good night’s sleep, we awoke to tackle Hawaii Volcanoes, starting our journey that day a the Kiluea Visitor Center.
After obtaining some information and learning some more about the park, we embarked from our destination for the morning, the Kiluea Iki Trail.
We began our hike that morning, eager to explore the wonders of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
Along, this trail, we also had the chance to visit the Thurston Lava Tubes, which were incredible. It was almost like hiking in a lava tube cave.
Following the Thurston Lava Tubes, the hike descended into the Kiluea Crater, and we all really enjoyed the chance to hike through an actual volcanic crater.
The trail then climbed back up the rim of the crater, through the rainforest.
After our hike, we climbed into our car to drive the remainder of Crater Rim Drive, and on to the Chain of Craters Road. Our drive along the Chain of Craters Road was so interesting, as we dropped over 3,700 feet in elevation on our way toward the coast. Along the way, our stops included Lua Manu Crater, Puhimau Crater, Hi’iaka Crater, and Puahai Crater.
Finally, at the end of the road, we visited the Holei Sea Arch, a 7-8 minute walk from the parking area. From there, we were able to view a gorgeous arch cut into the rock, in addition to the dramatic sea cliffs.
After driving back through the park, we enjoyed the late afternoon at the Volcano House, perched on the rim of the crater. It had been a spectacular day in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park!
