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Deeply unique and rich in natural beauty, culture, history, and biodiversity, there are not many places like the Big Island of Hawai‘i. Home to Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, this remarkable natural destination spans more than 335,000 acres and encompasses two volcanoes, Kīlauea and Maunaloa.
If you’re planning a visit, renting a car will be the best way to get around the park. Stay in Volcano Village, just a five-minute drive from the park’s entrance, where you’ll be welcomed by a colorful and artistic community surrounded by lush rainforest. You’ll find cozy cafés, galleries, and the inviting Kilauea Lodge for the perfect base.
Two days is the sweet spot for exploring the park: enough time to experience crater rim views, rainforest hikes, lava tubes, and the dramatic Chain of Craters Road, without feeling rushed. With this Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park itinerary, you’ll discover highlights, timing tips, and sunset viewpoints, and return each evening to the comforts of Volcano Village.
Think of this as your pre-adventure checklist:
Your first day is all about the summit. Start with the Crater Rim Drive, where stops are close together and the scenery shifts dramatically from steaming vents to lush trails.
Ease into the day with a stop at the Welcome Center, then walk out to the Steam vents and Kīlauea Overlook for your first sweeping views of the caldera. From there, head to Nāhuku (Thurston Lava Tube). The walk through this mossy rainforest and natural lava tunnel is one of the park’s most memorable moments and best done early to avoid crowds.
Break at Volcano House, where you can dine with views straight into Kīlauea, or pack a picnic for the overlook.
Lace up for the Kīlauea Iki Trail, a 2–3-hour, 3.3-mile loop that drops from dense rainforest down onto the crater floor. It’s one of the most iconic day hikes in Volcanoes National Park, with steam vents rising around you and cliffs looming on either side. Bring plenty of water and heed hiking safety reminders since cinders can be slippery on the descent.
Wrap up the day with golden light at Puʻu Puaʻi Overlook or Kilohana Overlook, where the caldera glows at dusk. If skies are clear, stay for stargazing. The summit is an International Dark Sky Park.
Day two takes you from rainforest to sea, following one of the most unforgettable scenic drives in Hawai‘i: the Chain of Craters Road.
Head out early and make short stops at Devastation Trail and roadside craters before descending toward the coast. At the road’s end, watch waves crash at the Hōlei Sea Arch — a natural stone span carved by the ocean.
Bring a picnic from Volcano Village and enjoy it with ocean views before the return drive.
On the way back uphill, stop at the Puʻu Loa Petroglyphs Trail. The short (1.4 miles roundtrip) walk reveals thousands of ancient carvings etched into hardened lava, a moving glimpse of Hawaiian history. Time permitting, revisit your favorite overlooks or step into the Volcano Art Center near the entrance.
If you missed golden hour on Day 1, repeat Crater Rim Drive at sunset for a second chance at those glowing vistas.
Staying at Kilauea Lodge in Volcano Village makes this Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park itinerary effortless. You’re only minutes from trailheads and overlooks, meaning you can catch sunset views without a long drive back. Afterward, return to cozy rooms, fireplaces, and grab dinner at Kilauea Lodge Restaurant, our on-site restaurant that features an island-infused menu, crafted with fresh, local ingredients. Book your room and start planning your Hawaiian volcanic adventure.
In just 48 hours, you’ll be able to experience the lava tubes, crater hikes, rainforest trails, and coastal cliffs that make the Big Island unforgettable. Use this as a flexible guide — whether you’re chasing sunrise hikes or lingering at overlooks — and enjoy the comfort of returning each night to Kilauea Lodge, your home base in the heart of Volcano Village.
Two full days is the sweet spot. It allows you to explore the Crater Rim Drive, hike the Kīlauea Iki Trail, walk through Nāhuku (Thurston Lava Tube), and drive the scenic Chain of Craters Road without feeling rushed. If you have just one day, focus on Crater Rim highlights and one longer hike.
The park is open 24/7, but the best time to visit is early in the morning for easier parking and fewer crowds. Mid-afternoon often brings clearer summit skies, while sunset at Kilohana Overlook or Puʻu Puaʻi Overlook is unforgettable.
No reservations are required. Entry is $30 per vehicle and valid for 7 days. You can pay at the entrance gate or purchase a pass online in advance.
Yes, as long as you follow hiking safety rules. Stay on marked trails, wear sturdy shoes, carry water, and check for trail updates at the Kīlauea Visitor Center. Remember that volcanic terrain can be slippery and conditions change quickly.
Layers are essential. Bring a rain jacket, hat, sunscreen, hiking shoes, snacks, and a flashlight/headlamp for lava tubes or after-sunset walks. Conditions range from misty rainforest to hot, exposed lava fields.
Lava visibility changes depending on current volcanic activity. Sometimes lava is visible from overlooks; other times you’ll only see steam vents and craters. Always check the park’s current conditions page before your trip.
Yes. Having a car makes your trip much easier. The park covers over 335,000 acres, and attractions like the Hōlei Sea Arch at the end of Chain of Craters Road are not walkable from the entrance.
Volcano Village is the best base. It’s just five minutes from the entrance, filled with cafés, galleries, and cozy lodges. Kilauea Lodge is especially convenient for early trail starts and late sunset views.
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