Best trails in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island of Hawaii is a spectacular spot to witness volcanic activity and experience a range of microclimates and sites.
Top trails
Visitor info
Motorcycle Pass- Admits the passholder and passenger of one motorcycle.
Pedestrian/Cyclist Pass - Admits one individual bicyclist, hiker, or pedestrian visiting without a private vehicle. An individual pass is not required for visitors aged 15 and under.
Private Vehicle Pass - The private vehicle pass admits the passholder and up to 14 passengers of a single, private (non-commercial) vehicle.
Hawai'i Tri-Park Annual Pass
The annual pass is valid for entrance fees for pass holder and occupants of a single, private, non-commercial vehicle at Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, Haleakalā National Park, and Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park. The park is not responsible for misplaced, lost, or stolen cards. This pass does not cover camping fees and is non-transferable and non-refundable.
Hawaiʻi Tri-Park Annual Pass can be purchased at the entrance station or online.
Join millions of people who enjoy our National Parks with the "America the Beautiful" National Park & Federal Recreational Lands Pass, otherwise known as the Interagency Annual Pass. The pass is valid for a year's worth of visits from the month of purchase at more than 2,000 federal recreation sites across the country.
No entrance pass required on these days:
Monday, January 20 — Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Saturday, April 19 — First day of National Park Week
Thursday, June 19 — Juneteenth National Independence Day
Monday, August 4 — Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act
Saturday, September 27 — National Public Lands Day
Tuesday, November 11 — Veterans Day
The Interagency Access Pass is accepted here.
The Kīlauea Visitor Center, Volcano House, and Volcano Art Center are accessible to visitors using mobility equipment or strollers. The Kīlauea Visitor Center and Volcano House have wheelchair accessible restrooms and drinking fountains.
Wheelchairs may be available for use at the Kīlauea Visitor Center.
ASL interpreters for ranger-led programs are available by reservation. Please call (808)-985-6011 or email at least 14 days in advance to make a reservation for interpretation services.
Additional information about accessibility at Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park can be found on their website: https://www.nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm.
The Kīlauea Visitor Center, Volcano House, and Volcano Art Center are accessible to visitors using mobility equipment or strollers. The Kīlauea Visitor Center and Volcano House have wheelchair accessible restrooms and drinking fountains.
The Kīpukapuaulu Picnic Area is wheelchair accessible with packed, level paths and surfaces and accessible restrooms.
There are accessible restrooms or vault toilets at the following trailheads: Kīlauea Iki, Devastation parking lot, Maunaulu, Mauna Loa lookout, and the turnaround at the end of Chain of Craters Road.
Service animals must be on-leash throughout the park.
Trail reviews for Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park
I started just after 10:00 on a weekday morning, and there was plenty of parking at the trailhead. I went clockwise, but counter-clockwise is probably easier. Regardless, it's not that difficult a hike, aside from a few rocky spots. There are great views of the crater along the lush Rim Trail. Once you get down to the bottom, the walk through the crater is really cool and unique. I added on the lava tube, as well as a short detour to Kilauea Crater via the Byron Ledge Trail. Overall, this is a awesome, well-maintained trail and probably the signature hike at Hawai'i Volcanoes NP.