The lava flow into the ocean is currently located outside the National Park and is about a 1 hour drive from the park on a good state road. The rangers at the Park Visitor center will give you detailed directions and information. The viewing area is managed by local civil defense volunteers for free (bless their hearts!) and the gates... more

Volcanoes National Park is a rare chance to get up close and personal with an active volcano and is a fascinating place to visit. Most people who visit the Big Island stay on the Kona (West) side and do not realize it is a 2.5-3 hour drive to the park. This makes for an extremely long day if you try... more

We've been here to Kona several times and overflown in helicopters but never made the drive down to the volcano. This time we drove down from the house we rented in Kona. The drive from our area near Magic Sands beach took 2 hours. Because Hawaiian time on the roads is much slower than mainland time, patience is needed. When... more

We didn't do the Iki trail, but we peered down into the crater at those who did, and that alone was something to behold. We also went back to the museum after dark to view the crater's glow. A little spooky. And don't forget to walk through the Thurston Lava Tube, and to get a good view of the Steam... more

We walked out to the lava flow. It was a long walk on the old rough flows but was totally worth it. We were also there in Aug 04. The walk this time was farther but we were able to see the lava flow to the sea. I did fall on the "ah ah" and got a horrible scrape on... more

Amazing! This area looks more like a tropical rainforest than any other place I've been to on the Big Island or Maui. It can take hours to explore even a small part of the park, and you should walk through the Thurston Lava Tube (it's short, but cool!). more

We returned, a few days ago, from our first trip to Hawaii. VNP has so much to offer it's difficult to see in just one day. I have to admit that I was a little skeptical when I first planned this visit. After all, just how much black rock can you look at? As it turns out, it's much more... more

My husband and I went to Volcanoes during a 1 week trip to Hawaii in April 2006. Our favorite thing was the Kilauea Iki hike. On this hike, you actually walk down from the rain forest and across the crater. You can pick up the trail where you park for the Thurston Lava Tube, which was pretty cool too. We... more

When viewing the lava flow at night, head down from the top of the volcano no later than 4:30. By the time you drive down, park, walk to the end of the road, hike over the lava, it will be dusk. more