Kilauea Volcano on Hawaii's Big Island

According to legend, Hawaii's Big Island is the home of Pele, the Hawaiian volcano goddess. Over eons, Pele shaped and formed her new abode with red-hot lava to create her unique fortress. Early Hawaiians respected and honored Pele, and made offerings to please her or placate her wrath.
   
Today, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (HVNP) is the country's 13th National Park and our state's #1 visitor attraction. It was created to preserve the region's unique volcanic features, its early human history and the plant and animal life that is part of this special bioregion.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Parkis located 30 miles southwest of Hilo and 96 miles southeast of Kona. It's open year-round, 24 hours a day. Once inside the park, you will experience life and growth and creation of the most amazing kind. Make your first stop the Kilauea Visitor Center at the park's entrance. Chat with the rangers, get an update on the current flow conditions and pick up safety tips. Then begin your journey into one of the most fascinating and awesome regions on earth. Some of the must-sees are the Jagger Museum, the Thurston Lava Tube, Volcano House, Halema'uma'u Crater, steam vents, and sulphur banks, just to name a few.

A hike down to the current lava flow offers a once in a lifetime chance to view Madame Pele at work up close -- her home, Kilauea Volcano, is the world's most active. The current eruption began January 3, 1983 and is the largest and longest eruption in history. There is no indication when she will stop.

The best and safest way to view lava flows on land is to first get the most up-to-date flow information from the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Visitor Center on the day of your trek. Conditions can change dramatically from day to day. For current erruption status, Click on the "Current Eruption Status" link

Wear comfortable walking shoes (sandals or slippers are NOT recommended!). Bring water, and a light jacket . If you're planning on nighttime viewing, a flashlight is a must. Use caution and common sense and traverse only where designated. Many visitors have told us they cannot put into words the feelings and emotions they experience when viewing this most spectacular phenomenon. This is one memory you will carry with you for years to come.


Approximate Drive Times Around Hawaii's Big Island

It isn't call the Big Island for nothing! A circle-island drive can take up to 6 hours.
Below are approximate driving times around the island:
Kona to Hilo 2 hours, 15 minutes
Kona to Waimea 1 hour
Kona to Hawi/North Kohala 1 hour, 20 minutes
Kona to Volcano 2 hours, 30 minutes
Kona to Na'alehu / South Point 1 hour, 40 minutes
Hilo to Kona 2 hours, 15 minutes
Hilo to Waimea 1 hour, 20 minutes
Hilo to Hawi/North Kohala 2 hours
Hilo to Volcano 45 minutes
Hilo to Na'alehu / South Point 1 hour, 30 minutes
Waimea to Kona 1 hour
Waimea to Hilo 1 hour, 20 minutes
Waimea to Hawi/North Kohala 35 minutes
Waimea to Volcano 2 hours, 10 minutes
Waimea to Na'alehu / South Point 2 hours, 40 minutes