by Celeste Lipford and Terry Lipford - last updated on 9/24/2025
Since we were going to be driving from Hilo to Kailua-Kona anyway, and since the park is sort of "on the way" and as we have never been that close to a volcano, it was an easy decision to make to go to the park. Wow, we toured about amazed at the Kīlauea caldera (see above image). If you go there, be sure to stop at the Visitor Center as they have maps and a great deal of good information for your visit.
Volcanoes National Park encompasses two active volcanoes: Kīlauea, one of the world's most active volcanoes, and Mauna Loa, the world's most massive shield volcano. The park provides scientists with insight into the development of the Hawaiian Islands and access for studies of volcanism. For visitors, the park offers dramatic volcanic landscapes, glimpses of rare flora and fauna, and a view into the traditional Hawaiian culture connected to these landscapes.
The park is home to two of the world’s most active volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa, offering visitors a chance to witness volcanic activity up close. Watching glowing lava flows, feeling the heat from steam vents, and walking through ancient lava tubes are experiences unique to this park.
The park spans over 500 square miles and features diverse landscapes, from lush rainforests to barren volcanic craters. Hikers can explore the Kilauea Iki Trail, which descends into a former lava lake, or visit the Thurston Lava Tube, a tunnel formed by ancient lava flows. The park’s high elevation also provides dramatic views of the surrounding island and the Pacific Ocean.
Date and time specific reservations are required click here to obtain more price and visiting information. The National Park Service has a lot of useful information and tips on their website.
The concept of standing next to a caldera this large, and realizing that what you are looking at is a "volcano plug" and that if that plug were to "let go" that you would be obliterated - is amazing. And then we walked through a "lava tube"!! The entire experience was something that defies explanation, it was other worldly indeed!
The caldera is massive; it has a length of 2.93 miles, a width of 1.95 miles, a circumference of 7.85 miles and an area of 4.14 square miles. That is a huge whole in the ground! You can drive around the caldera on Crater Rim Drive and that will allow you to circumnavigate the entire caldera. We decided to only drive around the northern and eastern side of the caldera, as we wanted to be in the Pahala area of the island next.
This is one of many such tubes on the Big Island, and it was created by a river of molten lava. When a lava tube is active, lava travels along its floor at temperatures that exceed 2,000º F (1090º C). When the supply of lava stops at the end of an eruption, or if it gets diverted elsewhere, it leaves behind an empty cave.
When this lava tube was discovered in 1913, the roof of the tube was covered with lava drippings. Unfortunately, those soon disappeared due to souvenir collectors. Help protect this incredible resource by not touching the walls or delicate tree root systems hanging down.
From the Park Visitors Center, head southeast on Crater Rim Drive and follow the signs to Chain of Craters Road. The Sea Arch is approximately 22 miles away.
This magnificent sea arch is a result of the relentless pounding of the ocean waves against the volcanic rock over thousands of years, creating a stunning archway that stands over 90 feet tall and 80 feet wide.
Visitors can reach the Hōlei Sea Arch by taking a short hike from the nearby parking lot. The hike takes visitors through a barren, otherworldly landscape of black lava rock, which only adds to the mystique and beauty of the arch. Overall, the Holei Sea Arch is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Hawaii's Big Island, and it offers a glimpse into the power and beauty of nature.
More Info for the Hōlei Sea Arch
Hawai‘i Volcanoes FAQ — Know Before You Go
Is lava visible right now?
Do I need a reservation to enter?
How about air quality (vog)?
What roads should I prioritize?
Can I fly a drone in the park?
Are there food, fuel, or lodging in the park?
Do I need permits for camping or backcountry trips?
How long do I need?
Is Chain of Craters Drive worth it?
What would be a good Half-Day Volcanoes Route
Kīlauea Visitor Center – check conditions, restrooms, plan stops.
Crater Rim viewpoints – hit 2–3 quick lookouts (as open).
Chain of Craters Drive – Kealakomo Overlook → Puʻu Loa Petroglyphs → Hōlei Sea Arch area, then return.
Tip: If night glow is visible and safe to view, arrive early for parking and bring a flashlight/headlamp.
What would be a good Chain of Craters Drive?
Lua Manu – quick crater intro
Kealakomo Overlook – sweeping coast/lava views
Puʻu Loa Petroglyphs – short walk to carvings
Hōlei Sea Arch area – dramatic shoreline
End of Chain (as signed) – respect barriers/closures
Is Volcanoes National Park a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
Click here to view that UNESCO Information.
What is the Park History
Volcanoes National Park was created in 1916 and encompasses two active volcanoes. Mauna Loa is the largest shield volcano on Earth measured from the sea floor to summit. After a 38 year hiatus, Mauna Loa began erupting on Nov 27, 2022. Kilauea, located on Mauna Loa's flank, has been erupting as well.
Kīlauea Caldera
The caldera closest to the Kīlauea Visitor Center in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is the Kīlauea Caldera itself, which is visible from overlooks along Crater Rim Drive. Visitors can walk to overlooks from the Welcome Center that provide views of the summit crater and the caldera, including the site of past eruptions like Halemaʻumaʻu. Kīlauea's summit caldera is about 2.5 miles long and 2 miles wide
Big Island Volcanoes
Kohola is the oldest volcano on Hawaii Island at more than one million years old and Kilauea is the youngest at between 300,000 and 600,000 years old. Since 1823 Kilauea has had 61 different eruptions.
Are there Volcanoes National Park Ranger Programs>
How do I get to Hōlei Sea Arch?
To reach the Holei Sea Arch by car; From the park\'s entrance, drive along Chain of Craters Road, which offers a scenic route through lush landscapes and volcanic formations. You will pass through an area of lava fields which are fascinating and populated by wild pigs.
Plan Your Visit Travel Resources — Maps, Parking & Passes
Where to Stay & Eat Travel Resources — Maps, Parking & Passes
More Info Travel Resources — Maps, Parking & Passes
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