https://www.nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/conditions.htm
Search “Kīlauea Live Stream” on Google to watch real-time footage from cameras positioned around the crater—perfect for staying up to date on volcanic activity.
Weather: The park spans elevations from sea level to over 13,000 feet, so weather can vary dramatically. Expect cooler temperatures, fog, and light rain at higher elevations—especially near Kīlauea summit. Always check conditions before visiting.
Pack a Day Bag: Bring layered clothing, a rain jacket, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, water (at least 2 liters), snacks or lunch, a flashlight or headlamp if staying after dark, and a camera. Binoculars are great for spotting wildlife or lava glow from afar.
What to Wear: Wear comfortable hiking shoes or trail runners with good grip. Bring warm layers—even in summer—as temperatures can dip quickly, especially in the evening.
What to Bring: Download the NPS app or a park map in advance—cell signal is limited. Bring cash or a credit card for the entrance fee, plus anything you’ll need for a full day of exploration—there are limited food options inside the park.
Phone Service: Cell service is limited or unavailable in many parts of the park, including remote hiking trails. Plan ahead and share your itinerary if venturing into less-visited areas.
Bathrooms: Restrooms are available at the Visitor Center, Kīlauea Iki overlook, and select trailheads. Some may have limited water, so bring your own just in case.
Parking: Ample parking is available at most key sites (Visitor Center, Steam Vents, Kīlauea Iki), but it can fill up during peak hours. Arrive early for the best spots, especially if you plan to hike.
Check-In Booth: Stop by the Kīlauea Visitor Center for current eruption updates, ranger programs, and safety info. Park rangers are very helpful and can suggest routes based on conditions and your fitness level.
Photography: Bring a tripod or low-light camera if visiting at dusk to capture the glow of Halemaʻumaʻu Crater. Wide-angle lenses are best for scenic shots, but zoom lenses help with crater details and wildlife like nēnē (Hawaiian geese).
Accessible for Disability: Many main sites, including the Visitor Center, Steam Vents, and crater viewing areas, are wheelchair accessible. There are also accessible trails and restrooms—check with rangers for the latest updates.
Visit Kīlauea Visitor Center: Start your journey early as soon as the park opens to get trail maps, eruption updates, ranger tips, and educational exhibits about the park’s geology, wildlife, and cultural history.
See Halemaʻumaʻu Crater at Kīlauea Overlook: Marvel at the immense summit crater—especially stunning at dawn, dusk, or during an active lava glow event.
Hike the Kīlauea Iki Trail: One of the most popular hikes in the park. This 4-mile loop takes you through lush rainforest and directly across a hardened lava lake that last erupted in 1959.
Explore Nāhuku (Thurston Lava Tube): Walk through a naturally formed lava tunnel surrounded by dense jungle. It's an easy, magical experience especially fun for families.
Drive Chain of Craters Road: A scenic drive that descends from the summit to the coast, passing old craters, lava flows, and sweeping views. Ends dramatically where lava once crossed the road into the sea.
Walk Devastation Trail: An easy paved walk through an eerie landscape still recovering from the 1959 eruption—great for photos and seeing nature reclaim the land.
Check Out the Steam Vents and Sulfur Banks: Near the visitor center, these areas offer a peek at volcanic gases and heat rising from the earth—safe and fascinating for all ages.
View the Hōlei Sea Arch: Located at the end of Chain of Craters Road, this stunning 90-foot-tall lava arch was carved by crashing waves. It’s one of the park’s most dramatic coastal views—especially beautiful at sunset.
Visit Puʻuloa Petroglyphs: Take a short hike to see more than 20,000 ancient Hawaiian rock carvings etched into lava rock—an incredible cultural experience.
Catch Sunset or Lava Glow (When Active): If the volcano is erupting, head to the designated viewing area at Halemaʻumaʻu Crater after dark for a surreal glow reflecting off the crater walls. You can also get a closer view of the lava from the end of Devastation Trail, which leads to an active viewing area when conditions are safe and accessible.
Stargazing: At higher elevations in the park, you’ll find dark skies perfect for stargazing—bring a flashlight and jacket for cooler nighttime temps.
Hike and Camp to Halapē: For those who are adventurous, you can hike to one of the park’s most remote and stunning coastal destinations. Halapē is a hidden white sand beach surrounded by lava fields and swaying palms, offering solitude, crystal-clear waters, and unforgettable sunrise views. The trek is long and strenuous, but the peaceful beauty and cultural significance of this former Hawaiian fishing village make it a truly rewarding experience.
For trail details, maps, and required permits to Halapē, visit the NPS Halapē Backcountry Info, download the official trail map (PDF), and secure your permit through Recreation.gov.
Sacred to Pele, the Volcano Goddess:
Kīlauea is considered the sacred home of Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of fire and volcanoes. Ancient chants and oral traditions describe her power, presence, and the dynamic role she plays in shaping the Hawaiian Islands. The summit crater, Halemaʻumaʻu, is especially revered as her dwelling place.
One of the World’s Most Active Volcanoes:
Kīlauea has been erupting on and off for centuries, with one of its longest eruptions lasting from 1983 to 2018 at Puʻu ʻŌʻō vent. This eruption transformed the landscape, destroyed communities like Kalapana, and added new coastline to the Big Island.
Scientific Importance:
Since the 1800s, Kīlauea has been studied extensively by geologists. The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) was established in 1912, making it one of the oldest volcano observatories in the world. Kīlauea continues to be a crucial site for learning about shield volcanoes and volcanic behavior.
2018 Eruption and Collapse Event:
In May 2018, a major eruption in the Lower East Rift Zone caused lava fountains, new fissures, and the destruction of over 700 homes. Meanwhile, Halemaʻumaʻu Crater collapsed dramatically, deepening and widening by hundreds of feet—forever changing the summit caldera.
Cultural and Ecological Role:
Beyond its fiery displays, Kīlauea nurtures life. Its lava creates new land, while its slopes are home to native forests, unique wildlife like the endangered nēnē, and sacred sites. Hawaiians traditionally lived in harmony with the volcano, understanding its cycles and respecting its mana (spiritual power).
Protected as a National Park:
Kīlauea is part of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, established in 1916 to preserve the natural and cultural heritage of this living landscape. The park draws millions of visitors each year and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
