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Kīlauea, Volcano, HI

Photo: USGS/K. Lynn, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped and resized.

SightseeingIconicOutdoor Adventure

Kīlauea

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, Highway 11, 30 miles southwest of Hilo · Volcano, HI

Why you should go…

Kīlauea is an active shield volcano on the southeastern side of Hawaiʻi Island, rising to 4,091 feet inside Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Halemaʻumaʻu crater at its summit, home of the volcano goddess Pele in Hawaiian tradition, has been erupting since December 2024 in episodes of lava fountaining. Expect some closures and delays at the summit during a two-year repair project, and check air quality often, since volcanic gas can be hazardous.

  • #volcano
  • #national park
  • #lava viewing
  • #crater
  • #big island

Good to know

General sightseeing guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • The forecast is part of the ticket

    Haze, low cloud, and rain flatten a view. Clear-day visits are worth rearranging your plans for.

  • Golden hour sells out first

    Sunset slots at observation decks and cruises are the first to go, so book those further ahead.

  • Dress a layer warmer

    It is always breezier up high and out on the water than it feels at street level.

  • Timed entry is common

    Plenty of landmarks release tickets in windows rather than at the door, so check before you walk over.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Kīlauea, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Iconic

    Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

    $25–$50

    Drive and hike around Kīlauea's summit caldera, then follow Chain of Craters Road down to the sea.

    2.0 mi awaySwitch it up: Sport & Outdoor

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Iconic

    Mauna Kea

    Free

    Stop at the visitor station at 9,200 feet, then take a four-wheel drive road to Hawaii's highest summit and its observatories.

    30 mi awaySwitch it up: Sport & Outdoor

  • Sightseeing
    History Buff

    Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park

    Under $25

    Walk the Royal Grounds and a centuries-old place of refuge guarded by carved wooden kiʻi on the Kona coast.

    41 mi awayMore like this

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Outdoor Adventure

    Kealakekua Bay

    Free

    Snorkel a protected marine bay and see the white monument marking where Captain Cook was killed in 1779 on the Kona coast.

    41 mi awaySwitch it up: Sport & Outdoor

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Outdoor Adventure

    Hāpuna Beach State Recreation Area

    Under $25

    Swim, bodysurf and picnic on one of the few white-sand beaches along the Big Island's west coast, south of Kawaihae.

    53 mi awaySwitch it up: Sport & Outdoor