The park was very big. The Kilauea Volcano was hard to see, and I wish I could have gotten a closer at it. The lava tube was really cool, and so are the steam vents. Overall, it was a good trip. The…Full review by Santin0D
Feb 15, 2025
This is a must do if you’re on the big island! It was an incredible feeling being that close to this incredibly huge active volcano! We didn’t get to do any of the trails, so we will have to come bac…Full review by Jeff J
Feb 13, 2025
This was a great experience. Not many can say they stood in a volcano crater. The lava cave was super cool. Going back at night was an added bonus.Full review by Kimberly G
We would like to spend two full days at the park (family of four with 9 & 12 year old). Day 1: Visit Visitor Center, do longer 5-6 mile Kīlauea Iki loop starting at the Visitor Center or Devastation Trailhead (if open, trip is in future). If we are still up for it we would then do sites along Chain of Craters Road. If not, leave it for Day 2. Day 2: If we get everything in above, what would you do on day 2? Kahuku Unit? Muana Loa road?
A:
My recommendation to you is to arrive at trail head early, spots filled very fast. We hiked first then did the Chain of Craters Road after. Excellent day.
We will be with my 80 yr old mom who doesn’t want to walk on uneven surfaces and my 3 kids, ages 6 and 4 yr old twins. Any trails or itineraries that are not too long/dangerous/uneven? Thanks
A:
The are trails and hikes that would be unsafe and too strenuous on your family.
Hi. We are planning to go here but my hubby has recently developed a fear of heights, e.g., walking near cliffs. Are there “heights” like this along the trail?
A:
No problems with heights, since I have the same fear. Most trails have plenty of land past the railing so you don't feel like you are looking straight down. Use your judgement & all …
No problems with heights, since I have the same fear. Most trails have plenty of land past the railing so you don't feel like you are looking straight down. Use your judgement & all will be good!
How many days should I plan to visit VNP? Also looking for recommendations while in the park.
A:
1 or 2....or, if you will be on the island for 10 days or longer, or if this is your #1 priority, or if you are dedicated hiker or naturalist, maybe 3. VNP is huge, with many hours worth of drives …
1 or 2....or, if you will be on the island for 10 days or longer, or if this is your #1 priority, or if you are dedicated hiker or naturalist, maybe 3. VNP is huge, with many hours worth of drives and hikes. Also, it will likely be sunny in the morning then start to rain the afternoon, so you may not have full days. With all that said, I spent one day, about 8 hrs, in the park and felt completely fulfilled. TOP SITES (IMO): 1) Kilauea Iki Trail - amazing hike through old crater, 2hr 2) Crater Rim Drive - incredible drive from visitor center down to ocean, through massive lava fields, 2-4hr 3) Halema’uma’u trail - beautiful hike through a rainforest down to the active Kilauea crater, 1.5hrs 4) Kikaeau overlook - this is the active volcano, you can also see the glow at night, 1hr—-This is my “best of” list and a good full day, you can see it adds up to 6-8hrs. If you feel like you will want to do more hiking than this, add another day. Hope this helps!
Hi, We will be in Hawaii at the end of January and staying in Waikola Village. We only have one day to go to the volcano/Hilo side. Is it realistic to see the volcano, the botanic gardens and a waterfall or 2 on the way home in one day? Travelling with 4 adults...
A:
Absolutely! Just make sure you depart early so you have the full day there. On the way back, why not call in to Kona to swim with Manta Rays. That was the highlight of the holiday!
Save
Share
More
