Lava zones & volcano adventures

About

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island offers one of the most extraordinary natural experiences anywhere in the world. Here, you can stand at the edge of Kilauea's caldera, peer into the glowing Halemaumau Crater, and walk across hardened lava fields that were flowing just years ago. It's raw, powerful, and unlike anything else in the United States.

The park covers over 300,000 acres, stretching from sea level to the summit of Mauna Loa, one of Earth's most massive volcanoes. Visitors can explore steam vents, sulfur banks, lava tubes, and vast stretches of otherworldly terrain shaped by centuries of eruptions. The Kilauea Visitor Center is the best starting point, with exhibits, ranger talks, and films that explain the geology and cultural significance of these volcanic lands. Native Hawaiian traditions hold these volcanoes as sacred, home to the goddess Pele.

Several paved trails make the park surprisingly approachable. The Sulfur Banks Trail follows a paved path with boardwalk sections through an area where volcanic gases seep from the earth, leaving colorful mineral deposits. The Earthquake Trail traces a paved former road through a forest split apart by a massive 1983 earthquake, with minimal elevation changes. For the signature experience, head to the Kilauea Overlook or the Halemaumau Crater viewpoint, where on clear days you can see the volcanic activity that continues to reshape the island.

Chain of Craters Road winds 19 miles from the summit down to the coast, passing ancient petroglyphs and dramatic cliff views where lava once poured into the ocean. Pull-offs along the way let you stop and take in the scenery at your own pace.

The park is open 24 hours a day, and nighttime visits offer a special thrill when volcanic glow is visible against the dark sky. Temperatures at the summit hover around 60-70 degrees, so bring a light jacket. Allow at least half a day, though a full day lets you experience both the summit area and the coastal drive.

Accessibility

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park has made significant efforts to ensure visitors of all abilities can experience its volcanic wonders. The Kilauea Visitor Center is fully wheelchair accessible and offers wheelchairs for guest use during visits. The Volcano House Hotel and Volcano Art Center are also wheelchair accessible.

Several trails are well-suited for wheelchair users and those with mobility equipment. The Sulfur Banks Trail features a paved surface with boardwalk sections, providing an easy, wheelchair-friendly route through active volcanic vents. The Earthquake Trail follows a paved former road with minimal elevation changes, making it one of the park's most accessible paths. Both offer close-up views of volcanic features without difficult terrain.

The main crater viewpoints, including the Halemaumau Crater overlook, are accessible via paved paths. These viewing areas provide dramatic views of the lava lake and caldera. Chain of Craters Road is fully paved with pull-off areas for stopping.

Some trails and backcountry areas may require all-terrain tires or adaptive motorized equipment due to uneven volcanic surfaces. Visitors using wheelchairs or strollers should check current trail conditions at the visitor center before heading out.

Accessible restrooms are available at the Kilauea Visitor Center and other developed areas within the park. Accessible parking is provided at major stops throughout the park. Contact the park directly at (808) 985-6000 or visit the park's accessibility page for the most current information on specific trail conditions and available accommodations.

More accessible places in Hawaii

• Maui Ocean Center (Wailuku)
• Bishop Museum (Honolulu)
• Foster Botanical Garden (Honolulu)
• ʻIolani Palace (Honolulu)
• Dole Plantation (Wahiawa)
• Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park (Hilo)