Area Guidebook

This section will provide you with practical information about preparing for your trip and finding your way in Volcano.


The Essentials

Much of Volcano is situated in a natural rainforest reserve, very close to or just over the 4,000 ft. elevation mark. Light rains and mists are common, and temperatures in the evening can get quite chilly.

CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT

We suggest you bring light layer-able clothing, a windproof jacket, good walking shoes and socks. The national park covers a vast area from sea-level up to over 5,000 ft. at the end of the Mauna Loa Summit road, so when venturing out for a day, make sure to bring along your rain gear, a hat, sunglasses, plenty of water, sunscreen, and a flashlight or headlamp.

ELEVATION AND TEMPERATURE

Elevation is about 4000 ft (1232 m).  Daily average temperature high 72 degrees F. - low 52 degrees F. Seasonal change 4-8 degrees F. The Volcano summit area is usually 15 degrees F. cooler than sea level.

RAINFALL

Village rainfall varies between 100” and 125” yearly.  Park Headquarters and the Volcano Golf & Country Club area have less rainfall. Rain stored in catchment tanks is the primary source of domestic water. All of our homes are equipped with a double UV + micro-filter water purification system making the water both safe and delicious to drink.

GETTING here/around

There is limited bus service between Volcano Village - Hilo (bus schedule) and currently no/low ride sharing services on the Big Island. Taxis are available but also uncommon extremely pricey. We strongly recommend renting a car during your stay, as this will make touring the park and the surrounding sites much safer, enjoyable and affordable.

GROCERIES AND OTHER SUPPLIES

If you plan to eat in during your time in Volcano, you'll probably want to stock up on groceries in Hilo or Kona, as the selection at the local stores is limited and pricey. We recommend KTA, a locally-owned chain with locations on both sides of the island, which offers great prices and a wide selection of typical staples and local favorites. You can also visit the local farmers market at the Cooper Center early on Sunday mornings (6-9am). Here you will find estate grown Big Island coffees, and a delicious array of organic produce, baked goods and prepared dishes. This is a great way to spend a Sunday morning and mingle with the local villagers.


Volcano Village

Volcano Village is a unique and a slightly quirky little community of artists and scientists. Within the Village you will find a post office, two gas stations, three small convenience stores and a variety of restaurants and cafes. The historic Kilauea Lodge is perfect for a full breakfast or a romantic dinner, while Ohelo Café offers fresh, local and original cuisine. For some light and vegetarian-friendly fare, try Café Ono or for a quick, satisfying and cheap lunch, visit the family owned and operated Eagle’s Lighthouse Cafe.

OTHER USEFUL STOPS IN and Around THE Village 

For more information about Volcano Village and the surrounding area, visit Love Big Island.


Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park protects some of the most unique geological, biological, and cultural landscapes in the world. Extending from sea level to the summit of Mauna Loa at 13,677 feet, the park encompasses the summits of two of the world's most active volcanoes - Kīlauea and Mauna Loa.

Detailed information about visiting the park, how it has changed since the May 2018 and December 2020 eruptions, and which areas are open to the public can be found here.

Photo credit: NPS Photo/Janice Wei

Photo credit: NPS Photo/Janice Wei

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The Kahuku Unit of the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park has a variety of options for day hikes and remains open Thursday to Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. On other days, the Visitor Contact Station window will be open, but services are limited, and visitors should bring everything they might need for a safe visit.

Ranger-guided hikes and talks occur several times a week. Check the Kahuku Calendar for a full listing.

Kahuku is located in the district of Kaʻū, near mile-marker 70.5 on Highway 11, a one-hour drive from Kīlauea Visitor Center. This area is a place of dynamic volcanism, rich Hawaiian traditions and a fascinating history of ranching. It is a site of struggle and restoration for many unique plant and animal species of Ka'ū.


Lava Viewing

A spectacular new eruption at the summit of Kīlauea volcano is drawing hundreds of visitors to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park eager to see the billowing plume of gas and steam by day and the reflection of glowing lava deep within the crater after dark. Vantage points for viewing the new eruption include Wahinekapu (Steaming Bluff), Kīlauea Overlook, Keanakākoʻi, Waldron Ledge and other overlooks along Crater Rim Trail.

The park remains open 24 hours a day, and the public is reminded to stay safe by following these precautions:

  • Stay on marked trails and overlooks, and avoid earth cracks and cliff edges. Do not enter closed areas.

  • Slow down and drive safely. Expect long waits for parking spaces at popular vantage points like Kīlauea Overlook.

  • Maintain social distance of six feet from others and wear a mask to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Even during the excitement of an eruption, the danger of COVID-19 remains the same.

  • Visiting at night? Bring a flashlight or headlamp to avoid accidental injury.

  • At 4,000 feet (1,200 m) in elevation, the summit of Kīlauea can be chilly at any time. Bring a rain jacket, wear long pants and closed-toe shoes.

  • Hazardous volcanic gases are billowing out the crater and present a danger to everyone, especially people with heart or respiratory problems, infants, young children and pregnant women. For more information on air quality visit Hawaii SO2 Network.

Helicopter Tours

For a different perspective, helicopter tours offer a birds-eye view of the eruption, waterfalls and other many beautiful landscapes of the island. There are several tours leaving from Hilo airport, just 40 minutes from Volcano, throughout the day and these tours are much more affordable than those leaving from Kona. 

For detailed information and links to the best tour companies on the island, please head over to Love Big Island. For footage from one of our favorite operators, Paradise Helicopters, have a look at their Instagram page as well.


Volcano Beyond the National Park

Most visitors to the area come for the park, though many are delighted to find that Volcano has much more to offer! Below is a selection of some of our favorite spots to visit while you are here.

Photo credit: Jesse Tunison

Photo credit: Jesse Tunison

Volcano Art Center (Niaulani Campus) ☍ 2.3 miles from center of Volcano Village (5 min. drive)

Many are familiar with the Volcano Art Center Gallery just inside the park but the Niaulani Campus right in Volcano Village offers drop-in style classes and workshops in a range of disciplines from stained class to pottery, writing and silk scarf painting, flame-working and even making your own kimchi! The art center also hosts a monthly Jazz in the Forest event and a guided hour-long nature walk every Monday morning. The walk is free but donations are appreciated. The art center also provides free downloadable learning tools such as a plant guide and trail companion. Great for all ages!

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Volcano Art Center Galley ☍ 3.4 miles from Volcano Village (7 min. drive)

The Volcano Art Center Gallery is located in the historic 1877 Volcano House Hotel in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Centered at Kilauea, home to Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of the volcano, of creativity, of Fire, Volcano Art Center Gallery has been a mecca for visual artists since 1974. This dynamic and powerful environment has inspired the Hawaiian people and their crafts, songs, dances, and legends for centuries. Today, the Kilauea region continues to draw artists, performers, writers, scientists, and educators from around the world to create, reflect, learn and embrace the beauty and power of the natural world.

Volcano Farmers Market ☍ 0.7 miles from Volcano Village (2 min. drive)

The early bird catches the worm at the weekly Volcano Village Farmers Market, held Sunday mornings between 6:00-10:00am at the Cooper Center on Wright Road. This is a great way to interact with locals, purchase beautiful fresh flowers, fruits, vegetables and local arts and crafts. There are also delicious baked goods, fresh Ka'u and Kona coffee and organic local honey for sale. A wonderful way to start your morning and pick up supplies for a day of exploring!

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Lili House Farm ☍ 2.6 miles from Volcano Village (5 min. drive)

The Lili House Farm aims to show their guests how easy it is to make a loving connection with animals, and how their presence can easily dissolve stress, bring comfort and be a lot of fun! You can opt for a deluxe farm tour with a lavish country style teatime, fresh-baked scones and hand-churned butter served on-site, or simply visit the petting zoo for cuddling, feeding and photographing the animals. Great for kids and adults alike and a wonderful way to spend a memorable morning in Volcano Village!

Bike Kilauea  ☍ Tour starting point 4.3 miles from Volcano Village (10 min. drive)

Volcano Bike Tours offers full-service daily volcano bicycle tours of Kilauea Volcano and surrounding areas. A van driver and tour leader accompany all tours and the tour leader escorts the cyclists from the pole position, while the van driver attentively follows behind. Enjoy the journey through lush rainforests and active volcanic hotspots on one of several tour variations offered. Due to the popularity of the volcano biking tours VBT require no-less than 48-hours’ notice for schedule changes and cancellations so make sure you finalize your arrangements before arriving to Volcano.

The Volcano Winery ☍5.7 miles from Volcano Village (10 min. drive)

For a fun and unique wine tasting experience, head to the Volcano Winery, just a 10 minute drive from Volcano Village. Here, traditional wines are blended and infused with tropically-inspired flavors such as guava and lilikoi, creating fun and playful new concoctions that make fun souvenirs. The winery also makes it own special mead with 100% local macadamia honey. 

Volcano Garden Arts ☍ 1.0 mile from Volcano Village (4 min. drive)

An oasis of art, music, delicious food and magical gardens, Volcano Garden Arts (VGA) is a wonderful place to spend an afternoon. The owner, local artist Ira Ono, has spent decades turning a 1908 summer estate into an art gallery, a café and a beautiful sanctuary of harmoniously landscaped gardens and greenhouses. Ira's Café Ono features award-winning cuisine, with gluten-free and vegan entrees using locally sourced organic ingredients. The original structure now houses a gallery featuring works for sale from over 80 local artists. A delightful find in the heart of Volcano!


Daytrips from Volcano Village

The village of Volcano is situated perfectly between the districts of Kaʻū to the south, Hilo and the greater part of Puna to the northeast. These regions are all vastly different and offer a broad selection of sights and activities, easily reachable from Volcano. For a full list of daytrips within an hour’s drive, please visit our Daytrips section.