volcano

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (VNP) on the Big Island is a magical place where visitors can experience the raw power of two of the world’s most active volcanoes, hike through breathtaking landscapes, and discover the rich cultural heritage of Hawaii. Whether you’re drawn by the volcanic activity, the chance to see rare wildlife, or the serene beauty of Hawaii’s natural wonders, this guide provides everything you need to know for a safe and unforgettable visit.

Why People Visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park offers something for every kind of traveler. Here’s why people from all over the world come to VNP:

1. Volcanic Activity: Witness the power of Kīlauea and Mauna Loa, two of the world’s most active volcanoes. Visitors can see lava flows (if active), explore steam vents, and learn about the island’s continuous geological evolution.

2. Cultural Significance: Learn about the cultural importance of the park to Native Hawaiians, who consider Kīlauea the home of Pele, the goddess of fire and volcanoes. The park also protects ancient temples, petroglyphs, and sacred trails.

3. Hiking: The park’s diverse terrain offers a wide range of hiking opportunities, from easy walks through rainforests and across volcanic craters to challenging multi-day hikes.

4. Biodiversity: VNP is home to a variety of rare and endemic species, including birds, plants, and animals found nowhere else on Earth.

5. Stargazing: With minimal light pollution, VNP offers incredible stargazing opportunities. You can see the Milky Way, constellations, and sometimes even shooting stars.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: Entrance Fees, Passes, and Preparing for Your Adventure

When preparing for a trip to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (VNP), it’s crucial to consider the entrance fees and which pass best suits your travel plans. Whether you’re visiting for the day or planning multiple park visits throughout the year, here’s what you need to know:

Park Pass Options:

1. 7-Day Entrance Pass:

• Cost: $30 per vehicle (valid for 7 days)

• Tip: Since VNP has limited cell service, it’s wise to take a screenshot of your day pass (after purchasing it online) to avoid issues when arriving at the park.

2. Hawai‘i Tri-Park Annual Pass:

• Cost: $55

• Access: Unlimited visits to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Haleakalā National Park, and Pu‘uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park for a year.

• When to Choose: If you plan on visiting more than one of Hawaii’s national parks or making multiple visits within a year, this pass is the most cost-effective option.

3. America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Annual Pass:

• Cost: $80

• Access: Entry to over 2,000 federal recreation sites across the United States, including all national parks.

• Ideal for: If you’re a frequent traveler and plan to visit several national parks beyond Hawaii in a year, this pass offers great value. Supporting the National Park Service through this pass helps preserve these natural wonders nationwide.

Why You Should Consider a Pass:

• Cost Justification: If you’re visiting more than one park or traveling multiple times, an annual pass quickly pays for itself. For example, visiting Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Haleakalā National Park would cost $60 in separate day passes, making the $55 Hawai‘i Tri-Park Annual Pass a smarter choice.

• Support the Parks: Purchasing an annual pass helps fund the preservation of national parks, supporting their maintenance and protection for future generations.

Prepare for Limited Signal at VNP:

• Screenshot Your Pass: Due to the limited cell signal within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, it’s essential to screenshot your day pass or annual pass if purchased online. This ensures you can show proof of entry at the park without relying on cell service.

• Download Maps and Guides: Before heading to the park, download offline maps and hiking guides. Apps like AllTrails allow you to save trail maps for offline use, so you can safely navigate even without signal.

• Enjoy Being Unplugged: Embrace the opportunity to disconnect from your phone and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the park. Being present enhances your experience of the stunning landscapes and unique wildlife.

By being well-prepared, you can focus on the incredible experience awaiting you in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and other national parks across the country. For more details on passes and to purchase in advance, visit the National Park Service website.

Packing List for a Day Visit to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

1. Water: Bring at least 2-3 liters per person to stay hydrated. Reusable Water Bottles are great to reduce waste and keep your water cold throughout the day, and this is the one I travel the world with.

2. Sunscreen and Sunglasses: Protection from the sun is a must. Opt for reef-safe sunscreen to protect Hawaii’s marine life.

3. Layers of Clothing: The weather can vary throughout the day, so dress in layers. Include a lightweight jacket or windbreaker.

4. Sturdy Shoes: Essential for hiking on the park’s rocky and uneven terrain. Waterproof hiking shoes are a great option. I prefer Danner boots, but here is a cheaper option I had before I upgraded as well.

5. Rain Gear: Showers are common, especially near Hilo. A lightweight rain jacket or poncho will keep you dry without taking up much space in your bag.

6. Snacks or Lunch: Food options inside the park are limited, so bring your own. I like to bring  trail mix, fruit bars, protein bars, crackers, meat sticks and mini dried fruit bars for hikes and they also work great for the beach days.

7. Camera: Capture the stunning views, unique wildlife, and geological wonders.

8. Hat and Flashlight: A wide-brimmed hat is crucial for sun protection during the day, and a flashlight or headlamp is necessary for navigating safely after dark, especially if you’re staying for stargazing.

9. Binoculars: Great for wildlife spotting and getting a closer look at volcanic activity from a safe distance.

10. Map and Guidebook: Helps you navigate the park and learn about its unique features. I prefer to use this one, or the one given to you at the park entrance.

11. First Aid Kit: A small kit with band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and any personal medications you might need.

12. Portable Phone Charger: Ensure your phone is charged for taking photos, navigating, and emergencies.

13. Backpack: A comfortable backpack to carry all your essentials. I prefer to do a two in one option with a water pack for easy hydration (tip: pick a size based on your hiking needs, I prefer 2-3 liter water packs!). I usually carry a smaller backpack, and my husband carries a bigger one where I shove all my snacks and essentials for the adventure that day.

For more detailed packing tips for Hawaii, visit The Ultimate Hawaii Packing Guide.

How to Check for Volcanic Eruptions:

1. Real-Time Updates: The USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) provides the most up-to-date information on seismic activity, lava flows, and volcanic gas emissions.

2. Signs of an Eruption:

• Seismic Activity: Frequent small earthquakes are often a precursor to volcanic eruptions.

• Ground Deformation: Swelling or cracking of the earth’s surface may indicate magma rising beneath the ground.

• Increased Gas Emissions: A rise in sulfur dioxide (SO₂) levels suggests that an eruption could be imminent.

Be sure to check for the latest updates before heading to the park, and always follow instructions from park rangers and warning signs.

Essential Safety Warnings for Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Visiting an active volcanic park requires careful attention to safety. Here are key tips for staying safe during your visit:

• Volcanic Gases (Vog): Vog is volcanic smog that can cause respiratory issues. It’s especially dangerous for people with asthma or other respiratory conditions. Always check air quality reports and avoid areas with high vog levels.

• Stay on Designated Trails: The park’s lava fields can be treacherous, with hidden cracks or unstable ground. Stay on marked trails and never venture off into unmarked areas.

• Heat and Hydration: The sun can be intense, and the park’s landscapes offer little shade. Bring plenty of water and wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.

• Steam Vents and Lava Tubes: These features release scalding steam. Keep a safe distance from steam vents, and only explore designated lava tubes.

• Unpredictable Weather: The park’s weather can change quickly, especially at higher elevations. Be prepared with rain gear and layers of clothing to stay comfortable throughout the day.

Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death (ROD): A Threat to Hawaii’s Forests

The ʻŌhiʻa Lehua tree is iconic to Hawaii’s landscapes, playing an essential ecological role and holding deep cultural significance. Unfortunately, Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death (ROD) is a fungal disease that is threatening to wipe out this beloved tree species. The fungus kills trees quickly, often within weeks, leaving behind vast dead forests. You can find more info about this here.

Photo courtesy of Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources.

Can Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death Be Fixed?

There is no cure for ROD yet, but researchers are working hard to understand the disease and develop ways to slow its spread. Here’s what’s being done:

• Research and Monitoring: Scientists are studying how the fungus spreads and testing methods to protect healthy trees.

• Prevention Measures: Quarantines and strict rules against moving ʻōhiʻa wood between islands are in place. Public awareness campaigns encourage both locals and visitors to clean their gear and avoid disturbing ʻōhiʻa trees.

How Visitors Can Help:

• Clean your shoes and gear: Before and after hiking, scrub your footwear and gear to remove any dirt or plant material.

• Stay on trails: Avoid walking in areas with ʻōhiʻa trees unless on marked paths.

• Don’t touch the trees: The disease can spread through contact, so resist the urge to touch or climb ʻōhiʻa trees.

Wildlife in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is home to many species of wildlife, some of which are endemic to Hawaii. Here’s a look at the fascinating animals you might encounter:

Notable Wildlife in VNP:

1. Nēnē (Hawaiian Goose): The Nēnē is Hawaii’s state bird and the world’s rarest goose. Although they’re often spotted in the park, these birds are endangered and need protection. You can read more about them here.

2. ʻŌpeʻapeʻa (Hawaiian Hoary Bat): Hawaii’s only native land mammal, the Hawaiian hoary bat, can be seen at dusk as it flits about hunting insects. You can read more about them here.

3. Honu (Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle): These gentle sea turtles are commonly seen along the coastline near VNP. You can read more about them here.

4. Hawaiian Monk Seal: Though rare, Hawaiian monk seals are occasionally spotted on the Big Island’s shores. These critically endangered seals are one of the rarest marine mammals in the world. You can read more about them here.

5. Hawaiian Honeycreepers: The park is home to several species of honeycreepers, including the striking ʻIʻiwi and the vibrant ʻApapane, which feed on the nectar of native ʻōhiʻa blossoms. You can read more about them here.

Fun Facts About Hawaii’s Unique Birds

The birds of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park are not only beautiful but also have interesting quirks that make them special.

1. Nēnē (Hawaiian Goose):

• Fun Fact: Nēnē are often considered “naive” or “dumb” birds due to their lack of natural fear of humans. This stems from evolving in an ecosystem with few predators. If you feed them, they will become reliant on humans for food and may keep returning to places where they’ve been fed, which can put them in danger. In fact, feeding Nēnē can lead to their death, as they might be drawn to areas with heavy traffic or other hazards. Please refrain from feeding them to help protect this endangered species.

2. ʻIʻiwi (Scarlet Honeycreeper):

• Fun Fact: The ʻIʻiwi has a long, curved beak perfectly suited for sipping nectar from ʻŌhiʻa Lehua blossoms. This bird’s bright red feathers were once highly prized by ancient Hawaiian royalty and used in ceremonial cloaks.

3. ʻApapane:

• Fun Fact: These birds play a crucial role in pollinating Hawaii’s native plants, especially ʻōhiʻa trees. Their brilliant red feathers make them a favorite among birdwatchers, and their songs can often be heard throughout the park.

4. Pueo (Hawaiian Owl):

• Fun Fact: The Pueo is considered a sacred bird in Hawaiian culture, often associated with ancestral spirits or guardians known as ʻaumākua. Unlike most owls, the Pueo is active during the day.

Volcanic Activity: Eruptions on the Big Island and How to Stay Informed

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is home to two active volcanoes, Kīlauea and Mauna Loa, which shape the island’s landscape and offer a unique experience for visitors. Volcanic activity is unpredictable, so staying informed is crucial.

Final Thoughts

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park offers visitors a one-of-a-kind opportunity to explore one of Earth’s most active volcanic regions while learning about Hawaii’s rich cultural and ecological heritage. From the ever-changing lava flows to the park’s unique wildlife, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Remember to respect the land, stay safe by following park guidelines, and most importantly, enjoy the adventure that awaits you in this extraordinary park. Whether you’re hiking, stargazing, or exploring ancient Hawaiian sites, VNP is sure to leave you with memories that will last a lifetime