National Park Service Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park U.S. Department of the Interior
Trip Planner
2015 Edition Discover a dynamic and ever-changing landscape Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park encompasses 333,086 acres of dynamic, ever changing environments including the summits and rift zones of two of the world’s most active volcanoes, Mauna Loa and Kīlauea, and seven ecological zones (seacoast, lowland, mid-elevation woodland, rain forest, upland forest, subalpine, and alpine). Immerse yourself in a multitude of landscapes that serve as a refuge for a wide variety of engaging and endangered creatures like the nēnē (Hawaiian Goose), ope‘ape‘a (Hawaiian hoary bat), happyface spiders, carnivorous caterpillars, honeycreepers, and so much more.
What To Do With Your Day First, stop at Kīlauea Visitor Center for current information on eruptive activity, trails, roads, interpretive programs, and weather. Be sure to watch the park orientation film. Kīlauea and Mauna Loa
If You Have 1 to 3 Hours Explore the summit of Kīlauea volcano via Crater Rim Drive. This road passes through lush tropical rain forest, views of the currently active summit caldera, and provides access to well-marked scenic stops and short walks. Visit the Jaggar Museum for exhibits on the geology of Hawaiian volcanoes. (Note: the south section of Crater Rim Drive is currently closed due to high levels of volcanic gases and particulates. See map on page 7.)
If You Have 4 to 5 Hours I n addition to Crater Rim Drive, explore the East Rift Zone and coastal area of the park via Chain of Craters Road. This road descends 3,700 feet (1,128 m) in 18 miles (29 km) and ends at the Hōlei Sea Arch. Lava flows are always changing.C heck at Kīlauea Visitor Halema‘uma‘u - Glow at Dawn Center or at www.nps.gov/havo for the most current information. No food, water, or fuel are available along Chain of Craters Road. Contact Information If You Want to Get Out of the Car and Hike Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park T he true character of the park is best discovered on foot. With more than 150 miles of trails in the park, walking and hiking offer a fascinating and enjoyable experience. For walking P. O. Box 52 and hiking options, see page 6. www.nps.gov/havo 808-985-6000 Table of Contents Herit rld age o si W te General Information...... 2–3 A O ‘I V LCA AI N W O Visitor Centers and Other Services...... 4 A NATIONAL PARK E s H Lodging and Camping...... 5 Day Hiking and Ranger Programs...... 6
an e d rv Map...... 7 bi se osphere re
808-985-6000 | www.nps.gov/havo 2 | Hawai‘ i Volcanoes National Park General Information How to See the Park Weather and Climate Park Hours By Vehicle T he weather at the summit of Kīlauea Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park is T here are three primary roads that (4000 ft / 1,219 m elevation) varies daily open 24 hours per day, year-round, provide spectacular views of the park: and may be rainy and chilly any time of including holidays. However, some Crater Rim Drive, Chain of Craters Road, the year. At the summit, temperatures areas of the park may be temporarily and Mauna Loa Road. These roads are may be 12 to 15 degrees cooler than at closed due to volcanic activity or poor paved. Hilina Pali Road and the upper sea level. The coastal plain at the end air quality. Visitors may enter and exit the portions of Mauna Loa Road are narrow. of Chain of Craters Road, where lava park at any time. Obey speed limits on all roads and crossed the road in 2003, is often hot, The Kahuku Unit is open on Saturdays watch for pedestrians, cyclists, and the dry, and windy with the possibility of and Sundays from 9am to 3pm. Please endangered nēnē (Hawaiian goose). passing rain showers. check the park website or call 808-985- 6000 for current information. Road Closure Average Temperatures and Precipitation Crater Rim Drive between Jaggar Kīlauea Visitor Center (4,000 ft / 1,219 m) Where Can I See Lava? Museum and the Chain of Craters Precip. High Low inches | L ava sometimes flows near the Road junction is currently closed ˚F | ˚C ˚F | ˚C cm southeastern boundary of the park and due to dangerous volcanic gases from Jan 65 | 18 49 | 9 11 | 28 may be visible at the end of Chain of Halema‘uma‘u Crater. Feb 71 | 22 45 | 7 8 | 20 Craters Road, or to the Kalapana Lava By Bicycle Viewing Site, managed by the County of Mar 69 | 21 49 | 9 8 | 20 Bicycles are allowed on all roads open Hawai‘i, at the end of Highway 130. April 66 | 19 49 | 9 12 | 31 to automobile traffic and on some trails. May 69 | 21 52 | 11 6 | 15 Lava viewing conditions are extremely A Bike Guide is available at the Kīlauea variable. Oftentimes you may only June 70 | 21 53 | 12 5 | 13 Visitor Center or online at www.nps.gov/ see a glow from the activity in the July 71 | 22 56 | 13 6 | 15 havo/planyourvisit/brochures.htm. Halema‘uma‘u Crater vent in the In Hawai‘i, bicycles are subject to the Aug 73 | 23 56 | 13 7 | 18 distance. This activity may be visible same rules as automobiles. Bicycles are Sept 68 | 20 53 | 12 7 | 18 from the Jaggar Museum. not available for rent in the park. Oct 72 | 22 56 | 13 14 | 37 For updated lava viewing conditions, Nov 69 | 21 56 | 13 12 | 31 visit http://hvo.wr.usg.gov, call the park On Foot Dec 73 | 23 46 | 8 11 | 28 at 808-985-6011 or the Hawai‘i County Perhaps the best way to experience the Kalapana Lava Viewing Hotline at park is on foot. Numerous trails wind 808-961-8093. through rain forests, desert, and lava Entrance Fees flows.See page 6 for hiking options.
Entrance to the park is $15 per vehicle; Hawaiian Islands National Parks $8 per pedestrian or bicyclist, $10 per motorcycle and is good for seven days. A $25 Hawai‘i TriPark Pass provides access for one year at Hawai‘i Volcanoes, Haleakalā (located on Maui), and
Pu‘uhonua o Hōnaunau. The $80 World War II Valor in the Pacific interagency pass provides entrance National Monument into all National Park Service areas. U.S. citizens 62 or older can obtain a lifetime Senior Pass for $10 allowing free entrance to the parks. A free lifetime pass Pu‘ukoholā Heiau is available for U.S. citizens or residents National Historic Site Kaloko-Honokōhau who have a permanent disability, National Historical Park regardless of age. A free U.S. Military Pu‘uhonua O Hōnaunau annual pass is available. Fees support National Historical Park projects in the park.
www.nps.gov/havo | 808-985-6000 2015 trip planner | 3 General Information
Getting to Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park Kulanaokuaiki Campground T he park is located on Hawai‘i Island. island carriers. In addition, international From Hilo: 30 miles southwest on carriers provide service to Kona Highway 11 (45 minute drive); from International Airport at Keahole. Note: Kailua-Kona: 96 miles southeast on Kona International Airport is 100+miles / Highway 11 (2 to 2- 1/2 hour drive), or 2- 1/2 to 3 hour drive from the park. 125 miles through Waimea and Hilo via Highways 19 and 11 (2- 1/2 to Access the airport websites for more 3 hours). information: Accessibility http://hawaii.gov/ito Facilities By Airline http://hawaii.gov/koa Hilo and Kona International Airports T he Kīlauea Visitor Center, Jaggar Museum, Volcano House, and Volcano are served by several mainland and inter- By Rental Car Art Center are wheelchair accessible. R ental cars may be reserved at both Hilo and Kona International Airports. View Points Due to the limited nature of vehicles, Pullouts and overlooks along Crater Rim reservations should be made in advance. Drive and Chain of Craters Road afford panoramic views of the park. other transportation options Public transportation is limited on island. P aTHWAYS At various locations the public bus (Hele A ccessible pathways include Waldron On Bus, 808-961-8744), commercial tour Ledge (Earthquake Trail), Sulfur Banks buses, taxis, motorcycles, and bicycles are from Steam Vents parking area, Pauahi available. No rental vehicles or bicycles Crater, Muliwai a Pele, and Kealakomo may be obtained in the park. Overlook.
Campgrounds VISITOR ALERT Ranger Programs N āmakanipaio Campground has restrooms with water and moderately R angers and volunteers present a High amounts of dangerous sulfur accessible campsites. wide variety of interpretive programs dioxide gas may be present in throughout the year. All programs are areas of the park. These gases are Kulanaokuaiki Campground has an free and open to the public. See page 6 a danger to everyone, particularly accessible toilet, but no water. for program options. persons with heart or respiratory problems and infants, young children, Restrooms and pregnant women. Kīlauea Visitor Center, Kīlauea Overlook, Jaggar Museum, Thurston Volcanic gas looks like smog. Keep Lava Tube, Nāmakanipaio Campground, windows closed when it is visible. Kīpukapuaulu picnic area, Mauna If air irritates you, smells bad, or you Ulu, Kulanaokuaiki Campground, and have difficulty breathing, leave the area. the turnaround at the end of Chain of Craters Road all have restrooms or Portions of the park may wheelchair-accessible toilets. be closed during times of high sulfur dioxide levels. Wheelchairs Kīlauea Visitor Center and Jaggar W heelchairs are available for use at Museum offer updates on air quality in Kīlauea Visitor Center, and Jaggar a clean-air building during open hours. Museum during normal business hours.
Visit www.hawaiiSO2network.com for air quality updates. View from Volcano House
808-985-6000 | www.nps.gov/havo 4 | Hawai‘ i Volcanoes National Park Visitor Centers and Other Services
Visitor Centers Volcano Art Gallery
Kïlauea Visitor Center Exhibits Open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, the gallery features and sells art and fine crafts by various Hawai‘i artisans.
Food Volcano House T he Rim restaurant offers creative island cuisine for breakfast (7-10 a.m.), lunch (11 a.m. - 2 p.m.) and dinner (5:30-9:00 p.m.). Uncle George’s Lounge has an “all-day” dining menu (11 a.m. - 10 p.m.) and “grab- and-go” items are available at the Gift Shop.
Kīlauea Visitor Center Thomas A. Jaggar Museum Volcano Village Area Open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Open daily from 10:00 am to 7:30 pm A variety of restaurants are located (Hours may vary. Check www.nps.gov/ nearby in Volcano Village, one mile Accessible restrooms, water, and planyourvisit/hours.htm) towards Hilo, off Highway 11. phone are available. Perched on the edge of Kīlauea Other Services Rangers are available during Caldera, the observation deck offers Volcano Village Area operating hours to help you plan the best view of the eruptive activity T he following services are available one a safe and memorable visit to within Halema‘uma‘u Crater. mile towards Hilo, off Highway 11: Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Accessible restrooms, water, and Gasoline Hardware The Hawai‘i Pacific ParksA ssociation phone are available. Groceries Laundromat sells books, posters, and other Camping Supplies Post Office educational material. Proceeds The museum presents Hawaiian ATM Internet benefit park programs. legends about Pelehonuamea, Service Ranger and volunteer led programs scientific exhibits about volcanism, occur throughout the park each and the work conducted by the staff Church Services of Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. day. These free programs are posted T here are presently no chapel services in at Kīlauea Visitor Center, Jaggar the Park. Museum, and Volcano House hotel The Hawai‘i Pacific ParksA ssociation each day by 9:15 am. sells books, posters, and other educational material here. Proceeds Medical Services Movies play from 9 am to 4 pm daily. benefit park programs. For 24-hour emergency care dial 808-985-6170 or 911.
Herit rld age o si W te A O ‘I V LCA AI N W O A NATIONAL PARK E s H
View of Halema‘uma‘u Crater vent from Jaggar Museum an e d rv bi se osphere re www.nps.gov/havo | 808-985-6000 2015 trip planner | 5 Lodging and Camping
Lodging Campgrounds Inside the Park at 4,000 feet (1,213 m) elevation, this campground has restrooms and water. Volcano House There is a large, open grassy area with T he historic Volcano House reopened tall eucalyptus, koa, and ‘ōhi‘a trees. in June 2013. Perched on the caldera Campground information, registration, rim, it offers 33 rooms, dining, and two and regulations are located on the gift shops. It also manages 10 cabins and bulletin board near the restrooms. campsites at Nāmakanipaio Campground (see right for more information). A large pavilion, with picnic tables and fireplaces, is shared by all campers. Volcano Village Fires are allowed in designated fire T here are a number of lodging options Nämakanipaio Campground grates only. Dogs are allowed, but located just outside the park in the require a leash no more than 6 ft (3 m) at Volcano area. Search online for options. T here are two drive-in campgrounds all times to protect endangered nēnē. located within Hawai‘i Volcanoes Kīlauea Military Camp Weather may be cold and damp year- National Park. Entrance fees apply T his recreational facility is for active round. Temperatures range from the high and are paid at the entrance station or duty and retired military, reservists, DoD 30s to the high 70s F (3 to 26 degrees C). civilians, families, and sponsored groups. at the Nāmakanipaio fee station near the restrooms ($15 per car—valid for Call 808-967-8333 or visit http://www. Kulanaokuaiki Campground seven days, or a Hawai‘i Annual Tri- kmc-volcano.com/for more information. Located off Hilina PaliR oad at 3,200 Park, Interagency Annual, U.S. Military feet (975 m), there are eight walk-in Annual, Senior, or Access Pass is valid Campgrounds Outside the Park campsites with picnic tables. There is for entry). Camping at Nāmakanipaio an accessible vault toilet; however, no County Campgrounds requires registration and fees. Camping water is available and campfires are not 808-961-8311 at Kulanaokuaiki is free of charge and www.hawaiicounty.gov/parks-and-recreation permitted. Use fueled camping stoves registration is not required. Stays are email:[email protected] only. This campground is subject to limited to seven consecutive days per closure when the area is dry and during State Campgrounds month, not to exceed 30 days per year. 808-961-9540 times of high fire danger.N o dogs or pets are allowed at this campground to protect www.hawaiistateparks.org/parks/hawaii NÄmakanipaio Campground email:[email protected] endangered nēnē. Located on Highway 11 (mile marker 31)
Backcountry Camping Services are Limited at Trailheads T here is no water at trailheads and T he park offers over 150 miles (241 km) of catchments may be empty during periods trails ranging in elevation from sea level of low rainfall. Public transportation is to 13,667 feet (4,169 m). With over half of unavailable. There are 911 phones (for the park designated as wilderness, there emergency use only) located at Hilina are numerous opportunities for solitude, Pali Overlook and Pu‘u Loa and Ka‘ū dark night skies, and to experience life Desert Trailheads. Be prepared! on active volcanoes.
Camping at Halapē For more information, download the All Overnight Backcountry park’s Backcountry Guide at www.nps. Hikers Must Register gov/planyourvisit/brochures.htm. Obtain a free permit at the Backcountry Office, located in the VisitorE mergency Operations Center. Permits are issued on For park brochures and maps, visit a first-come basis, no earlier than the day our website at: before your hike. When you return from www.nps.gov/ your trip, stop at the Backcountry Office havo or call 808-985-6178 to check out. planyourvisit/ brochures.htm Backpacking on Mauna Loa
808-985-6000 | www.nps.gov/havo 6 | Hawai‘ i Volcanoes National Park Hiking and Ranger Programs
Day Hiking Join a Guided Ranger Program Devastation Trail Stroll on a paved path through a forest devastated by the 1959 Kīlauea Iki eruption. See plants returning to this landscape (0.5 mile / 0.8 km one way).
Kīlauea Iki Descend 400-feet (122 m) through native rain forest to the crater floor and hike Devastation Trail across a cooled lava lake still steaming from the 1959 eruption. Park at Kīlauea T he following programs are generally Iki Overlook to begin with a spectacular offered on a daily basis: Pu‘u Loa Petroglyphs Trail view (4 miles / 6.4 km loop trail). How it all Began Pu‘u Huluhulu Cinder Cone Sulphur Banks (Ha‘akulamanu) 9:30 am and 3:30 pm Hike over 1973–1974 lava flows to a S ee where volcanic gases seep from the 20-minute ranger talk on Hawaiian viewing area atop a 210-foot (64 m) ground, depositing sulfur crystals and volcanology. Meet the ranger at the relief cinder cone. Weather permitting, view other minerals on rocks along this paved map on the lānai (veranda) area outside Mauna Ulu and look down the East Rift trail and boardwalk. Walk from Kīlauea Kīlauea Visitor Center. Zone to view the active Puʻu ʻŌʻō vent. Visitor Center (.4 mile / .6 km one way) Trail begins at Mauna Ulu parking lot or take the wheelchair-accessible trail Summit Walk (2.5 miles / 4 km round-trip hike). from Steam Vents parking area (0.5 mile / 10:30 am and 1:30 pm 0.8 km one way). Pu‘u Loa Petroglyphs 45 minute to 1 hour ranger-led walk. A traditional Hawaiian trail leads to Wheelchairs can be used on this less than Thurston Lava Tube (Nāhuku) some 23,000 images etched in stone. a 1/2 mile paved path. Topics may include: W alk through lush rainforest to explore Petroglyphs are fragile and easily biology, geology, and Hawaiian cultural a 500-year old lava tube (0.5 mile / 0.8 damaged. Trail begins at Pu‘u Loa traditions surrounding Kīlauea volcano. km loop trail). Accessible restrooms and Petroglyphs pullout offC hain of Craters water are available. road (1.5 miles / 2.4 km round-trip). Life on the edge 2:00 pm, 3:30 pm, and 5:00 pm 20-minute ranger talk on Hawaiian Trail Guides volcanology. Meet the ranger at the T he park offers interpretive guide overlook just outside Jaggar Museum. booklets for six trails: Kīlauea Iki, Mauna Ulu, Halema‘uma‘u, Kīpukapuaulu, Pu‘u Other daily activities, are posted at o Lokuana, and Kahuku Forest Trail. Kīlauea Visitor Center, Jaggar Museum, Purchase a and Volcano House hotel by 9:15 daily. printed trail guide at the park’s Especially for Children bookstores or T he Junior Ranger programs engages download them families with children to explore, from the park’s discover and learn about Hawai‘i website at www. Volcanoes National Park. Ask about them Crater Rim Trail nps.gov/havo/ at the visitor centers or check www.nps. For more information, planyourvisit/ gov/havo/forkids/index.htm. brochures.htm. visit our website at Enjoy your hikes Download Junior Ranger publications www.nps.gov/havo in the park! at www.nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/ brochures.htm. www.nps.gov/havo | 808-985-6000 2015 trip planner | 7 Map
Points of Interest Support Your Park
Kīpukapuaulu H awai‘i Pacific Parks Association Mauna Loa Road (13.5-miles one way) T he Hawai‘i Pacific ParksA ssociation Nāmakanipaio Campground Kīlauea Overlook and Picnic Area Sulphur Banks (HPPA) is a National Park Service nonprofit cooperating Steam Volcano House association authorized by Jaggar Vents Museum Kīlauea Visitor Center Volcano Village Congress to support the (Gas and Food) KĪLAUEA CALDERA Park interpretive, educational, Crater Rim Drive Entrance 11 scientific, and cultural Halema‘uma‘u Crater Kīlauea Iki projects of the National Crater Overlook Park Service in Hawai‘i Road Closed Pu‘u Pua‘i Thurston Lava Tube (Nāhuku) and American Samoa. Due to high amounts Keanakāko‘i Crater of sulfur dioxide gas. Foot and bike access only Pit Devastation Trail Craters Proceeds from the sale of educational Kulanaokuaiki Campground Pu‘u Huluhulu Cinder Cone publications and products in HPPA park Hilina Pali Road Mauna Ulu Shield (9-miles one way) visitor center outlets directly benefit the Park. They fund interpretive programs, Chain of Craters Road research projects, museum activities, Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō exhibits, cultural demonstrations and 1969–1974 Flows festivals, and numerous conservation efforts. A variety of products to enhance your Kealakomo Overlook and visit to Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park Picnic Area can be purchased online at:
Recent www.hawaiipacificparks.org Lava Flows ‘Alanui Kahiko Visit HPPA by scanning the QR (quick reader)code at left using your smart phone. Pu‘u Loa Petroglyph Trail Emergency Access Road i e n PACIFIC OCEAN Friends of r of d Hölei Sea Arch s F Road Closed by Lava Flow Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park Special Park Programs T he Friends Hawai i Volcanoes National Park of Hawai‘i Join these special presentations and Volcanoes National Park is a non- cultural demonstrations at Kīlauea profit, membership organization with Visitor Center. members worldwide. Their mission is to support Hawai‘i Volcanoes National after dark in the park Park in the protection, presevation, ‘Ike hana no‘eau (Experience and interpretation of the park for the skillful work) the enjoyment of current and future Nā leo manu (heavenly voices) generations. To become a member of the Friends of A complete schedule of upcoming Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, visit programs can be found at www.nps.gov/ http://fhvnp.org/ havo/planyourvisit/events.htm Traditional Lei making
All programs are free, but park entrance Visit Friends by scanning the Videos of previous programs are available QR (quick reader)code at left fees apply. Your $2.00 donation supports on the park’s website at www.nps.gov/ using your smart phone. the After Dark in the Park program. havo/photosmultimedia/index.htm.
808-985-6000 | www.nps.gov/havo National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior
Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park PO Box 52 Hawaii National Park, HI 96718
EXPERIENCE YOUR NATIONAL PARK
Snow on Mauna Loa volcano’s summit (13,677 ft / 4,169m) during winter at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.
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Blog: www.pacificislandparks.com www.nps.gov/havo | 808-985-6000 vers. 2014_05