National Park
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Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, established in 1916, displays the results of 70 million years of volcanism, migration, and evolution -- processes that thrust a bare land from the sea and clothed it with complex and unique ecosystems and a distinct human culture. The park encompasses 230,000 acres and ranges from sea level to the summit of the earth's most massive volcano, Mauna Loa at 13,677 feet. Kilauea, the world's most active volcano, offers scientists insights on the birth of the Hawaiian Islands and visitors views of dramatic volcanic landscapes.
Over half of the park is designated wilderness and provides unusual hiking and camping opportunities. In recognition of its outstanding natural values, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park has been honored as an International Biosphere Reserve and a World Heritage Site.
About 2.5 million visitors a year; summer, Christmas and Easter are peak visitation periods.
On the Island of Hawai`i, 96 miles from Kailua-Kona and 30 miles from Hilo.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
P.O. Box 52
Hawaii National Park, HI 96718-0052
Park Headquarters/Visitor Information (808) 985-6000 (daily, 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Hawaii Standard Time)
Fax (24 hours) (808) 967-8186
Eruption Information Message (24 hours) (808) 985-6000
For park information not found on this website email to Hawaii Volcanoes Interpretation.
Park is open 24 hours a day all year; Kilauea Visitor Center daily 7:45 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.;
Jaggar Museum daily 8:30 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.
The park has distinct climate zones so visitors should be prepared for a wide range of weather conditions. Weather at Kilauea's summit (4000' elevation) fluctuates daily and can be rainy and chilly any time of the year. The coastal plain at the end of Chain of Craters Road is often hot, dry, and windy. Bring rain gear, light sweaters and windbreakers, sturdy shoes, hats, water bottles, sun glasses and high UV factor sunscreen. For weather forecasts call (808) 935-8555.
From Hilo: 30 miles southwest on Highway 11; from Kailua-Kona: 96 miles southeast on Highway 11, or 125 miles through Waimea and Hilo via highways 19 and 11.
Hilo and Kona Airports are served by inter-island carriers. Some major airlines have direct flights to Kona from the continental U.S. Rental cars may be reserved at both airports. At various locations the public bus (Hele-on, phone 935-8241), commercial tour buses, taxis, motorcycles, and bicycles are available. No rental vehicles or bicycles may be obtained in the park.
Entrance to the park (a seven-day permit) is $10.00 per vehicle, $5.00 for pedestrians or bicyclists. Fees for those arriving by commercial bus or tour vary by passenger capacity. Persons holding a Golden Age Passport (available to U.S. citizens or residents 62 years of age or older for a one-time fee of $10.00) or Golden Eagle Passport are admitted free of charge.
Visitor Center/Exhibits: Kilauea Visitor Center, located just inside the park entrance, offers visitor information and exhibits. Films and videos are shown in the auditorium throughout the day.
Thomas A. Jaggar Museum, located about three miles from the park entrance, offers earth science displays and features murals depicting Hawaiian culture. An adjacent overlook offers a panoramic view of Kilauea Caldera and Mauna Loa.
Hawaii Natural History Association operates bookstores at both locations with an extensive selection of books, maps, videotapes, slides, and other educational items. Email to request a price list.
Trails: Hike the park trails to experience the park's essence and to gain an understanding of the natural and cultural history of Kilauea and Mauna Loa volcanoes. Day hikes as well as wilderness trips of several days duration are available.
Other Concessions/NPS-Managed Visitor Facilities and Opportunities: Volcano House Hotel, across from the Kilauea Visitor Center on the caldera rim, provides lodging (including rustic cabin rental), gift shops, restaurant, and snack bar (phone (808) 967- 7321.
Volcano Art Center features works of local artists and hand-crafted articles at a gallery adjacent to the Kilauea Visitor Center and provides programs that interpret the park through the arts (phone (808) 967-7565).
Kilauea Military Camp, located one mile from the park entrance, extends rooms, meals and other amenities to active duty and retired military personnel and civilian employees of the Department of Defense (phone (808) 967-7315).
Nearby Volcano Village has general stores, gas stations, restaurants and bed and breakfast lodging.
RECOMMENDED ACTIVITIES/PARK USE
Refer to the park maps for orientation to park features.
Scenic Drives. Explore the summit of Kilauea Volcano via Crater Rim Drive, an 11-mile loop road that encircles the summit caldera, passes through the Ka`u Desert and tropical rain forest and provides access to well-marked scenic stops and short walks. Allow one to three hours, depending on how often you stop.
If you have three to four hours, you may also explore the East Rift and coastal area via Chain of Craters Road. This road descends 3,700 feet in 20 miles and ends where a 1995 lava flow crosses the road. Depending on changing volcanic activity, there may be opportunities for viewing active lava flows. No food or fuel is available along the Chain of Craters Road.
Interpretive Activities: Rangers provide an array of scheduled walks and talks to interpret the park's natural and cultural resources. Interpretive program schedules are posted daily in the Kilauea Visitor Center. Educational programs for school groups are provided throughout the year on a reservation basis. The After Dark in the Park series of lectures on various topics is presented on a scheduled basis in our visitor center auditorium.
Accessibility: The Kilauea Visitor Center, Jaggar Museum, Volcano House Hotel, and Volcano Art Center Gallery are wheelchair accessible. Pullouts along Crater Rim Drive and Chain of Craters Road afford panoramic views of the park. For information on accessible pathways, other facilities and programs, inquire at the visitor center.
Backpacking: Overnight wilderness camping permits are required. Apply at the Kilauea Visitor Center no earlier than the day preceding your hike for these free permits. Hikers on the summit trail to 13,677 foot Mauna Loa can encounter high winds and snow at any time of the year. Backpackers to Mauna Loa should be adequately equipped, experienced in wilderness/high altitude trekking, and physically fit. Backpackers to coastal sites should take precautions against heat exhaustion.
The park is situated on two active volcanoes. There are many hidden hazards for the unwary and those unfamiliar with volcanic environments. Wear adequate clothing and sturdy shoes; stay on designated trails and do not enter closed areas or lava tubes (except Thurston Lava Tube); carry and consume water and use precautions against excessive sun exposure. Volcanic fumes are hazardous to your health and can be life-threatening. Visitors with heart or breathing problems, infants, young children and pregnant women are especially at risk and should avoid stopping at Sulphur Banks, Halema`uma`u Crater and other areas where fumes are present.
SPECIAL EVENTS, PROGRAMS: After Dark in the Park is a series of evening presentations generally offered two or three times per month. The free educational programs on biological and geological subjects and Hawaiian cultural and historical topics are held in the Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium. The annual cultural festival celebrates Hawai`i's native cultural heritage by encouraging visitor hands-on participation in traditional arts and crafts, music and games.
RECENT
ERUPTION IMAGE Aerial view of Pu`u `O`o, on flank
of Kilauea Volcano. Lava from this vent flows about seven miles through a
lava tube to the coast where it enters the ocean. Volume of flow averages
about 400,000 cubic meters per day. January 3, 1999 marked the 16th year of
this ongoing eruption of Kilauea. See article
"Still Flowing After All These Years." Visitors may view the
active lava flow from the end of the Chain of Craters Road, about four miles
away from where the lava enters the ocean. Viewing conditions frequently change;
currently visitors can usually only see a steam plume along the distant shore.
Chances of seeing red lava vary daily, but are usually best at night. Picture
from end of Chain of Craters Road, showing rare surface lava flow
- February 7, 1999. ISLAND
OF HAWAI`I VISITOR ATTRACTIONS
Seaside county parks along the
south coast and in Hilo and Kona offer swimming, snorkeling, and surf boarding.
The Saddle Road (Route 200) and Mauna Kea summit (13,796 ft) are accessible
to four-wheel drive vehicles that are available through rental agencies. Self-guided
access into Kaumana Lava Tube (county park) is possible at mile four of the
Saddle Road above Hilo. Golf courses are located in Hilo (municipal), Kona
and adjacent to the Park. Lyman Museum in Hilo features cultural and historical
exhibits. Other national park areas
in Hawai`i include: For detailed information on volcanoes
visit Hawaiian
Volcano Observatory and VolcanoWorld.
For general information about
Hawaii, accommodations, transportation, activities and school reports visit
Hawaii
Convention and Visitors Bureau. For park information not found on
this website send email to Hawaii Volcanoes
Interpretation.
Last Updated:Friday, 27-Aug-99 15:52:52
http://www.nps.gov/havo/
Author: Dick Rasp
.