Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, HI

Tripadvisor (8,740) · National park in Hawaii National Park, United States
Suggest an edit · Your business? Claim now
Local Community Page for Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Volcano Village, Big Island of Hawaii

Reviews

Tripadvisor
4.5/5 · 8,740 reviews
Recent reviews
Hiking
Time
Weather
Tours
Scenic
Parking
Kid Friendly
Season
Any rating
Loading reviews...
Nov 8, 2024
Everything was very cool,I have actually been here twice once with family and once with friends. The first time I went it got very cold so you may want to bring a sweatshirt just in case, the other t… Full review by Angelgirl4life16
Oct 30, 2024
Took a tour from NCL POA on Polynesian Tour bus. Albert our driver was very informative a d kept us engaged the whole way there and back. The volcano was steaming and incredible in size. Full review by Chrise4854
Oct 27, 2024
We had a lovely time at the park. We first stopped at the visitor center to gather information and plan out day. They had Volunteers working there who were very informative and enthusiastic about the… Full review by nicole_chelli

Questions & answers

Q:
We would like to spend two full days at the park (family of four with 9 & 12 year old). Day 1: Visit Visitor Center, do longer …
Q:
We would like to spend two full days at the park (family of four with 9 & 12 year old). Day 1: Visit Visitor Center, do longer 5-6 mile Kīlauea Iki loop starting at the Visitor Center or Devastation Trailhead (if open, trip is in future). If we are still up for it we would then do sites along Chain of Craters Road. If not, leave it for Day 2. Day 2: If we get everything in above, what would you do on day 2? Kahuku Unit? Muana Loa road?
A:
I would add the lava viewing in the evening - see at least 2 main viewing points eg. Kilauea overlook, Keanakako'i overlook. If mauna loa is open when you get there that's an option. …
A:
I would add the lava viewing in the evening - see at least 2 main viewing points eg. Kilauea overlook, Keanakako'i overlook. If mauna loa is open when you get there that's an option. Steam vents and sulfur banks are cute, won't take you long.
Q:
We will be with my 80 yr old mom who doesn’t want to walk on uneven surfaces and my 3 kids, ages 6 and 4 yr old twins. …
Q:
We will be with my 80 yr old mom who doesn’t want to walk on uneven surfaces and my 3 kids, ages 6 and 4 yr old twins. Any trails or itineraries that are not too long/dangerous/uneven? Thanks
A:
I would suggest going to the volcano visitor center. There are park rangers that will answer all of your questions, and where the best place to go if you’re not interested in hiking. Also …
A:
I would suggest going to the volcano visitor center. There are park rangers that will answer all of your questions, and where the best place to go if you’re not interested in hiking. Also across from the visitor center is the volcano house. We stayed there one night and had a really good view of the glow. We took so many pictures. Seeing the actual lava lake is hit or miss when going on a hike. Hope this helps. Have a wonderful time!
Q:
Hi. We are planning to go here but my hubby has recently developed a fear of heights, e.g., walking near cliffs. Are …
Q:
Hi. We are planning to go here but my hubby has recently developed a fear of heights, e.g., walking near cliffs. Are there “heights” like this along the trail?
A:
No problems with heights, since I have the same fear. Most trails have plenty of land past the railing so you don't feel like you are looking straight down. Use your judgement & all …
A:
No problems with heights, since I have the same fear. Most trails have plenty of land past the railing so you don't feel like you are looking straight down. Use your judgement & all will be good!
A:
Answer by John M · Jul 21, 2021
Q:
How many days should I plan to visit VNP? Also looking for recommendations while in the park.
A:
1 or 2....or, if you will be on the island for 10 days or longer, or if this is your #1 priority, or if you are dedicated hiker or naturalist, maybe 3. VNP is huge, with many hours worth of drives …
A:
1 or 2....or, if you will be on the island for 10 days or longer, or if this is your #1 priority, or if you are dedicated hiker or naturalist, maybe 3. VNP is huge, with many hours worth of drives and hikes. Also, it will likely be sunny in the morning then start to rain the afternoon, so you may not have full days. With all that said, I spent one day, about 8 hrs, in the park and felt completely fulfilled. TOP SITES (IMO): 1) Kilauea Iki Trail - amazing hike through old crater, 2hr 2) Crater Rim Drive - incredible drive from visitor center down to ocean, through massive lava fields, 2-4hr 3) Halema’uma’u trail - beautiful hike through a rainforest down to the active Kilauea crater, 1.5hrs 4) Kikaeau overlook - this is the active volcano, you can also see the glow at night, 1hr—-This is my “best of” list and a good full day, you can see it adds up to 6-8hrs. If you feel like you will want to do more hiking than this, add another day. Hope this helps!
Q:
Hi, We will be in Hawaii at the end of January and staying in Waikola Village. We only have one day to go to the …
Q:
Hi, We will be in Hawaii at the end of January and staying in Waikola Village. We only have one day to go to the volcano/Hilo side. Is it realistic to see the volcano, the botanic gardens and a waterfall or 2 on the way home in one day? Travelling with 4 adults...
A:
Absolutely! Just make sure you depart early so you have the full day there. On the way back, why not call in to Kona to swim with Manta Rays. That was the highlight of the holiday!
Oops! Something went wrong, Please try again after a few minutes

Social profiles

Data from: Tripadvisor · Yelp