Kīlauea

Nature at its most awe-inspiring — Kīlauea is an experience I’ll never forget! 🌋 Seeing Kīlauea during its 32nd re-eruption was absolutely breathtaking. The lava fountains shot more than 400 feet into the sky, glowing bright against the sky — a sight that words and photos can’t truly capture. From the crater rim trail and every viewpoint, you could feel the heat radiating and hear the roar of the eruption, a sound as powerful and unrelenting as Niagara Falls. It’s raw, humbling, and almost surreal to witness the earth creating itself right before your eyes. Standing there, you realize how small you are compared to the immense power of nature. Kīlauea isn’t just a stop on a trip to Hawai‘i — it’s a once-in-a-lifetime reminder of the planet’s living, breathing energy.

What an AMAZING experience to witness the 12/6/25 eruption while visiting! It was thrilling

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island is absolutely worth the visit! Pro tip: go in the late afternoon and stay until after dark—if Kīlauea is actively erupting, you’ll see the lava glow at night, which is unforgettable. Start at the Visitor Center for the latest eruption updates and trail conditions. Don’t miss the Steam Vents, Nāhuku Lava Tube (bring a flashlight or use your phone), and the Kīlauea Iki Trail if you’re up for a moderate hike. Wear sturdy shoes, bring layers (it gets chilly), and pack snacks—food options are limited. The park is huge, so plan 3–5 hours minimum. If you have time, drive down Chain of Craters Road for stunning coastal views.

Amazing to be able to watch this volcano erupt and feel the rumble of the volcano in person.

Well it is what it is and it was magnificent. Missed an eruption by one day! Next time lol.

The earth is amazing and deadly. The crater hike is a must and would rate a moderate hike in proper gear. If you've done your research, go counter COUNTER CLOCKWISE on the hike as to cross the lava tubes at the end and crossing the highest part of the volcano will be easier as well. So if you see the tube early on your trek, I highly recommend to go back the 15 minutes. Parking is very limited for the hike, so come early like before 9am and you'll have no problem if it. Bring lots of water as there are no shade when your are on the crater part of the hike. We took about 3 hours to complete as we stopped and double backed on some parts of the trail. Once on the crater, follow the rock piles that creates a path across. Do drive to the visitor center as there are toilet facilities, park rangers that does a great overview of the park, and gift shop to commemorate your visit. If you have the time, there is a drive all the way to the Crater Rim Road all the way to the most southern tip. Leave at least 2 hours to do this.

Pictures from visit in early February 2022 and late January/February 2023. Such a beautiful natural phenomena. When its really quiet, you can actually hear the lava bubbling on the surface

An absolutely stunning crater. There were no activities when we were visiting. Can be perfectly seen from the Kilauea Overlook and the Uekahuna Lookout.

This is an experience you wont want to miss if you visit the big island. There is so much to do and would take a couple of days to see and do it all. We went to the visitor center to get some advice and direction, had a coctail at the volcano house, then hiked half way around the crater. It was so interesting to be near the steam vents and feel the steam escaping from the holes, you could see and feel it. After our stroll we decided to drive the chain of craters road, stopping every so often to check out the craters. Finally made our way to the end and walked to see the arc. As you drive the road you are able to see the lava that has flowed through the years. I highly recommend a visit!!

A must-stop on any visit to Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. We were only able to stop at the Kilauea Overlook (so wished we had the time to include a hike!), but it was a magnificent view just from there. Unfortunately it was super cloudy and foggy (and no lava flow), but I can only imagine how much more incredible this view would be with a clear, sunny day. It can definitely get cold up here, so make sure you back a jacket and some warm clothes just in case - definitely needed the pants, jacket, and beanie while here. Stick to the designated viewing areas - the land at the edges off the paths can be unstable. Overall, a great introduction to all this park has to offer.

We just so happen to be here doing the eruption of June 10.. There were certain spots that you can actually see the fire bubbling out of ground .. very good hiking trails around these loops and also the volcano tunnel was a fun walk

Very easy hike and gorgeous views! Weather changes quickly so be prepared. When we arrived it was nice and sunny but quickly turned to sprinkling and chilly. The observation area is still closed from the eruption of 2018 that damaged parts of the facilities. There is still a restroom that is useable. Nene's can be seen in the brush so be on the lookout! Definitely check the NPS website for warnings just in case.

This is where you can find the hot lava flows! Yes, Real lava! This was a long hard walk of 4.2 miles one way. I went at night in attempt o avoid some of the heat. Bring lots of water with you! Yes, this is a path that a car could drive down. However its all gravel like a medium coarse gravel. Its hard to walk thought and hard to ride a bike through. Its a great once in a life time experience that I highly recommend you do if your in the area.

It's not as interesting as the build up and was just okay. Nice we could look down into the volcano to see fumes coming out. I was surprised to find the volcano was below us and not on the top of the mountain like the stereotype volcano image. Glad we used our national park pass as we saved $25 entry fee.

Very interesting place to see and learn from! Definitely go for it! Just keep yourself safe!

Arrive early, stay late. Kilauea is definitely a full-day experience at least. Bring sturdy shoes and layers - this was actually the first place in Hawaii where I felt a tad chilly (in mid-May). We were lucky enough to arrive on a day of one of the 4 yearly hula shows at the park and were treated to a beautiful performance. If you try to arrange your visit around this show, make sure to remember to bring blankets or folding chairs as the audience gets a nice, grassy patch of lawn for viewing. And... well... lawns can be a bit damp... Among the things you can do: 1) If you're hungry and it's around lunchtime, visit Volcano House that's conveniently close to the entrance and visitor center. This is the only place you'll be able to purchase food in the park. Make sure to pack food if you're planning on being here for a whole day. 2) Check out the Volcano Art Center Gallery for some beautiful local art that is surprisingly, very reasonably priced. A great resource if you're looking for some unusual gifts to bring to the folks back on the mainland. 3) Do the Kilauea Iki crater hike - descend onto the crater floor, marvel at the steam vents and hardy lehua flowers growing out of what seems to be very hard, very dead, very rough lava rock. This took us about a little over 2 hours, and we were able to hike through both lush forest and desolate crater. 4) See the Pu'u Loa Petroglyphs - simply remarkable. From Chain of Craters Road, it's about a mile to the petroglyph fields. Hiking is along fairly flat along lava rock and occasional sandy earth. 5) Attempt to see live lava flows - check in with the visitor center first. We had planned to arrive at the start of the trail around 4pm and make the trek out to see glowing lava in its full glory in full darkness but were slightly dissuaded when the rangers told us that we'd be making our way in pitch darkness over some very rough and unforgiving terrain *and* that it'd probably be around 1am when we made it there and back. Instead, we found a ranger with a telescope some 6 miles out from the flow, and were able to get a very nice view of the hot magma rolling into the sea, emitting huge clouds of steam. And as much as I hate to admit it, and SUV is pretty useful in traversing these parts of the Big Island. Also, we found Andrew Doughty's "Hawaii - the Big Island Revealed" indispensable.

If you're coming to the Big Island, Kilauea is a must see. Just the drive during the day and seeing the different stages that lava rock goes through just really makes you think about how powerful a volcano can be but also beneficial to the land. You can tell by the volcano rocks how old the area is. If you want to see the lava flow, it's best to see it at night. You can drive close to the ocean and park on the side of the road. From there, you hike a good hour and half to get to an area where you can see the lava going down into the ocean. I strongly emphasize wearing sturdy hiking shoes because the hike to the lava flow is no joke! You're hiking over lava rock which is incredibly uneven and will test your legs and ankles. My brother and I did a hike to the lava flow at night and it was raining on and off. My brother was a tour guide at the Kilauea Natl. Park and so he knew the area really well. I, on the other hand, didn't wear sturdy shoes and so I paid dearly for it the next day. My ankles were so jacked up as were my feet. When I finally stepped onto flat pavement, I nearly kissed the ground. Factor in that the hike can take you anywhere from 3-4 hours but it is worth it!!!!

This volcano is particularly good for kids. One should employ an overhand throw of the children directly into the cone to appease the angry god in hopes that they will return to their slumber and not burn up any more valuable real estate. Listen for the distinct burp noise afterwards.

This place is pretty cool, just to see all the lava rocks and craters is so cool, so different than the usual beautiful blue ocean and sandy beaches you expect in Hawaii. I need to come back here!

For Native Hawaiians, Klauea is considered Pele, the volcano goddess of ancient Hawaiian legend. From Hilo, the Hawaii Belt Road, Route 11, heads south to Keaau, then turns westward to begin the climb to the Klauea caldera. For some 20 miles the road runs relatively straight, making a very gradual 4,000-foot ascent. Easy access from the Volcano Hotel at the top for a hike overlooking the crater and into the crater. The hike into the crater was eerily quiet. You can drive down towards the sea and see how the new 'beach front' evolves through volcanic action. Rainbow and volcanic ash with sulfur dioxide emissions from Halemaumau vent. The road literally ends where the lava overtook the coastal road. Walk past this, but watch your steps...there are lava flows below you.

We have been to this park 3 times, and each time is different. The last time, we did a wonderful hike down into, across, and back out if the cauldera, but that route is closed, as are the lava tubes, because of the 2018 eruptions. Yesterday, we saw the sulphur and steam vents, and walked around one side of the cauldera from above. A wealth of information about the formation of the Hawaiian islands that is a living process.

How can you rate an active volcano anything less than a five? Like seriously? The day we went the volcano was pretty active, so a lot of the trails were closed due to unhealthy sulfer dioxide levels. Oh well, we decided to hike the smaller crater trail, I think it was about four miles. Nice little lodge/cabin with gift shop and information on the volcano. The hike is awesome. You start off in the forest with a pretty steep decline into the crater. The crater itself is pretty neat, you go from lush forest into dry volcano rock desert. There were lots of places that you could see the smoke coming out of the ground - it was pretty cool. What also I like is rather than having outrageous trail markers like orange flags or signs or something, you follow the trail by following stacked volcano rocks. Makes it a bit more exciting, because you're looking out for these piles of rocks. Then once you're through the crater, you do a sharp ascent up through the forest again and loop back around to your car. It was a neat hike! Oh yea, also the Thurston lava tubes are cool too. Would definitely recommend. FYI you need to pay to enter the park, but that's pretty normal. GO SEE THE VOLCANO!

Kilauea Iki Trail Hike was an awe-inspiring unforgettable experience, that really puts you in touch with the primal forces of creation. It's a 2-3 hour hike, that's a challenge for the unprepared or lesser fit. "...starts in the rain forest on the crater's rim. The trail descends 400 feet through the rain forest, with native birds in the canopy, to the crater floor. Hikers will cross the still-steaming crater floor, past the gaping throat of the vent that built Pu'u Pua'i cinder cone, and return to your starting point via the crater's rim." Careful if you are of a paler complexion, as the reflective sun in that caldron will burn you up but good! (Like my poor Nordic wife!). And bring plenty of water and sun hats. And if you see purposefully stacked piles of rocks and stones, don't mess with them. They are Hawaiian "alters".

This is the first volcano i ever saw, and it was very interesting.Unfortunately, we couldn't see the lava flow on the day we went. The calderas were incredible,as were the lava fields. It's a truly unique sight. If you're in the area it's a must-see! Definitely worth the drive!

Chain of Craters is a must drive. 18 miles one way. Drive till the road meets sea. Walk on the lava bench. Look back the mountains covered with black grey lava flows with greens here and there. Awesome. What a view... Lava tube was not so great, but walk through the rain forest was nice. Not to be missed.

Must see if on the big island. It's a very easy drive, not necessary to pay $200 a person for the tours.

Although I didn't get the full experience because I didn't arrive until night time, it was so such an extremely beautiful sight! Once in a lifetime experience. =)

Absolutely one of the most amazing places I have ever been to in my life! It's like being on another planet. The landscape of being on a volcano surrounded by rainforest is surreal. A must see! Our only regret is not seeing lava flowing but that's an overnight hike and we're really not camping people, but I guess you can see it by helicopter too... so next time!

Go watch Madam Pele work her wonders. If you're there when hiking in to see the lava flow is allowed it is really exciting. Going out before dark and staying until after dark is the best. However, you have to be prepared with good shoes, water, flashlights, hats/sunscreen, etc....

I just went to the volcano and it is beautiful for hiking or site seeing I loved watching it erupt. This is a must see place for locals and tourists.