Where is Big Island Volcanoes National Park, Hilo, Hawaii?

Written by | Updated On: December 08, 2025, 13:55 ET

Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park is located on the Big Island of Hawaii, USA.It lies between Mauna Loa and Kīlauea volcanoes, situated in the southeastern part of the island, and is famous for its active volcanoes, lava flows, and unique volcanic landscapes.

Big Island Volcanoes National Park Location Map, Hilo, Hawaii

Top Attractions Inside Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park (Big Island)

  • Kīlauea Visitor Center – Informative exhibits, maps, and ranger programs about volcanic activity.
  • Crater Rim Drive – Scenic drive around Kīlauea Caldera with multiple overlooks and viewpoints.
  • Thurston Lava Tube – Walk through a massive natural lava cave surrounded by lush rainforest.
  • Steam Vents – Geothermal areas with visible steam rising from volcanic vents.
  • Devastation Trail – Trail through barren landscape formed by past lava flows.
  • Chain of Craters Road – Drive leading to dramatic sea cliffs, lava fields, and the ocean.
  • Mauna Loa Observatory – Nearby scientific site monitoring volcanic activity and atmospheric conditions.

Big Island Volcanoes National Park Facts

Official NameHawai‘i Volcanoes National Park
LocationBig Island, Hawaii, USA
Latitude & Longitude19.4194° N, 155.2880° W (Kīlauea Visitor Center)
Total Area333,086 acres (134,130 hectares)
EstablishedAugust 1, 1916
Managed ByNational Park Service (NPS)
Region / Landscape TypeActive volcanoes, lava fields, rainforests, craters, volcanic deserts, coastal areas
Main FeaturesKīlauea and Mauna Loa volcanoes, Thurston Lava Tube, Chain of Craters Road, Jaggar Museum, Halemaʻumaʻu Crater, volcanic landscapes, lava flows
Visitor ActivitiesHiking, scenic drives, volcano viewing, ranger-led programs, camping, wildlife and plant observation, stargazing
Trails & RoadsKīpukapuaulu Trail, Crater Rim Trail, Chain of Craters Road, Devastation Trail
AccessibilityVisitor centers, paved trails, some wheelchair-accessible viewpoints, parking available
Nearby TownsHilo, Volcano Village, Pāhoa
Entry / FeesPaid Admission — $30 per vehicle (valid 3 days), $25 per motorcycle, $15 per individual pedestrian/bicyclist
Best Time to VisitYear-round (mild climate, but morning fog in winter and occasional volcanic activity advisories)
Annual VisitorsApprox. 2 million
Nearby AirportHilo International Airport (ITO) – 30 miles (48 km); Kona International Airport (KOA) – 96 miles (154 km)
TransportationPrivate car, guided tours, park shuttle services, hiking trails
Time ZoneHawaii–Aleutian Time (HST) — UTC−10
CurrencyUnited States Dollar (USD, $)
Official Websitehttps://www.nps.gov/havo
Famous ForActive volcanoes (Kīlauea, Mauna Loa), lava flows, volcanic landscapes, hiking, native Hawaiian ecosystems
UNESCO / National StatusDesignated a U.S. National Park and UNESCO World Heritage Site (since 1987)

Distances from Big Island Volcanoes National Park to Nearby Landmarks

  • Kīlauea Visitor Center – 0 km (0 mi)
  • Jaggar Museum – 1 km (0.6 mi)
  • Thurston Lava Tube – 5 km (3 mi)
  • Chain of Craters Road – 12 km (7.5 mi)
  • Mauna Loa Observatory – 30 km (18.5 mi)
  • Hawai‘i Volcanoes Lodge – 1 km (0.6 mi)
  • Steam Vents – 2 km (1.2 mi)
  • Halemaʻumaʻu Crater – 2 km (1.2 mi)
  • Volcano Village – 9 km (5.5 mi)
  • Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park Campgrounds – 1 km (0.6 mi)
  • Devastation Trail – 3 km (1.8 mi)
  • Kīlauea Iki Crater – 4 km (2.5 mi)
  • Hilina Pali Road – 10 km (6 mi)
  • Pu‘u Loa Petroglyphs – 8 km (5 mi)
  • Mauna Kea Summit – 60 km (37 mi)
  • Hilo, Hawaii – 48 km (30 mi)
  • Puna District – 35 km (22 mi)
  • South Point (Ka Lae) – 70 km (43 mi)
  • Akaka Falls State Park – 50 km (31 mi)
  • Waipio Valley Lookout – 120 km (75 mi)