Although Volcanoes National Park is Hawaii’s most popular visitors’ attraction in Hawaii, you don’t want to miss it. If crowds bother you, guides can be hired to take you to the less visited locations within the park. Your concierge can help you arrange tours. Helicopters are also a popular way to see the volcano.

This is known to be the most-active volcano on our planet. New eruptions and lava flows constantly change the landscape of the park and rearrange visiting areas, so the day you arrive may allow for a different experience than others before you have seen.

Know also that there’s more to the park than fire.  Some of the most beautiful fern forests with waterfalls, dark pools and unusual plants lie within the park. This is a hiker’s dream. Be on the lookout for Nene Geese.

Allowing for the 2 ½ hour drive over to Hilo from Kona and spending several hours in the park makes this an all day excursion. You’ll want to plan for rain as well as heat and rough walking surfaces.

National Park passes work here, just as they do on the mainland.  Don’t have a pass?  They can be purchased online or at the gate.