Explore Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Without the Crowds: Tips, Tricks, and Hidden Gems.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is one of the most incredible natural wonders on the planet. Located on the Big Island of Hawaii, this park offers a unique landscape shaped by active volcanoes, ancient lava flows, and lush rainforests. With two active volcanoes—Kīlauea and Mauna Loa—visiting this park is a chance to witness the power of nature up close. With the park being an incredible destination, the most popular sights and attractions can become overwhelmingly crowded, especially during peak tourist season.

If you're planning a trip to this awe-inspiring park and want to enjoy it with fewer crowds, there are several tips and strategies that can help you make the most of your visit. From timing your arrival to knowing where to go for peaceful exploration, here are some helpful suggestions for exploring Hawaii Volcanoes National Park without feeling overwhelmed by crowds.

Arrive Early to Beat the Crowds

One of the best ways to avoid the crowds in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is to arrive early in the morning. Many visitors to the park tend to arrive after breakfast, which means that the most popular spots can get crowded later in the day. To make the most of your visit, plan to be at the park before 8:30 AM. The earlier the better.

If you're staying in Kona, the park is about a 2 hour 15 min drive away, depending on traffic. If you're coming from Hilo, the park is just a short 45-minute to 1-hour drive. Either way, getting to the park early means you’ll be able to explore some of the top attractions before the crowds start arriving. Whether you're hiking along the Crater Rim Trail of Kīlauea or checking out the famous Nahuku (Thurston) Lava Tube, arriving early lets you enjoy these sights in relative peace.

Pack Your Own Food and Water

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is a place where the great outdoors and the beauty of nature steal the show. However, when it comes to food and drink, the options inside the park are limited. The only food available in the park is at the Volcano House, a historic hotel with a restaurant that overlooks the Kīlauea crater. But during peak times, the restaurant can get crowded, and the menu might be limited.

Learn About the Land

Before You Land

A little bit of research can go a long way when it comes to enhancing your experience at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Before you head out, spend some time reading up on the park’s highlights, history, and safety guidelines. The official National Park website (nps.gov/havo) is an excellent resource for everything you need to know, including up-to-date information on park hours, road closures, and current volcanic activity. Double check the "Alerts in Effect" section at the top of the page before you go.

Download the National Park App

To help you navigate the park and get the most out of your visit, the National Park Service offers a free app that’s perfect for planning your trip. The app is filled with useful information about the park, including interactive maps, self-guided tours, and detailed descriptions of the park's attractions.

Before your trip, make sure to download the map of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. This way, you’ll be able to access the map even if you lose cell service during your visit (which can happen in some areas of the park). The map feature is very basic but can be very helpful because it shows you your location on the map. The app also features self-guided tours, which are perfect if you're interested in learning more about the park’s history, geology, and unique ecosystems as you explore.

Know Which Areas Get Busy Early

Certain areas of the park tend to get crowded, especially in the morning and midday. If you're trying to avoid the busiest spots, it's helpful to know which locations tend to fill up first.

• The Visitor Center: The Visitor Center is one of the most popular spots in the park, and it can get crowded quickly. It opens at 9:00 AM, but the parking lot often fills up fast, especially during peak times. If you’re arriving early, consider checking out the Volcano House across the street. It has a great gift shop, a restaurant with a view of the crater, and a much less crowded vibe compared to the Visitor Center.

• The Nahuku Lava Tube: This is another popular stop in the park, and the parking lot here can quickly become congested. The good news is there’s a simple solution to avoid the crowds: park at the Kīlauea Iki Overlook instead. It's just a short 9-minute walk to the Lava Tube, and you’ll have the added benefit of great views of the Kīlauea Iki Crater along the way.

• Hōlei Sea Arch: Located at the end of Chain of Craters Road, Hōlei Sea Arch is one of the park’s most famous landmarks. However, it can get busy later in the day as visitors wrap up their exploration. Arriving earlier in the morning gives you a better chance of enjoying the Arch without the crowds.

A Suggested Itinerary for a Less Crowded Experience

To make the most of your time and avoid the crowds, I recommend following this itinerary, which allows you to see the top sights while avoiding the busiest times:

1. Arrive early (before 8:30 AM) and head straight to Nahuku Lava Tube. If you're up for it, hike down to Kīlauea Iki—it’s cooler and quieter in the morning, and you’ll have fewer people on the trail.

2. Drive all the way to Hōlei Sea Arch, then work your way back up the Chain of Craters Road, stopping at scenic viewpoints along the way.

3. After the Sea Arch, make your way to the Petroglyphs for a quiet, early morning hike. You’ll avoid the afternoon heat and have the place mostly to yourself.

4. Stop for lunch at

   1. Maunaulu Parking Lot, where there are fewer people and a peaceful atmosphere.

   2. Hilina Pali Overlook—this area tends to be less crowded, and you can enjoy a picnic at one of the few picnic tables.

   3. Kulanaokuaiki Campground- this campground is about 3/4th of the way down Hilina Pali Rd. This are seldom gets visitors, has a bathroom, and picnic tables. Downside is there is not much shade.

   4. Visitor Center, there are picnic table in the grassy area between the Visitor Center and the Art Museum. However, there is an even more secluded option if you can easily carry your food. Walking from the Visitor Center past the Volcano House, along the Crater Rim Trail (old Crater Rim Road) towards Kilauea Iki, you will find an overlook in .5 mile with a couple of picnic tables, and no people.

5. Once you're back at the Visitor Center, make the most of your parking spot by checking out the exhibits, gift shops, and nearby attractions like the Volcano House, Art Museum, Sulfur Banks and Steam Vents.

Explore the Less-Visited Areas

For a less crowded adventure, head up the highway from the visitor center, make a right turn on Mouna Loa Rd to see the tree molds and take a short hike through the jungle to Kipukapuaulu.

• The Tree Molds will the the first turn on the right. There are a couple of parking spots at the end of the loop. There is not trail to follow here as the tree molds are along the road. They are fenced off so you dont fall in.

• The Kipukapuaulu, is a 1.2-mile loop with very few visitors. Follow the self guided tour on the NPS app the get the most out of the trail. The first half of the trail is up hill so take your time and bring your water.

• Mauna Loa Lookout- If you have extra time and the road is open and want to see the Mauna Loa Lookout, it’s a steep 11-mile drive to the lookout, where you’ll find a small shelter and fantastic views of the surrounding area and Kilauea crater. There is a restroom avaliable if needed. This is also the trailhead for the Mouna Loa Summit trail. Prepare for this drive to take about an hour round trip due to narrow and rough roads.

If you still have time and want to escape the crowds entirely, head to the Kahuku Unit, located about an hour from the Visitor Center. This section of the park is the least visited, offering a peaceful, off-the-beaten-path experience. It’s open from Thursday to Sunday and features trails through meadows, forests, and old ranch land. The Kahuku is always quiet and is perfect for those who want to get away from the crowds entirely. This section of the park is located on the south side of the island and is one of the quietest places in the entire park. It’s perfect if you want a true peaceful experience away from the crowds. It’s open Thursday through Sunday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Tail End

By following these simple tips, you can enjoy Hawaii Volcanoes National Park without getting lost in the crowds. Whether you’re hiking through the famous lava tubes, witnessing the power of an active volcano, or simply soaking in the breathtaking views, there’s so much to see and do. And with a little planning, you can have a more peaceful and personal experience in this incredible park. So pack your water, get there early, and prepare for an unforgettable adventure!

Dress for Success:

Be Prepared for Changing Conditions

One of the unique aspects of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is its ever-changing weather. It’s important to dress appropriately for all conditions, and they change rapidly. Even in the summer, mornings in the park can be unexpectedly chilly, especially around the Visitor Center which sits at about 4,000 feet above sea level. Temperatures can drop quickly, and the cool morning air can catch you off guard if you’re not prepared. Be sure to wear or bring a lightweight jacket or long-sleeve layer, especially if you plan to start your day early.

In addition to the cooler mornings, the weather can shift throughout the day, and scattered rain showers are common. The park is home to misty, rainforested areas, especially near places like the Sulfur Banks and Steam Vents. Even if the day starts out clear, it’s always wise to pack a light rain jacket and be prepared for the occasional drizzle.

For those heading out on longer hikes—particularly around the Kīlauea Iki Crater or across the vast lava fields—remember that temperatures can vary significantly due to the change in elevation. The difference between the Visitor Center and the Hōlei Sea Arch isan almost 4,000 feet (1219 meters) decent to almost sea level, and the temperatures can feel noticeably warmer near sea level compared to the higher elevation around the crater.

If you want to avoid waiting for a table or dealing with crowded spots, it's a good idea to bring your own food with you. Pack a picnic lunch or snacks so that you can enjoy your meal at a scenic overlook or while resting on a hiking trail.

I would recommend shopping at a grocery store or market the day before and get some easy travel food. The Big Island has many Island owned grocery stores, but the Walmart in either Kona or Hilo is pretty much the least expensive, across the board. Another good option is any of the local fruit stands and food trucks – the health department inspects food trucks, so there will be a “grading” poster by the order window.

If you plan on doing any hiking at all you will want a good pair of hiking shoes. Slippahs (flip flops or sandals) are fine for any of the pull offs and view points. If it is raining or misting at all the ground can get slippery, both rocks and mud.

Do not forget about the sun. Even if it does not feel hot, put on some sunscreen and or wear a hat to protect yourself from the strong sun. Don't forget to put sunscreen on your legs.

When hiking across lava flows, you’ll likely work up a sweat, and it's easy to forget how much water you’re losing. Lava can reflect intense heat, and even if the air is cooler, you’ll be burning through more hydration than you might realize. Always bring extra water with you, especially on longer hikes, and keep refueling to avoid dehydration. A great option for bringing extra water is using a backpack with a hydration bladder, like a Camelbak, or atleast a backpack with plenty of room or exterior pockets or water bottles.

By dressing in layers and preparing for all types of weather, you’ll stay comfortable no matter what the day throws at you—and you’ll be ready to fully enjoy the beauty of this remarkable national park.

It’s also essential to bring enough water for your trip. There aren’t many refill stations in the park, and while you can find water fountains at the Visitor Center and near the Nahuku Lava Tube, it’s better to come prepared with extra water. Staying hydrated is especially important if you're planning to hike or explore for several hours. Even if you are on a short walk from the car, bring water. You can use something simple and hands free like these water bottle slings. There are many options and some with pockets for your phone.

What it means to be a "Pono Traveler"

In Hawaii, the concept of “pono” is deeply ingrained in the culture and refers to a state of righteousness, balance, and harmony with nature, others, and oneself. When applied to travel, being a “Pono Traveler” it is more than "Leave no Trace". It means approaching your visit to the islands with respect for the environment, the local culture, and the communities you encounter. It’s about leaving a positive impact rather than a negative one, embracing sustainable and ethical practices, and ensuring that your time in Hawaii is not just enjoyable, but also mindful and responsible.

As a Pono Traveler, it’s important to understand that Hawaii's natural beauty is both fragile and sacred. The islands are home to unique ecosystems, ancient cultural sites, and indigenous traditions that deserve reverence. A Pono Traveler recognizes this and takes steps to minimize their environmental footprint. This might mean avoiding the destruction of coral reefs, not disturbing wildlife, or practicing responsible waste management by recycling and minimizing plastic use.

In addition, respecting the local Hawaiian culture is a cornerstone of being a Pono Traveler. This includes being mindful of the Hawaiian language, customs, and history. For example, when visiting sacred sites like Pu'uhonua o Honaunau (Place of Refuge) or Hawaii Volcano National Park, always be respectful of local protocols and traditions. It’s also about supporting local businesses and communities, ensuring that your visit benefits the people of Hawaii in a way that’s sustainable and equitable.

I would strongly suggest you take a brief moment and do an internet search for pronunciation of Hawaiian words and places. You’ll find this most helpful because all of the places in Hawaii have a Hawaiian name, and if you can pronounce it correctly, it will help you enjoy your visit. Some common words and phrases you’ll encounter are “aloha”, “mahalo”, “a hui hou”, and “haole”. These words are typically translated as, “hello/goodbye’, “thank you”, “see you later”, and the last one has two meanings. The first meaning of “haole” means, “without breath” and refers to foreigners who don’t have the Hawaiian breath of life, the “ha”. The second meaning is a derogatory term for disrespectful, ignorant tourists. Don’t be this second term tourist.

Ultimately, a Pono Traveler leaves a destination better than they found it. Whether it’s through simple acts like picking up litter, supporting local artisans, or learning about Hawaiian culture, every effort counts. By traveling with mindfulness and respect, you not only enhance your own experience but also help preserve the beauty and integrity of Hawaii for future generations.

You can also check out videos on YouTube to get a better idea of what to expect. For example, National Geographic’s documentaries (shown above) on volcanoes provide fascinating insights into the geology and eruption patterns of Kīlauea and Mauna Loa. The Kīlauea Iki documentaries (both from 1983-2004 and 2005-2019) are a great way to deepen your understanding of the park’s volcanic activity. One of my favorite videos on the park is this documentary about the 1959 Kilauea Iki eruption. This really helps put into perspective the size of the eruption when you get to the park.

Knowing what to expect ahead of time makes your visit even more memorable and helps you appreciate the park’s geological wonders on a deeper level.