There’s no place on Earth quite like Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Located on the southeastern side of the Big Island of Hawai‘i, this is where fire meets sky, rainforest meets lava field, and legends live alongside geologic reality. If you’re planning a trip to the island and debating what’s worth seeing, let us be clear—this national park should be at the top of your Big Island itinerary.
Home to both Kīlauea, one of the most active volcanoes in the world, and Mauna Loa, the largest volcano on Earth by volume, the park stretches over 300,000 acres of raw volcanic terrain. You can drive across lava flows, hike through steaming volcanic craters, walk inside an ancient lava tube, or watch—if conditions are right—as molten lava glows red in the distance. Every inch of the park feels alive.
Mauna Loa towers above it all, and for those adventurous enough, its summit houses a Mauna Loa Observatory that’s been recording atmospheric conditions since the 1950s. It’s also home to some of the clearest night skies in the world, thanks to its high elevation and remote location. Scientists, stargazers, and thrill-seekers alike make the trek—not for luxury, but for awe.
The contrast within the park is stunning. One moment you’re in a misty Hawaiian rainforest, and the next, you’re standing on a solidified lava lake at the base of a crater, the earth cracked and black beneath your feet. The Kīlauea Iki Trail is one of our favorite hikes—descending through jungle before dropping into a crater left behind by the 1959 eruption. Chain of Craters Road winds from the summit all the way down to the coastline, ending where lava once spilled into the Pacific Ocean, cutting off the road like nature’s final word.
But beyond the geology lies a deeper truth: this land is sacred. Native Hawaiians revere Pele, the goddess of volcanoes, whose energy is believed to live within Kīlauea. This is not just a park to observe—it’s a place to respect. That’s why we urge visitors: do not take lava rocks or black sand from the park. What might seem like a souvenir could bring spiritual consequences. Park rangers regularly receive boxes of returned rocks from tourists who report misfortunes after taking them. Let the land stay whole.
If you’re staying at Hale Kukui, the park makes for an easy and unforgettable day trip from your Big Island vacation rental. We always recommend arriving early or staying past sunset, when the park takes on a surreal glow. On nights when Kīlauea is erupting, the viewing areas around Halemaʻumaʻu Crater become nothing short of cinematic—red skies, steam vents, and the sound of the Earth shifting beneath your feet.
Unlike many national parks where the grandeur feels distant or tamed, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park is immediate and alive. It’s not curated for comfort, and that’s what makes it unforgettable. After a day immersed in this dynamic volcanic landscape, Hale Kukui offers the perfect contrast—peaceful, nature-filled accommodations near Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Our guests often tell us it’s the best part of their entire Big Island trip: spending the day with the fire, and the evening with the stars.
Whether you’re here to explore active volcanoes, study the science, hike through lava tubes, or simply stand still and let the magnitude sink in, one thing is certain—no visit to the Big Island is complete without experiencing this extraordinary place. And no day trip is complete without a restful night in a private rental on the Big Island, surrounded by the beauty and quiet of Hale Kukui.