Top 5 Volcanoes National Park Day Trips: Explore Hawaii

Want to discover the powerful beauty of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park but only have one day? A single day might not feel like ample time, but don’t worry! With smart planning, that, too is almost possible for you to get a satisfying glimpse of what this awesome park provides. I mean, we are talking about an active volcano, so yeah! From watching steam vents to walking through lava tubes, here are the five coolest day trips that I think you’d enjoy to maximize your visit.

1. Kilauea Volcano Viewpoint & Crater Rim Drive

First things first, kick things off by heading to the Kilauea Volcano viewpoint. Basically, it is like the park’s highlight reel! You see, standing there, you actually get this amazing panoramic shot of the Kilauea caldera, so it feels pretty unreal. That said, I mean, depending on recent activity, there actually may or may not be lava visible, yet even without that fiery glow, that, too is almost worth it! This overlook, is that not perfect, gives you some appreciation for just how immensely powerful this volcano actually is, so yeah, it is definitely worth a stop. That, too is almost important, but also keep your eyes open, as it helps with making new memories!

After you take in those views, hop in the car for Crater Rim Drive. That’s like a scenic cruise that gives you some access to a number of overlooks and short trails along the rim of Kilauea. Don’t miss spots such as the Jaggar Museum, so, too it’s almost like a really fantastic educational stop. It gives you more understanding on the geology, the history, and actually the cultural significance of Kilauea, as a matter of fact, since Kilauea has been and always is an integral part of Hawaiian culture and their gods.

2. Thurston Lava Tube (Nāhuku)

After the viewpoints, it’s really time to go walk around in a real lava tube! The Thurston Lava Tube, which, by the way, has a Hawaiian name “Nāhuku”, is so just really incredible, alright? This cavern was formed literally eons ago when that flowing lava cooled on the outside while, yes, still flowing like a river on the inside, you know? And what happens? Well, you get a lava tube. You go walk right through there! That’s really possible to imagine the molten rock streaming along just right above where you’re stepping? The whole pathway’s lighted, and so, too it’s almost easy enough, but also pay attention, as you don’t wanna fall, and yes you actually might spot some cool, ferny stuff, especially near that entrance and at the end. This, in a way, shows exactly how quickly life recolonizes these desolate places after eruptions, I think!

3. Chain of Craters Road

Ready for just a breathtaking drive? Check out Chain of Craters Road. This roughly 19-mile drive goes from the summit of Kilauea right on down to the coast. I mean, along the route, expect lots and lots of mind blowing scenic stops and pullouts with outstanding views of old volcanic craters and lava formations. The road passes multiple craters, each presenting their, well unique landscape and features. Keep in mind that lava flows did actually cover segments of the road various times, too it’s almost impressive how resilient this area actually is. Don’t forget, at that end of this drive, which is a must, is the Hōlei Sea Arch. Hōlei Sea Arch is basically just an extremely elegant rock arch formed over lots of centuries of waves eating away at that coastline. The stark, almost brutal landscape around there, well really adds to that sense of drama. I actually think that drive is the best thing ever!

4. Hike Devastation Trail & Explore Pu’u Pua’i Overlook

Ok, so just want to stretch your legs with a walk and just sort of want to ponder about how strong Mother Earth is, yet don’t have time for any of the longer hikes? Then stroll through Devastation Trail. Once abundant and lush, this forest has a very, very different look. You see, in 1959 the Kilauea Iki eruption went and blanketed this entire spot with cinders, as a matter of fact transforming the landscape basically to this field of barren, kinda stark volcanic rock, actually, yet plants and grasses are actually making their own comeback. The pathway here is paved and also level, yet that, too is almost easily accessible to everyone, like your friends, as a matter of fact and just requires you to simply only take a short time. So, too it’s almost like it hits hard.

Also, don’t forget to also go to Pu’u Pua’i Overlook. So you want like a bird’s-eye view? From this perch, just above that Kilauea Iki crater, you actually could look over this whole entire dramatic landscape caused by the eruption and also you see what happened. It might just give a very visual explanation on just how quickly stuff actually can change.

5. Guided Volcano Tours

Basically, just wanna just sort of let someone do every little bit of that planning, alright? Let me propose one choice! Why don’t you consider signing up for a guided volcano tour? They usually cover almost all the very popular spots. Experienced local guides usually just are available to take you around. That said, they actually fill you with the interesting volcano history and also cool stories. These folks really do their best to maximize your very precious one day!

I think there actually are a bunch of perks from doing that. To start, tour guides can literally tailor what actually you’ll do to literally any specific interest you have! As I was saying, tour guides are often extremely amazing with providing this extremely important history, which brings almost everything to life and also can answer every single query! Tour guides are so almost aware about everything about what actually is possible for you to do when on site so they could provide details of safety procedures. That said, these really actually would ensure you follow those and actually have an enjoyable trip!