Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Driving Tour: End of Chain of Craters Road

The Need to Knows: 

• The End of Chain of Craters Road is located (who would've guessed?) at the end of Chain of Craters Road within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park in Pahoa, HI.  Its exact location can be found here: 

• The parking situation is exactly the same as it was for the Holei Sea Arch, so no need to move your car!
• There are outhouses located here, but as far as I know there isn't running water.  I do believe a concession stand operates here but I'm not sure of the hours.
• Since this walk consists of following an already-paved road, I would consider it stroller and wheelchair-friendly.  However, once you make it to the lava flows, it definitely is not, so take that into consideration.
• I would expect to spend around a half hour to 45 minutes walking to the flows, exploring them, and then heading back to your car.
• As always, for updated information on closures within the park, visit this NPS page.  Also keep in mind that any information in these posts is subject to change any time by the National Park Service!

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Driving Tour: Holei Sea Arch

The Need to Knows: 

• The Holei Sea Arch is located at the end of Chain of Craters Road within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park in Pahoa, HI.  Its exact location can be found here: 

• Parking is pretty limited here, so chances are you'll just be pulling on the side of the road.  Just take the turnaround at the end of the road and park on the right side.
• It's hot with no shade here and very windy, so keep that in mind and prepare accordingly.
• There are outhouses located here, but you are definitely roughing it when you use them!  As far as I know running water is not available, but there may be a park concessions stand.  It was closed when Mr. L and I visited though.
• I wouldn't call the path to the arch wheelchair or stroller-friendly.  From what I recall it was a pretty bumpy, rocky, unpaved path, although short.
• I would expect to spend about 10 minutes or so here watching the waves crash against the arch and the coastline (with under five minutes to get both to and from the arch overlook area).
• As always, for updated information on closures within the park, visit this NPS page.  Also keep in mind that any information in these posts is subject to change any time by the National Park Service!

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Driving Tour: Kealakomo Overlook

The Need to Knows: 

• The Kealakomo Overlook is located along Chain of Craters Road within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park in Pahoa, HI.  Its exact location can be found here:

• Like the other stops along Chain of Craters Road, there isn't shade, water, or restrooms here, so prepare accordingly.  There should be trash cans and picnic tables, however.
• There is a small parking area available here for the lookout, so it isn't just a pullout like some of the other stops on this tour.
• Kealakomo Overlook also serves as the trailhead for the Na'ulu Trail, which is just across the street.  Fore more information on the Na'ulu Trail, go here.
• I would classify this stop as wheelchair and stroller-friendly since the path to the overlook platform is paved.
• I would plan to spend about 10 minutes or so here enjoying the stunning view!
• As always, for updated information on closures within the park, visit this NPS page.  Also keep in mind that any information in these posts is subject to change any time by the National Park Service!

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Driving Tour: Mauna Ulu Lookout

The Need to Knows: 

• Mauna Ulu Lookout is located along Chain of Craters Road within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park in Pahoa, HI.  Its exact location can be found here: 

• There isn't a parking lot here, only a pullout on the right side of the road (heading south).
• There are no restrooms, no water, nor shade at this spot, so make sure you've got your sunscreen, hat, and water in tow.
• I would plan to spend about 10 minutes or so here to check out Mauna Ulu and the partial coastal view while also exploring the lava flows.
• As always, for updated information on closures within the park, visit this NPS page.  Also keep in mind that any information in these posts is subject to change any time by the National Park Service!

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Driving Tour: Mau Loa o Mauna Ulu Pullout

The Need to Knows: 

• The Mau Loa o Mauna Ulu Pullout is located along Chain of Craters Road within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park in Pahoa, HI.  Its exact location can be found here: 

• There is no parking lot for Mau Loa o Mauna Ulu, just a pullout on both sides of Chain of Craters Road.
• There are no restroom facilities located here.
• There also isn't any shade or water, so make sure you have sunscreen, a hat, and water with you.
• I wouldn't so much classify this stop as wheelchair or stroller-friendly simply because the lava is rough and bumpy.  It would definitely be off-roading!
• Plan to spend about 10-15 minutes here to get a good stretch and admire the old lava flows.
• As always, for updated information on closures within the park, visit this NPS page.  Also keep in mind that any information in these posts is subject to change any time by the National Park Service!

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Driving Tour: Devil's Throat

The Need to Knows:

• Devil's Throat is located along Chain of Craters Road within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park in Pahoa, HI.  Its exact location can be found here:

• There is no parking lot for Devil's Throat, but there is a small pullout on the right side of the road close to its location, about 1.3 miles from the Puhimau Crater parking lot.  If you zoom in on the embedded Google Map above, the pullout is where the car is parked on the right side of Chain of Craters Road.
• There are NO barriers here to keep you from falling in the crater, so you MUST exercise caution and sound judgment when visiting Devil's Throat.  Pay close attention the trail to the crater and do NOT hang out on the crater's edge.  You don't want to fall in here and be maimed or killed!
• I would estimate that you should spend about 15-20 minutes at this stop including the very short trail to the crater.
• As always, for updated information on closures within the park, visit this NPS page.  Also keep in mind that any information in these posts is subject to change any time by the National Park Service!

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Driving Tour: Puhimau Crater

The Need to Knows:

• The Puhimau Crater is located along Chain of Craters Road within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park in Pahoa, HI.  Its exact location can be found here:

• There are no restrooms or water fountains located here.
• Since this stop is another pullout off of Chain of Craters Road like Lua Manu Crater (except with its own parking lot this time), I would say it is wheelchair and stroller-friendly.
• I would expect to spend about 10-15 minutes here checking out the views of the crater.
• As always, for updated information on closures within the park, visit this NPS page.  Also keep in mind that any information in these posts is subject to change any time by the National Park Service!

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Driving Tour: Lua Manu Crater

The Need to Knows:

• The Lua Manu Crater is located along Chain of Craters Road in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park in Pahoa, HI.  Its exact location can be found here:

• Since this stop is literally just a pull-off of Chain of Craters Road, I would classify it as wheelchair and stroller-friendly, haha.  No walking necessary to see this crater!
• There are no restroom facilities nor water at this stop.
• I would plan to spend 5-10 minutes here checking out the crater.
• As always, for updated information on closures within the park, visit this NPS page.  Also keep in mind that any information in these posts is subject to change any time by the National Park Service!

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Driving Tour: Devastation Trail

The Need to Knows:

• The Devastation Trail is located along Crater Rim Drive in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park in Pahoa, HI.  The exact location of the parking lot and trailhead can be found here:

• The Devastation Trail is about a mile long round trip and should take approximately an hour to complete (we turned around at about the midway point and probably spent a half hour here).
• This trail is paved and is considered wheelchair and stroller accessible.  Keep in mind that there are areas of this trail with a grade of greater than 8 percent.
• After you break from the trees, there is no shade on this hike, so be sure to apply sunscreen and/or wear a hat.  It can definitely get hot here!
• There are no restroom facilities or water fountains located here.
• Please always stay on the designated paved path in order to preserve the surrounding environment and also do not climb the Pu'u Pua'i Cinder Cone seen from the trail!
• As always, for updated information on closures within the park, visit this NPS page.  Also keep in mind that any information in these posts is subject to change any time by the National Park Service!

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Driving Tour: Thurston Lava Tube

The Need to Knows:

• The Thurston Lava Tube is located within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park along Crater Rim Drive in Volcano, HI.  Its exact location can be found here:

• The trail takes about 20-30 minutes and is about 1/3 of a mile long.
• Bathrooms and a water fountain are located here along the path.
• Since there are steps and steep descents involved along the path, I wouldn't recommend this area as wheelchair or stroller-friendly, but it's definitely kid-friendly.
• If the parking lot here is full, go back to the Kilauea Iki Overlook parking lot and park there.  It's about a half mile walk from that parking lot to the Thurston Lava Tube.
• As always, for updated information on closures within the park, be sure to visit this NPS page here.  Also keep in mind that any information in these posts is subject to change any time by the National Park Service!

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Driving Tour: Kilauea Iki Overlook

The Need to Knows:

• The Kilauea Iki Overlook (which is also the Kilauea Iki Trailhead) is located within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park along Crater Rim Drive in Volcano, HI.  Its exact location can be found here:

• There is no cost to visit this stop other than the park entrance fee.
• There are no restroom facilities or water fountains located here.
• This overlook also serves as the trailhead for the Kilauea Iki Hike.  Fore more information on this hike, check out the National Park Service's page on it here.
• This overlook is wheelchair and stroller friendly (the parking lot is right next to the railings so very minimal walking is involved), but the accompanying hike here is definitely not.
• Keep this parking lot in mind if the Thurston Lava Tube parking lot down the road is full since this lot is a bit bigger!
• I would plan to spend about 10-15 minutes here soaking up the view.
• As always, for updated information on closures within the park, be sure to visit this NPS page here.  Also keep in mind that any information in these posts is subject to change any time by the National Park Service!

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Driving Tour: Jaggar Museum

The Need to Knows: 

• The Jaggar Museum is located within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park along Crater Rim Drive in Volcano, HI on the Big Island.  Its exact location can be found here:

• The museum is open daily from 10AM to 8PM.  The Halemaumau viewing platform is open 24/7.  Keep in mind that there is always a chance for closures due to volcanic gases.
• It's also free to visit, although you still obviously have to pay to enter Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
• Restroom facilities and a water fountain are located here for public use.  A nice gift shop is also inside the museum for any souvenir shopping you'd like to accomplish!
• I would expect to spend at least a half hour here enjoying the museum and the view of the crater.
• For more information, check out the Jaggar Museum on the National Park Service's website.
• And as always, for updated information on closures within the park, be sure to visit this NPS page here.  Also keep in mind that any information in these posts is subject to change any time by the National Park Service!

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Driving Tour: Kilauea Overlook

The Need to Knows:

• The Kilauea Overlook is located within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park along Crater Rim Drive in Volcano, HI.  Its exact location can be found here:

• Since you've already paid to enter the park, it's obviously free to visit here :)
• The walking path to the overlook is paved, so I would classify it as stroller and wheelchair friendly.  Just watch out for rocks or bumps!
• There isn't any shade in this area, so make sure you're wearing sunscreen or a hat!
• There also aren't any restrooms here nor is there water available.
• I would expect to spend about 15 minutes or so here enjoying the view.
• For updated information on closures within the park, be sure to visit this NPS page here.  Also keep in mind that any information in these posts is subject to change any time by the National Park Service!

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Driving Tour: Steam Vents and Steaming Bluff Overlook

The Need to Knows:

• The Steam Vents and the Steaming Bluff Overlook are located within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park along Crater Rim Drive in Volcano, HI.  The parking lot can be found here:

• Since you've already paid to enter the park, it's obviously free to visit here :)
• I would classify this stop as stroller/wheelchair/kid friendly, but the path to the overlook is unpaved so it might be bumpy.  The trail to Sulphur Banks is wheelchair friendly, but it is advised not to go there if you have young children, are pregnant, or have heart or respiratory conditions.
• There isn't any shade in this area, so make sure you're wearing sunscreen or a hat!
• There also aren't any restrooms nor is there water available here.
• The parking lot is a little on the small side, so if it's full when you come by, perhaps try to stop again when you double back after visiting the Jaggar Museum.
• I would expect to spend about 15-20 minutes here checking out the overlook and definitely longer if you're going to see Sulphur Banks as well across the street.
• For updated information on closures within the park, be sure to visit this NPS page here.  Also keep in mind that any information in these posts is subject to change any time by the National Park Service!

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Driving Tour: Volcano House

The Need to Knows: 

• The Volcano House Hotel is located at 1 Crater Rim Drive, Volcano, HI 96718 inside of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.  Its exact location can be found here:

• You can make reservations to stay in the hotel if you'd like, or there are also campgrounds and cabins to stay in as well.
• The Volcano House also holds a restaurant, The Rim, open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily.
• If you're looking for souvenirs, the hotel also houses a nice gift shop in its lobby.
• Plan to spend about 10-15 minutes here with the view, possibly longer if you're interested in the hotel's history.
• For more information or to make reservations, visit the Volcano House's website here.
• And for updated information on closures within the park, be sure to visit this NPS page here.  Also keep in mind that any information in these posts is subject to change any time by the National Park Service!

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Driving Tour: Kilauea Visitor Center

The Need to Knows: 

• The Kilauea Visitor Center is located inside of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park in Volcano, HI near its entrance along Crater Rim Drive.  Its exact location is here:

• The Kilauea Visitor Center is open daily from 9AM to 5PM.
• There is an overall entrance fee for the park (explained here), but access to the visitor center is obviously free.
• Restrooms are located here for public use.
• I would plan on being here for 15-20 minutes gathering information and checking out the exhibits.  It might be worth your while to check out any tours offered by the park as well!
• For more information on the visitor center, be sure to visit their website here.  
• And for updated information on closures within the park, be sure to visit this NPS page here.  Also keep in mind that any information in these posts is subject to change any time by the National Park Service!

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Driving Tour

Hello readers!  Today I am going to introduce another blog mini-series for you all to enjoy!  It'll be similar to the Oahu Favorites mini-series I completed a few months ago, but this time, I'm moving to the southeastern part Big Island and focusing on a driving tour of the widely known and incredibly popular Volcanoes National Park!  Here is a Google Maps link to show all of the stops along the drive: 

Because I could never fit all of this information into a single blog post, I will be tackling each stop along my driving route in either its own separate post or grouped with other stops.  Some posts will have more information and pictures and be longer than others, but this way I'm able to say everything I'd like to say about all the cool things along the way and not feel like I'm leaving anything out!

I will throw in a quick disclaimer.  This isn't the end-all, be-all Volcanoes National Park driving tour or anything like that.  Unfortunately Mr. L and I didn't take enough trips to the park for me to be able to make that claim!  But these are the sights that we did get to see and I'm happy to share them all with you.  And as each post is published, I'll be adding in links over on my Travel page, so feel free to keep it bookmarked!

So for now, let's go ahead and get started with some need to knows on Volcanoes National Park to kick us off!

The Need to Knows for Hawaii Volcanoes National Park:

• Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is located on the southeastern side of the island of Hawaii next to the town of Volcano.  The exact location of its entrance can be found here:

• Volcanoes National Park is open 24 hours a day year round, including all holidays.
• Entrance fees are as follows: $10 per vehicle (good for 7 days); $5 per individual (good for 7 days); $25 for a Hawaii Tri-Park Annual Pass.  Click here to see the designated FREE days for 2015 and how to purchase passes in advance online.
• Because this area houses Kilauea, a volcano that's been active since 1984, sometimes there are closures due to volcanic gases and other issues.  You can find information on current conditions on the park's website here and also area closures on their website here.
• There are no gas stations in the park, so make sure you fill up before you enter!
• It's a good idea to keep in mind the temperature differences here in Volcanoes National Park compared to the rest of the island.  The town of Volcano sits at an elevation of approximately 4,000 feet, which is actually the highest elevation point recorded on Oahu.  Temperatures in the 40s through 60s throughout the year are common, so you should dress warmly and in layers!
• When lava is actively flowing and reachable by either hiking or otherwise, it is always the best idea to listen to the park rangers when it comes to safety.  They know what's best and what to expect, especially in situations that can be potentially life-threatening (for example, with volcanic gases).  Always heed your park rangers' warnings and be careful while exploring the park!
• For any additional information, particularly regarding volcano and lava activity, check out Volcanoes National Park's website here, for current park closures, visit this NPS page here, and keep in mind that any information in these posts is subject to change any time by the National Park Service!

Be sure to stick around and check out the next post in this new mini-series.  I'll be covering everyone's first stop in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park -- the Kilauea Visitor Center!

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Catch up on the rest of the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Driving Tour below!

Crater Rim Drive

• STOP 1: Kilauea Visitor Center
• STOP 2: Volcano House
• STOP 3: Steam Vents and Steaming Bluff Overlook
• STOP 4: Kilauea Overlook
• STOP 5: Jaggar Museum
• STOP 6: Kilauea Iki Overlook
• STOP 7: Thurston Lava Tube
• STOP 8: Devastation Trail

Chain of Craters Road

• STOP 9: Lua Manu Crater
• STOP 10: Puhimau Crater
• STOP 11: Devil's Throat
• STOP 12: Mau Loa o Mauna Ulu Pullout
• STOP 13: Mauna Ulu Lookout
• STOP 14: Kealakomo Overlook
• STOP 15: Holei Sea Arch
• STOP 16: End of Chain of Craters Road

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Getting to Know Hawaii: Mauna Kea Sunset and Stargazing Tour with Hawaii Forest and Trail

The Need to Knows:

• This Mauna Kea sunset and stargazing tour from Hawaii Forest and Trail takes place at the summit of Mauna Kea on the Big Island of Hawaii.  Mauna Kea's summit can be found here:

• The Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station (9,200 feet) is open every day of the year from 9AM to 10PM.  Visitors are asked to leave the summit (13,700 feet) after dark for safety precautions.
• The Hawaii Forest and Trail Mauna Kea Summit and Stars tour costs $199 per person plus tax.  They do offer a military discount of 10%.  More information on the specifics of this tour can be found here.
• Anyone with respiratory issues, heart conditions, children under 16, and pregnant women should not venture past the visitor center due to the summit's high altitude.
• If you're coming to Mauna Kea to watch the sunset and do stargazing, be sure to dress warmly!  It isn't as cold as Haleakala can be for the sunrise, but it's still pretty chilly, especially if you are already acclimated to the tropical climate like Mr. L and I were.  If you go on this specific tour, thankfully Hawaii Forest and Trail will supply you with a parka.  Otherwise, be dressed for temperatures in the 30-50 degree range.
• Gas is NOT available on Mauna Kea.  The closest gas stations are in Hilo, Waikoloa Village, and Waimea, all about 35 miles away, so make sure your tank is full before you leave!
• Restrooms are located at the visitor center and port-a-pottys are located at the summit's observatories.
• To help prevent altitude sickness, make sure you stay well hydrated and be sure to stop frequently while traveling up the volcano to acclimate to the elevation.
• If you plan on scuba diving before you visit Mauna Kea, do NOT go within 24 hours of doing so to avoid decompression illness.
• For more information on visiting Mauna Kea with Hawaii Forest and Trail, be sure to visit their website here.  For more information on visiting Mauna Kea on your own, check out the visitor center's website here.

Getting to Know Hawaii: Kipuka Pu'u Huluhulu

The Need to Knows: 

• The Kipuka Pu'u Huluhulu cinder cone is located at the 28 mile marker on Saddle Road, right at the intersection with the Mauna Kea Access Road.  Its exact location can be found here:

• Pu'u Huluhulu is open daily during daytime hours and is 100% free to visit.
• There is a restroom located at the hunter station at the bottom of the kipuka, but be warned that it is an outhouse (no indoor plumbing here!).  There is no water available nor are there trash cans that I'm aware of.
• The hike to the top of Pu'u Huluhulu takes about 30-45 minutes.
• Please keep in mind that Pu'u Huluhulu is a protected wildlife area.  Make sure any gates you use are closed behind you, that you pack out anything you bring in, and that you stay on the trails.

Getting to Know Hawaii: Lyman Museum

The Need to Knows:

• The Lyman Museum is located at 276 Haili St, Hilo, HI 96720.  Its exact location can be found here:

• The Lyman Museum is open Mondays through Saturdays from 10 AM to 4:30 PM.
• Mission House tours happen twice daily at 11 AM and 2 PM.
• Admission costs are as follows: Kama'aina - adults $8, seniors $6, children 6-17 $3, $17 for a family; Out of State - adults $10, seniors $8, children $3; and University students are $5.
• The museum is obviously kid-friendly, but it's probably more suited to older kids since there aren't really hands-on activities for younger kids to get interactive and engaged.  Healthy doses of appreciation for science and history definitely make this place more interesting!
• Although we didn't see a special exhibit on this trip, they are known to be on display every now and then.  Check out the Lyman Museum website for more information.