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A cloud-filled volcanic crater at sunrise with a mountain rising behind
NPS Photo/J. Wei

National Park · HI

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes is quietest in May and October and busiest in December.

Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park protects some of the most unique geological, biological, and cherished cultural landscapes in the world. Extending from sea level to 13,680 feet, the park encompasses the summits of two of the world's most active volcanoes - Kīlauea and Mauna Loa - and is a designated International Biosphere Reserve and UNESCO World Heritage Site.

1.6M recreation visits a year on average (2023–2025)

January: ~168,049 typical visitsJanFebruary: ~143,031 typical visitsFebMarch: ~131,623 typical visitsMarApril: ~117,839 typical visitsAprMay: ~116,661 typical visitsMayJune: ~157,720 typical visitsJunJuly: ~147,409 typical visitsJulAugust: ~141,338 typical visitsAugSeptember: ~121,630 typical visitsSepOctober: ~112,491 typical visitsOctNovember: ~127,915 typical visitsNovDecember: ~158,208 typical visitsDec

Data: NPS visitation 2023–2025 · crowd scores computed Oct 2026 · alerts checked Oct 18, 2026. How this is calculated →

Computed from federal data · Methodology by Sharon Ben-Moshe

Pick a month to visit Hawaiʻi Volcanoes

This week

7-day forecast

DayConditionsHighLowPrecip chance
Sun 18Light drizzle71°F60°F35%
Mon 19Rain showers68°F60°F74%
Tue 20Rain showers67°F58°F74%
Wed 21Heavy drizzle69°F57°F76%
Thu 22Light drizzle70°F57°F76%
Fri 23Thunderstorm70°F60°F94%
Sat 24Drizzle73°F62°F98%

Forecast data by Open-Meteo

Source: Open-Meteo

Weather

Monthly climate normals

MonthAvg highAvg lowPrecip
January79°F65°F3.5"
February80°F65°F3.9"
March80°F66°F4.0"
April80°F67°F1.9"
May82°F68°F1.4"
June83°F70°F0.8"
July84°F70°F1.9"
August85°F71°F2.9"
September84°F70°F2.8"
October84°F70°F4.1"
November82°F69°F4.0"
December81°F67°F4.0"

Source: NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals, SEA MTN 12.15, HI US

Know before you go

Fees & hours

Entrance fee
$30 — Private Vehicle Pass - The private vehicle pass admits the passholder and up to 14 passengers of a single, private (non-commercial) vehicle.
Hours
Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park is open 7 days a week, 24 hours a day including holidays.
Official NPS park site →

Source: NPS Data API

Conditions

Current alerts

  • Caution

    Protect Yourself from Volcanic Tephra

    Volcanic ash, rock and glassy strands (tephra) is present at Kīlauea summit and can irritate your skin, eyes and respiratory system. For your safety, do not handle it. Eye protection, long sleeves, long pants, a hat, closed-toe shoes and a dust mask are recommended.

  • Information

    Upper Kahuku Road Closed Beyond Boot Decontamination Station

    Upper Kahuku Road remains closed beyond the boot decontamination station due to storm damage. The Visitor Contact Station and most trails in the Kahuku Unit are now open following Hurricane Lala. Kahuku Road above the Lower Palm Trailhead is deeply rutted by the recent heavy rains. A 4WD is recommended to access areas above the Lower Palm Trailhead.

  • Information

    Sulphur Banks Bridge Closed; Boardwalk is Open

    The Sulphur Banks Bridge is damaged and closed until further notice. The Haʻakulamanu area, boardwalk and Sulphur Banks Trail are open and accessible from the west side near Steam Vents.

  • Caution

    Kīpukapuaulu Trail Closed Due to Hazardous Trees and Hanging Limbs

    Kīpukapuaulu Trail remains closed due to numerous hazardous trees and hanging limbs resulting from several recent storms. Managers are developing a plan and will reopen the trail when it is safe.

  • Information

    Hilina Pali Road Shoulder Work Scheduled 9/14/26 to 11/19/26

    Hilina Pali Road beyond the Maunaiki Trailhead will be closed to motorized vehicles on September 14, 2026 from 6 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday for shoulder work. Hikers, bicyclists and backcountry permit holders will be given access but should expect delays while heavy machinery works on the road. The entire road will be open to all use outside of those hours including weekends and holidays. The work is expected to be complete by November 19, 2026.

  • Information

    Mauna Loa Road Closed Past First Cattle Guard for Tree Removal 

    Mauna Loa Road will be closed to all use from the first cattle guard to Mauna Loa Lookout for tree removal starting September 23 through October 29, 2026. The tree work will prepare the area for the Mauna Loa Road Rehabilitation Project. Vehicles, bicyclists and pedestrians will not be allowed during the closure. 

  • Information

    Kīlauea eruption

    Volcanic eruptions can be hazardous. Stay out of closed areas and monitor air quality. Eruptions can last a few hours and are often separated by pauses lasting several weeks.

    Details on nps.gov →

Source: NPS Data API

FAQ

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes questions

When is the best time to visit Hawaiʻi Volcanoes?

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes is least crowded in May, October, and March. December is the busiest month, so visiting outside it means thinner crowds and easier parking.

How much does it cost to visit Hawaiʻi Volcanoes?

Entrance to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes costs $30 (Private Vehicle Pass - The private vehicle pass admits the passholder and up to 14 passengers of a single, private (non-commercial) vehicle.).

When is Hawaiʻi Volcanoes busiest?

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes is busiest in December, when crowds rate 10/10 (peak). Expect full parking lots and longer waits; arrive early or choose a quieter month.

How crowded is Hawaiʻi Volcanoes during holidays and fee-free days?

Holiday weekends (Memorial Day, Labor Day, Fourth of July) and official NPS fee-free days typically bring peak crowd conditions to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes. Arrive before 8 AM or after 3 PM to secure parking and avoid peak trail congestion.