Hawaiʻi Volcanoes · May
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes in May
May is a busy time to visit Hawaiʻi Volcanoes — quieter than April, quieter than June.
Expect heavy crowds (7/10), highs near 82°F, about 13.1 hours of daylight, and 7 seasonal closures in effect.
Crowd score
How busy it gets
Approaching peak season — expect full lots by mid-morning and busy overlooks.
About 69% of this park's busiest month.
Source: NPS Visitor Use Statistics, 2023–2025
Data: NPS visitation 2023–2025 · crowd scores computed Oct 2026 · alerts checked Oct 17, 2026. How this is calculated →
Computed from federal data · Methodology by Sharon Ben-Moshe
Visitation
Typical May visits vs. the year
May draws about 7% of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes’s yearly visitors.
Typical monthly recreation visits, averaged over the most recent three full years.
Source: NPS Visitor Use Statistics, 2023–2025
Weather
May weather
- Avg high
- 82°F
- Avg low
- 68°F
- Precipitation
- 1.4"
- Sunrise
- 5:46 AM
- Sunset
- 6:50 PM
- Daylight
- 13.1h
Source: NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals, SEA MTN 12.15, HI US
What's open
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes in May: access
Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park is open 7 days a week, 24 hours a day including holidays.
Seasonal closures may apply:
- 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.
- Park Closure
Keanakākoʻi Side of Kīlauea Volcano Closed Due to Volcanic Unrest
Due to increased earthquakes below the summit of Kīlauea and volcanic unrest, the Keanakākoʻi area is temporarily closed for safety. This includes old Crater Rim Drive, the overlooks near Keanakākoʻi crater and Crater Rim Trail to Keanakākoʻi crater. Devastation parking lot remains open.
- Park Closure
Halemaʻumaʻu Trail and Part of Byron Ledge Trail Closed Due to Safety Risks
Halemaʻumaʻu Trail and part of Byron Ledge Trail are temporarily closed due to continued inflation and increased seismicity at the summit of Kīlauea volcano. The closure is a total of 1.3 miles. The increased seismicity could trigger additional rock falls and presents a serious safety risk. Both trails descend from the caldera rim to the floor and have been the site of dangerous rock falls in the past.
- 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.
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
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
Context
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes crowds across the year
FAQ
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes in May
How busy is Hawaiʻi Volcanoes in May?
May rates 7/10 for crowds (Busy) at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park — about 69% of its busiest month. Typical recreation visits: 116,661.
What is the weather like at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes in May?
In May, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes averages a high of 82°F and a low of 68°F, with about 1.4 inches of precipitation.
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 least crowded?
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes is quietest in May and October. If your dates are flexible, those months bring the thinnest crowds of the year.
How many hours of daylight does Hawaiʻi Volcanoes get in May?
In mid-May, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes gets about 13.1 hours of daylight, with sunrise around 5:46 AM and sunset around 6:50 PM.