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Maui Travel Updates

Maui Recovery

How you can kōkua the people of Maui

Learn how destination management and stewardship is advancing throughout Hawai‘i. Join our efforts and help move your island’s Destination Management Action Plan forward.

Ma‘ema‘e Toolkit

Newly released! Essential information and guidance for the visitor industry and businesses to understand how to accurately represent Hawai‘i and Hawaiian culture.

Mālama Hawai‘i

In an effort to inspire mindful travel, Hawai‘i’s industry partners & volunteer groups have come together to encourage visitors to leave Hawai‘i better than when they arrived.

Monthly Visitor Statistics

Infrastructure Research

Annual Visitor Research Reports

Visitor Plant Inventory

Historical Visitor Statistics

Evaluation & Performance Measures

Featured Research:

Hawaii Hotel Performance - 02-2024

January 2024 Hawaii Vacation Rental Performance

February 2024 Hawaii Vacation Rental Performance

Apr 05, 2024

Hawai‘i Tourism Authority Launches Mālama Hawai‘i Dashboard Connecting Visitors with Volunteer Opportunities and Nonprofits

Mar 22, 2024

Hawai‘i Tourism Authority and O‘ahu Visitors Bureau Initiate the Process to Revitalize the Content and Preservation of the Waikīkī Historic Trail

Mar 20, 2024

Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority Launches Mākaukau Maui Campaign to Foster Economic Recovery on Maui

Mar 13, 2024

Public Input Sought to Shape Governance of Tourism in Hawai‘i

Maʻemaʻe Toolkit

To help market Hawai‘i authentically, browse through a resource of Hawaiian language tools, style and information guides, cultural activities and festivals, and other pertinent information.

See the Maʻemaʻe Toolkit

Digital Asset Library

Register to access the Knowledge Bank, a public resource of images related to Hawai‘i and tourism-related activities.

Partnership Opportunities

HTA's Global Marketing Team offers a variety of consumer, travel trade, and MCI marketing opportunities. Partnership opportunities include digital and social media marketing, public relations, travel trade, and meeting sales programs.

See All Partnership Opportunities

Announcements

Read the latest announcements that provide up-to-date information about current HTA's programs, events and activities.

See All Announcements

We are responsible for protecting the iconic brand of the Hawaiian Islands. This includes perpetuating the Hawaiian culture, preserving Hawaii’s natural environment, and strengthening communities by managing tourism in a way that helps improve the quality of life for residents, families and communities on all islands.

Natural Resources

Their beauty unparalleled, Hawai‘i’s natural resources are among the most precious in the world and one of the greatest assets to our quality of life in the Islands.

More about Natural Resources

Hawaiian Culture

The Hawaiian culture is integrated into every element of HTA’s programs to support Hawai‘i.

More about Hawaiian Culture

Community Enrichment

Community-created projects, festivals and events provides authentic experiences that showcase Hawai‘i’s multi-cultures. Training workshops and resources offered to further develop skills and tourism products.

More about Community Enrichment

Brand Marketing

HTA works to promote Hawaii's brand around the world.

Branding Efforts

Hawaii Top Things to Know Explore Now →

Kauai Guide

Big island guide, essential travel tips.

• Which Island to Visit? →
• Best Time to Visit →
• Hawaii Must See & Do →
• Hawaii Itineraries →

Travel Information

• Hawaii Weather →
• What to Pack? →
• Best Hawaii Island to Visit →
• Hawaii Safety Tips →

Hawaii Resources

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View our Hawaii Visitor Guides →

Hawaii Accommodations →

Lodging by island.

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• Kauai Lodging

Where to Stay

• Where to stay on Oahu →
• Where to stay on Maui →
• Where to stay on Big Island →
• Where to stay on Kauai →

When to Visit

• Best Time to Visit Oahu →
• Best Time to Visit Maui →
• Best Time to Visit the Big Island →
• Best Time to Visit Kauai →

Explore Hawaii Hotel Deals & Specials Search Now

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Tours by Island

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Hawaii Essential Things to Know

Information that is good for all hawaii visitors to be in the know about....

2024 Hawaii Visitor Guides

Discount Hawaii Car Rentals

Planning Your Hawaiian Vacation

Hawaii 101 - get started here.

So you're thinking about Hawaii and here you are at our website. Now what?  If you're still on the fence about Hawaii, then hopefully we'll convince you along the way it's one of the most amazing places you could ever visit.

If you've already decided Hawaii is your next vacation stop, then the following steps and articles should help you better start to plan your trip and understand the layout of our site. There's a lot of useful and professional information here, so pull up a chair and let us get to the good stuff.

— article continued below —

The Hawaiian Islands

1.) Select Your Island(s) to Visit

Six unique islands - which one is for you.

You've got several options here, so how do you go about choosing that perfect island for your own trip? In fact, why choose just one?

You might want to take our Which Hawaii Island to Visit quiz. Once you know which island (or islands) best suit you, then you can really begin to plan.

FREE Hawaii Summary Guidesheets for each Island

Updated with a new summary map for  each Hawaii Island  + estimated driving times from popular starting points.

Includes the top  must-see & do  attractions,  best times to visit ,  where to stay  briefing,  airport detail , a monthly  weather summary , and where to find the most  noteworthy local ono 'grindz'  (best eats) on each respective Hawaiian Island.

Download the Hawaii Guidesheets

2.) Determining When to Visit

Selecting the best time of year.

Honestly, there isn't a 'bad time' to go to Hawaii. Visiting Hawaii is a dream come true for many visitors, and who can blame them? It's a remarkable, unique, & beautiful paradise.

If you're like most visitors, you're probably asking, "What is the best time of year to travel to Hawaii ?" or " When should I visit Hawaii ?"

Be sure to read over each of those two articles, and then try the Quiz at the bottom of each page. Doing so will help if you're still not exactly sure about the Best Month to Visit Hawaii .

3.) Choose your interests

Sights, beaches, trails, activities, and more....

If you've decided on the island(s) your going to visit, then you're set to begin your planning.  The next step is to consider your interests.  One could spend years in Hawaii and never see everything, so carefully narrowing down your favorites is worth the time and effort now, ahead of time.

We'd suggest you go ahead and click on the tabs in the top navigation corresponding to the islands that you're planning to visit. Here you'll see that under the Attractions drop-down (in the sub-navigation menu) that we've gone ahead and categorized all the best spots in general categories: Sights, Beaches, Trails (Hikes), Regions, and Towns. We also have travel Articles and Facts for each island, plus a listing of Activities you can book on the island in question. On some islands, like Maui, we've even split of the Hana Highway into its own category - since so many places fall into that popular scenic drive. Our  Hawaii Must See and Do  for each island may also be a big help for some folks by presenting the top-rated attractions on our site.

4.) Learn beyond the basics

Educate yourself on hawaii's history, weather, our safety tips, & more.

OK, once you've nailed down a list of your favorite places you can get to the nitty-gritty of 'Beyond the Basics.' Some of this may seem irrelevant, but we highly encourage visitors to read as much as they can on the islands before visiting. Hawaii is like no other places in the United States, and quite honestly, is very much like visiting a foreign country. Check out topics like our  Hawaii Safety  page, our  Rental Tips , and our  Accommodation Tips .

You might also want to read up more on Hawaii Weather ,  Hawaii History , and the  Geology of Hawaii .

5.) Packing your bags

What to pack & what not to pack....

Regardless of how much you've traveled in the past and where you've been,  there is one good rule to follow when coming to Hawai'i, leave as much as you can at home!  Seriously, bring only what you'll need during your stay and nothing more. Chances are a pair of shorts, and a nice Aloha shirt is all you'll need for even some fine dining. Leave the formal wear back home. And please don't bring your passport if you're a U.S. citizen (you'd be surprised how many folks do). A light jacket and a long pair of pants might also be helpful for those visits to higher elevations around the islands. You'd be surprised at how many "chilly" people there are in Hawaii each day. Sure it's tropical, but not everything's at sea level either. On the other hand, don't overdo it and bring your winter coat to Hawai'i unless you feel you need it for visiting the summits of Haleakala or Maui or Mauna Kea on the Big Island at sunrise or sunset. If you're visiting Kauai or Oahu, add your larger coat to the list of do NOT bring. With the motto, 'less is more' in mind, here are a few other items to bring. Sunblock (the UV on Hawai'i is typically 14+ in the spring, summer, and fall), a backpack (for any hikes) and a water bottle, slippers (flip flops, shower shoes, zoris), mask, snorkel, and fins (or rent locally instead), two bathing suits (one to wear while the other dries) and a cover-up, camera and film (or digital cards), lightweight raincoat or poncho (it's tropical here), bug spray with DEET (for any forest hikes), flashlight (for just in case), hiking boots / hiking rods (even if you're not a hardcore hiker, it's not a bad idea to bring proper footwear for some trails), and most importantly a list of all your troubles to leave behind. Seriously, we enforce that last one! For more tips and suggestions, visit our  What to Pack page.

Hawaii Know before you Go

The most important & pertinent information to read before you head out on your vacation to the Hawaiian Islands.

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Map out your Perfect Hawaiian Getaway. We help you plan every aspect of your trip: online trip tracking; discover flights , hotels , car rental , activities ; provide you with a plan; and final itinerary for your trip to Hawaii.

Haven't planned a date yet? Start here

Before You Travel

Safety tips, top activities in hawaii.

Town and beaches provide an idyllic environment for relaxation and exploration, and Hawaii Shark Encounters will give you an entirely new appreciation...

Shark Excursions $ --> $125.00

Shark Cage Diving

Avoid Crowds and Stay Close to Waikiki - Oahu's Premier Surf Lessons!

Surfing Lessons $ --> $139.00

Surf Ala Moana

Tour the Na Pali coast, one of the Top 10 Wonders of the World in comfort and style with The Makana (The Gift).

Sightseeing Boat Tours $ --> $189.00

Na Pali Coast Tour on the Makana. Max 12 passenger

Spend an inspiring and exhilarating day in North Kohala, a land of stunning beauty and profound cultural significance. Zipline high above ...

Zip Line $ --> $299.00

Kohala Zip & Dip

The Big Island has 10 of the world's 14 different climate zones, and Hapuna Beach sits right in the middle of a dry zone. This beach only ...

Top 5 Swimming Beaches on The Big Island

The Dolphin Discoveries tour offers anyone eager to experience Hawaii's marine environment a memorable, safe, and exciting journey.

Dolphin Excursions $ --> $139.00

Dolphin Discovery Adventure

Oahu’s top luau with an award-winning production and show, unlike anything else!

Luaus $ --> $129.00

Ka Moana Luau Classic Seating

Experience an extraordinary celestial journey like no other at Westin Hapuna Beach Resort's engaging Stargazing Experience.

Stargazing $ --> $75.00

Westin Hapuna Beach Resort Stargazing

The Road to Hana is FILLED with one incredible distraction after another! Waterfalls and banyan trees, bamboo forests and black sand beaches.

Road to Hana

The Myths of Maui oceanfront luau features a sumptuous all-you-care-to-eat buffet, complimentary cocktails and a beautiful celebration of ...

Luaus $ --> $185.00

Myths of Maui Luau

The pristine coral gardens, brilliantly colored tropical fish, and the green sea turtles ( Honu) are not to be missed!

Snorkeling Tours $ --> $129.00

Capt. Cook AM Deluxe Snorkel Adventure

Start your trip out right by being welcomed to the island by Native Hawaiians with a Lei of your choice.

Lei Greeting $ --> $75.00

Airport Lei Greeting

Basically swimming inside the crater of an extinct volcano, snorkeling at Molokini Crater offers a stunning visibility of 150 feet! ...

The History of Molokini Crater

Kohala Canopy Adventure offers an unforgettable treetop adventure in nature's paradise - book now to experience it for yourself.

Zip Line $ --> $215.00

Kohala Canopy Adventure

Snorkel the most popular and beautiful spot in all of Hawai’i, Kealakekua Bay.

Snorkeling Tours $ --> $99.00

Captain Cook Afternoon Snorkel

Rainbow Kayak Tours/Ancient River Kayak is an all inclusive quality, guided tour company. Safety is our #1 priority along with exceptional ...

Kayaking $ --> $131.75

Rainbow Kayak Tours

Bite Me Sport Fishing makes your sport fishing adventure truly exciting while creating unforgettable memories aboard this stunning vessel!

Fishing Excursions $ --> $155.00

Sport Fishing - 40' Egg Harbor

If you are planning a trip to Maui in the next 12 months, you have to visit Haleakala National Park which is its biggest attraction. ...

Visiting the Haleakala Crater in Maui

One Ocean Diving's Marine Research and Conservation Shark Snorkel Experience is an unforgettable opportunity for marine lovers, while promoting sustai...

Shark Excursions $ --> $150.00

Shark Dive (Snorkel with Sharks)

Learn how to master the stand up paddle board in a fun, supportive environment, where the water is warm and you have plenty of space to try ...

Paddle Boarding (SUP) $ --> $129.00

SUP Ala Moana Beach Park

Popular information.

The Big Island's defining feature is the best place to watch the sunset, but you need to be prepared. Standing more than 13,000 feet above ...

The Five Best Places to Watch the Sunset on The Big Island of Hawaii

Camping on Kauai? Well, you've picked the right island. Kauai is for the nature lover, the outdoor adventurer and for those who want to ...

Beach Camping on Kauai

You can see a lot of the island from your car, and you'll find scenic landscapes in every direction. As you drive around the island, notice ...

Best Scenic Driving Tours in Kauai

Doctor Beach has named Oahu's Kailua Beach number one in America, and he's named two other Hawaiian beaches at numbers six and eight.

Oahu's Kailua Beach Named Number One In America

The Big Island has five active volcanoes. The two most noticeable are Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa simply due to their size.

The Ultimate Big Island Travel Guide

While there are many activities to choose from on Kauai, these activities are some best things to do during a vacation to Kauai

Top 10 Things to do on Kauai

You'll watch the sun set on the Unites States of America on Kauai. Besides Niihau, there are only a handful of uninhabited Alaskan Islands ...

5 Best Places To Watch The Kauai Sunsets

The rough waves smooth themselves out on the wide beach to make for a glowing reflection of the sun's tropical colors. You can watch as the ...

Five Best Place to Watch the Sunset in Maui

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Your Free Official Visitors' Guide

Discover hawaii.

Planning is half the fun! Get started today.

Soak in every page of idyllic island life. Order your Visitors' Guide filled with comprehensive information, inspirational advice, stunning photography, and fresh ideas to make the most out of your Hawaiʻi getaway. Click here . -->

First, choose your country. (We currently mail planners to U.S. and Canada only.)

Download the GoHawaii App, Hawaiʻi’s official mobile app for visitors.

Hawaii Vacation Packages

We are proud to offer exclusive vacation packages, most with rates under $1,000. These packages include airfare, car rental, and hotel stay for six to eight days. Visiting different islands, or "island-hopping" as we call it, is highly recommended because each island has its own distinct "personality."

• Rental Cars

Tips on Finding Hawaii Vacation Deals

Save time and money by booking your rental car, hotel room, and airfare together and make planning your vacation easier.

How to Find the Cheapest Vacation Packages

Understanding Hawaii’s travel seasons will make it easy for you to book an affordable trip to the Rainbow State. With summer and winter being peak travel times for the islands, you can find vacation deals by booking during the “shoulder” seasons—spring and fall. Fortunately, Hawaii is just as beautiful and magnificent during fall and spring as it is in summer and winter, so aside from the cost of travel, nothing will change about your trip to Hawaii.

Should You Book an All-Inclusive Package?

Planning a trip is, what we call in Hawaii slang “humbug.” It’s a bother, a nuisance—even stressful. But it doesn’t have to be. By booking an all-inclusive vacation package, the hard work is done for you. Cars are rented, hotel rooms are booked and it can be cheaper to book a package versus booking everything ala carte.

Best Areas to Stay on Each Island

While there are no bad choices for places to stay in the islands—you are in Hawaii after all—there are some areas that are very well suited for travelers. Waikiki on Oahu has a variety of accommodations, malls and restaurants all dotting the golden shores of Waikiki Beach. On Kauai, Hanalei and Poipu are perfect for visitors who want to be close to the beach during their island stay—and in a similar vein, Kaanapali on Maui is a perfect blend of resort luxury and island living that will truly make visitors feel like they’re in paradise. On Hawaii Island, also referred to as the Big Island, both Kona and Hilo will provide travelers with convenient accommodations, activities and dining options.

The Top 3 Hotels and Resorts on Each Island

• Hilton Hawaiian Village
• Turtle Bay Resort
• Grand Wailea
• Kaanapali Beach Hotel
• Fairmont Kea Lani
• 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay
• Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa
• Mauna Kea Beach Hotel
• Fairmont Orchid
• Hilton Waikoloa Village

On Oahu, the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort, Turtle Bay Resort and the Halekulani reign supreme. Maui’s Grand Wailea, a Waldorf Astoria Resort, Kaanapali Beach Hotel and Fairmont Kea Lani are popular choices amongst travelers. For Kauai, the 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay, The ISO and the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa are stunning accommodations that will make it hard to even leave your room—while on the Big Island you can’t go wrong staying at the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Autograph Collection, Fairmont Orchid and Hilton Waikoloa Village.

Which Hawaii Island is Best for You?

Kauai’s picturesque Na Pali Coast.

For nature lovers and those who seek adventure, Kauai is a primordial playground full of epic hikes, stunning beaches and botanical gardens—it is the Garden Isle after all.

Sunrise over Na Mokulua islands from Lanikai Beach on Oahu.

Oahu has a great mix of everything a visitor could want and is perfect for families with young children as there are more keiki (kid) friendly activities on the island.

Waianapanapa State Park, Maui.

Maui & the Big Island

Both Maui and the Big Island are great places for travelers looking to escape from their worldly distractions. Instead of waking up to traffic and city noise, on these islands, the soft sounds of birdsong and crashing waves will serve as your natural alarm clock.

Hawaii Travel Tips

You’ll want to hit the ground running—presumably to the beach!—once you’ve landed. Also be sure to pack a few jackets or hoodies along with your beachwear, as the islands typically has “passing showers” from time to time due to its tropical climate. Another major travel tip to remember is that, unless you’re staying on Oahu, you will absolutely need to rent a car to fully enjoy the best of each island, as public transportation options are limited on the out islands.

Maui Travel Updates

Vacations in Hawaii

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Cheap Hawaii package deals

Most popular hawaii flight and hotel deals, last minute vacation packages to hawaii, search by stars, search by review score, search by board, search by price, search by freebies, when to book a vacation in hawaii, tips for finding hawaii package deals.

• There are loads of types of vacations in Hawaii and the cost will depend on what type of trip you’re taking and for how long you’d like to stay. Here are the latest prices for a 3 night trip for 2 travelers: Top vacation $658; Family vacation $598; Romantic vacation $838; Luxury vacation $878; Budget vacation $412.

Why should you book a vacation package to Hawaii?

When should you book a vacation package to hawaii.

High season for tourists is typically from about mid-December to April, and you can find the cheapest Hawaii flight and hotel rates from September to mid-December. Hawaii enjoys a tropical climate, tempered by sea breezes. The rainy season is from October to April. There are fewer tourists on the beaches during the hottest summer months, from June to September, when temperatures average just under 90 degrees. Hawaii vacation packages can make travel during any season more affordable.

Where should you stay in Hawaii?

For any vacation type in hawaii:.

Set against a lush green hillside, with a pool and beach front on the Wailea coast, the Fairmont Kea Lani in Maui offers a quintessential Hawaii experience. The hotel is located about 17 miles from Kahului Airport (OGG), with car rentals available both at the airport and the hotel itself. The Hilton Waikiki Beach hotel places you close to many of Honolulu's major attractions, including the Honolulu Zoo, with many shops and restaurants within walking distance. It's only 9 miles - and an affordable taxi ride - from the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL).

For family vacations in Hawaii:

Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa in Oahu, is a renowned full service family resort set against an expanse of perfect beach. Waterslides and a man-made reef complement a huge, pristine pool area, with excellent service and Disney movie characters wandering the grounds. The resort offers a shuttle service to and from Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, about 20 miles to the east. The Kauai Marriott Resort in Lithue, Kauai, lets parents and kids alike enjoy life on the palm-dotted beach, with one of the largest pools in Hawaii, and extensive on-site amenities, including a spa, fitness space and business center. Lithue Airport (LIH) is only 2 miles away, with a complimentary shuttle service available to and from the resort.

For romantic vacations in Hawaii:

Soak up the sun together in the peaceful Ko'a Kea Hotel & Resort, just a walk away from Poipu Beach and its golden sands. It's about 15 miles from Lihue Airport, with many taxis available to and from the resort. If romance plus adventure is appealing, Turtle Bay Resort in Oahu offers a range of water sports and experiences, including cage-diving with sharks, canoeing, and glass-bottomed kayaks. The shuttle service from Daniel K. Inouye International Airport can be booked through the hotel.

For luxury vacations in Hawaii:

The St. Regis Princeville resort in Kuai offers guests a serene escape from the everyday in the lush tropical setting of a 9,000-acre resort community. Enjoy the beach, gardens, nearby mountains, and the onsite Makai Golf Club. Private car and taxi services are available to and from Lihue Airport. Hawaii travel deals are available to the upscale Four Seasons hotel in Hualalai on Hawaii Island's Kona-Kohala Coast. It offers a taste of authentic Hawaiian culture and traditions in a luxury property, including fine dining and activities. Taxi service is readily available to Kona International Airport, about 10 minutes or 7 miles away.

For budget vacations in Hawaii:

The Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort offers the best of a beach holiday just steps from the Waikiki Beach Walk promenade, with multiple options for shopping, dining, and entertainment. A free shuttle service is available to and from Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, about 9 miles away. Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort features two hotel towers set on Waikiki Beach. An expensive shuttle service is available to Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, about 8 miles away, directly from the main lobby.

Where to stay in Hawaii

Hawaii vacation information, other popular package vacation destinations.

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First-timer’s guide to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

Apr 18, 2024 • 11 min read

The scale and ferocity of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is a wonder to experience © Yiming Chen / Getty Images

Unsurprisingly, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park on Hawaiʻi Island is one of the state’s most popular attractions.

This incredible landscape is home to two massive volcanoes – Kīlauea being one of the world’s most active – and stretches from sea level to the summit of Mauna Loa, one of the world’s largest. Sprawling across 333,259 acres on the island's southeastern side, the park is one of the most dynamic and diverse in the US.

Its ever-changing landscape boasts an assortment of terrain, from lush rainforests and barren lava fields to a volcano often dusted with snow every winter. Yes, even in Hawaiʻi!

So grab those hiking boots and binoculars and use our insider guide to get the most out of your first trip to this unique national park.

When is the best time to visit Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park? 

There isn’t an especially bad time to visit the park, which sees nearly two million visitors annually. The weather on the Islands doesn’t vary much, with temperatures fluctuating between 66-85°F throughout the year. Winter and early spring, though, tend to be rainier and cooler than other times of the year and hurricane season runs from June to November, which can mean tropical storms, whipping winds and torrential rain.

The busiest travel seasons in Hawaiʻi are summer and winter – summer is peak vacation time for families and winter lures travelers eager to escape colder climes. Expect more people on trails and longer waits for parking during these periods.

Spring and fall are slower travel months and ideal times to visit the park. Trekking conditions are much more comfortable without the intense summer heat and you’ll likely find better airfare prices and hotel rates at nearby hotels. The park does get a surge of visitors during spring break and around the weekend of the annual Merrie Monarch Festival , a week-long hula competition based in Hilo around late March or early April.

Tuesday is the busiest day at the park – pick another day if at all possible. This is when the Pride of America , a cruise ship that sails around the Islands, docks in Hilo. Many of its 2000 passengers head to the national park, hitting popular stops like the Kīlauea Visitor Center , the Kīlauea Iki Trail , and Nāhuku (otherwise known as Thurston Lava Tube ). Winter brings yet more cruise ships to Hawaiʻi Island as thousands of North Pacific humpback whales migrate annually from Alaska to the warmer waters surrounding the Islands.

Though Kīlauea stopped erupting on Sept 16, 2023, the volcano still attracts visitors despite no visible lava fountains or flows. And it’s likely it will erupt again – the Puʻuʻōʻō eruption, which began in 1983 and lasted 35 years, ranks as the longest and most voluminous known outpouring of lava from Kīlauea’s east rift zone in more than 500 years. “If there is an eruption,” says Jessica Ferracane, the park’s spokesperson, “it is busy all day, every day, especially if it’s at the summit of Kīlauea.”

Planning tip: The park is currently undergoing a big disaster recovery project following the 2018 Kīlauea eruption and summit collapse. There could be temporary area closures, lane closures, reduced parking and other limited services for the next two years. Check the park website to check for construction closures and delays . 

Find out everything you need to know about what's happening in Hawaii throughout the year in  our guide to the best time to visit the Aloha State

How much time should I plan to spend at the park?

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park may not be as huge as Alaska’s 13.2-million-acre Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve – larger than Yellowstone National Park, Yosemite National Park and Switzerland combined – but it does stretch from sea level to the summit of 13,681-ft Mauna Loa and across seven different ecological zones. You’ll need at least a full day to explore all the best parts of the park but two days are even better. 

Park staff recommend that visitors arrive by sunrise to hit the park’s most popular trails first – it's open 24 hours to allow everyone to maximize their time. Dusk is also a wonderful time to go exploring – the lack of light pollution provides dark skies that are perfect for stargazing.

There are a variety of hikes within the national park, from the easy 1.2-mile Kīpukapuaulu Trail to the challenging backcountry treks up Mauna Loa that can take two days. And having an extra day means you can visit the park’s quieter and less crowded Kahuku Unit on the southerly slopes of Mauna Loa. This 116,000-acre former ranchland is about an hour's drive from the Kīlauea Visitor Center and is open to the public five days a week. You can hike to the top of an old cinder cone, trek through a pristine Hawaiian rainforest or bike through scenic pastures with panoramic views of the ranchlands.

The tiny town of Volcano Village just outside the park is also well worth a visit, with its laid-back eateries and food trucks, art galleries, and  a vineyard and winery .

Is it easy to get in and around the park?

The nearest airport is Hilo International, about 30 miles northeast of the park (you can fly into the Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keāhole, but the drive from Kailua-Kona will take about two hours). Getting to the park from Hilo is easy – take Route 11 (Hawaiʻi Belt Road) west until you reach the main entrance. The drive takes about 45 minutes.

Hele-On Bus is the island’s only public bus service, operated by Hawaiʻi County. The No. 11 Red Line runs between Hilo and Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, stopping daily at the Kīlauea Visitor Center. The bus schedule is subject to change, so check ahead. There is no public transportation or shuttle service within the park, so you’ll need a car to get around.

Top things to do at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

Kīlauea iki trail.

One of the most popular hikes in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is the 4-mile roundtrip Kīlauea Iki Trail. The terrain is varied – it starts in a forest of native ʻōhiʻa trees and hapuʻu (Hawaiian tree fern) and ends with a walk across an otherworldly crater floor – and it’s short enough to complete in a few hours, giving you plenty of time to visit other parts of the park.

The trailhead is at an overlook of the crater formed from an eruption in 1959 that was marked by fountaining lava over a half-mile long and a plume reaching a world-record 1900ft high. The first part of the trail is a descent through a lush rainforest lined with native ʻōhiʻa and koa trees. Look for the white-rumped ʻapapanae , a nectarivorous Hawaiian honeycreeper, often found flitting from tree to tree. The switchbacks end at the crater floor, a vast moonscape that sharply contrasts with the surrounding native forests.

This lava tube – also known as Thurston Lava Tube – was created by a river of 2000°F (1093°C) molten lava about 500 years ago. Discovered in 1913, this massive lava cave is very accessible, with a flat rock floor and ceiling height of more than 20ft in places. Electric lights illuminate most of the path, though you may want to bring a flashlight – it takes about 20 minutes to stroll through the tube. The rainforest that surrounds Nāhuku is brimming with native birds, including the scarlet ʻiʻiwi , a Hawaiian honeycreeper listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act.

Hōlei Sea Arch

At the end of the Chain of Craters Road – about 18 miles from the Kīlauea Visitor Center – is the Hōlei Sea Arch , a 90-ft-tall rock formation cut into the cliff of an ancient lava flow about 550 years ago. In 2020, the park opened a new viewing area about 1000ft past the gate at the end of the road and set back away from the cliff edge.

Puʻuloa Petroglyphs

There’s an area of Pānau Nui on the southern flank of Kīlauea with numerous pecked images, or petroglyphs, in the hardened lava. Puʻuloa, which translates to “long hill” in ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi (the Hawaiian language), is a sacred place to Native Hawaiians. The archaeological site here boasts more than 23,000 petroglyphs – the largest collection in Hawaiʻi – with motifs of circles, canoe sails, human forms, feathered capes and other geometric shapes.

Devastation Trail

This half-mile hike is suitable for everyone as it's wheelchair and stroller accessible. The paved path meanders through a stark yet beautiful landscape buried by falling cinder from lava fountains of the 1959 Kīlauea Iki eruption. You might find volcanic debris in the form of glass-like droplets and strands called Pele’s Tears and Pele’s Hair, respectively, named after the revered Hawaiian goddess of fire and volcanoes. Nēnē (Hawaiian geese) frequent this area; refrain from feeding or interacting with this threatened species.

My favorite thing to do at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

Unfortunately, there aren’t many places in Hawaiʻi where you find native forest birds anymore. Their populations have plummeted due to habitat destruction, predators like feral cats, mongoose and non-native mosquitoes that spread avian pox and avian malaria.

But at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, where native habitats are protected and able to thrive, you can see – and hear – a variety of these special birds, from the friendly ʻelepaio (Hawaiian flycatcher) to the elusive ʻōmaʻo (Hawaiian thrush), which can only be found in the montane rainforests on Hawaiʻi Island. The bright orange ʻākepa , an endangered Hawaiian honeycreeper with an odd-shaped beak, can be spotted in the high-elevation forests of the park’s Kahuku Unit. And if you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of the endemic ʻio , the only hawk species native to Hawaiʻi.

I love wandering along the 1.2-mile Kīpukapuaulu Trail, an easy loop through pristine native forestland in an area known as a “bird park.” A kīpuka is an area of land that’s surrounded by younger lava flows, like an “island” within a sea of lava. There are more native tree species per acre here than any other forest in the national park, which means you’ll find native forest birds that rely on the native trees that grow here.

How much money do I need?

Park entry costs $30 for a private car, $25 for a motorcycle, and $15 for pedestrians and cyclists. The park has gone cashless, so payment has to be made with debit or credit cards in person or online .

If you're also planning to visit Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park near Kailua-Kona or Haleakalā National Park on Maui, consider buying the Hawaiʻi Tri-Park Annual Pass for $55. This allows you to enter all three of these parks in a single, private vehicle.

The National Park Service offers free admission to everyone on the following days: Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the first day of National Park Week in April, Juneteenth, the Great American Outdoors Act, National Public Lands Day and Veterans Day.

Average costs at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

• Basic room for two at Volcano House: $80 to $385 per night
• Airbnb in Volcano: $150 average per night
• Cup of coffee: $3.50
• Midrange meal: $15-$20 per person
• Local beer: $10
• Gas (regular) in Hilo: $4.81 per gallon

How to travel in the park consciously

With two active volcanoes and ongoing construction to repair damage caused by the 2018 Kīlauea eruption, it’s important to stay on marked trails and overlooks and keep out of closed areas. And no matter what you may have seen on social media, please leave the rocks alone and unstacked. Park staff often use ahu (stacked rocks) to mark trails; it’s not an invitation to do the same. Not only is it culturally insensitive but it can be disorienting to hikers who rely on the ahu to guide them along trails. It’s also long believed that taking lava rocks brings bad luck. Hundreds of people return rocks they’ve taken from the park every year.

There are many culturally significant sites within the park, itself a Unesco World Heritage Site. These include petroglyphs, historic trails, fossilized footprints, shelter caves, heiau (Hawaiian temples) and stone walls of canoe sheds and corrals. Many of these sites are listed in the National Register of Historic Places – please be respectful when you get the chance to see them close up.

The land within the park is sacred to Native Hawaiians, with moʻolelo (stories) and mele (songs) tied to this area. They believe Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of fire and volcanoes, lives in Halemaʻumaʻu Crater at the summit of Kīlauea. If you come across Native Hawaiians performing cultural rituals in the park, keep a respectful distance. Let them – and others – connect undisturbed with nature.

This article was first published September 2021 and updated about 21 hours ago

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Tourists ruined this beautiful Hawaiian attraction — so it’s being demolished

Hikers in Hawaii will have to find a new way to reach the Heavens.

The legendary Haiku Staircase on Oahu, Hawaii will finally be demolished after tourists continued to trespass on the legendary landmark despite repeated warnings.

According to the Honolulu City Government, the iconic site will be torn down by the end of this month, making good on a motion that the city unanimously voted on in 2021.

“I can promise you that this was not a capricious decision,” Mayor Rick Blangiardi said in a press release. “This was a decision, when we came into office, that was long overdue.”

Often dubbed the “Stairway to Heaven,” the Haiku Staircase comprises a treacherously steep series of 3,922 steps that winds along a mountain range in Kaneohe, making hikers feel like they’re in the clouds.

Built during World War II by the US Navy, the landmark was shuttered in 1987 due to vandalism and littering . Any trespassers are currently liable for a $1,000 fine.

Despite the financial deterrent and the dangerous terrain, daredevils, sightseers and social media content creators continued to ascend the stairs.

In 2021, Hawaiian TikTokker Camille Leihulu posted a video chastising a travel TikToker, named Sofia McMillan who filmed herself allegedly accessing the feature.  

Council members claimed that the rampant trespassing made the Haiku Stairs an expensive and dangerous liability, and also encroached upon the local communities, among other factors, per the release.

“This decision that was made was predicated upon our respect for the people who live in and around the entrance to the stairs, our respect for our ʻāina [land and sea], and our respect for both the future and the past history of the culture of the Haʻikū community,” declared Mayor Blangiardi.

The demolition will reportedly take at least half a year and cost $2.5 million, the mayor’s office reported.

In the interim, it’s best that people steer clear of the staircase.

“While the actual removal of stairway modules will not begin until later this month, the modules are being prepared for removal and present an immediate safety threat for anyone trespassing along the trail,” officials warned in the release.

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