How much does it cost to get into Hawaii Volcanoes National Park?

The entrance fee is $30 per private vehicle, $25 per motorcycle, and $15 for pedestrians or bicyclists aged 16 and older. This pass is valid for seven consecutive days. The park entrance station is entirely cashless and only accepts credit or debit cards.

What time does Hawaii Volcanoes National Park open and close?

The main areas of the park are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The temporary Welcome Center is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., while the Kahuku Unit operates Thursday through Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

How do you get to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park from Hilo?

You can drive 30 miles southwest from Hilo International Airport along Highway 11, which takes about 45 minutes. Alternatively, the fare-free Hele-On Bus Route 11 runs daily from Hilo directly to the park, dropping passengers near Volcano House.

What should I pack for a trip to the volcanoes?

Bring sturdy closed-toe hiking shoes, long pants, and warm layers to handle quick shifts from hot sun to cold rain. When hiking the exposed lava fields, you must also carry and drink at least 3 to 4 quarts of water per person daily to prevent dehydration.

Is Hawaii Volcanoes National Park wheelchair accessible?

The Welcome Center, Volcano House, and Volcano Art Center are fully wheelchair accessible, and wheelchairs are available first-come, first-served at the Welcome Center. You can also access most of the Sulphur Banks Trail from the Steam Vents parking lot, and there is a short asphalt path at the Kīlauea Overlook.

Do I need a reservation or permit to camp in the park?

You do not need a park permit for the two drive-in campgrounds, though Namakanipaio offers cabins run by a concessionaire and Kulanaokuaiki is first-come, first-served. If you plan to camp overnight in the backcountry, your group leader must carry a signed permit obtained from the Backcountry Camping Permit Office.

Can I see active lava flowing in the park?

Lava visibility is never guaranteed because Kīlauea's volcanic activity changes rapidly. You must check the live USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory updates and National Park Service alerts to confirm the current eruption status and open viewing areas.

Where is the park visitor center located?

The main Kīlauea Visitor Center is closed for renovations until Summer 2026. A temporary Welcome Center is currently operating at the Kilauea Military Camp, located 1.2 miles away on Crater Rim Drive East.

How to Get to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Getting There

🚗

Rental Car from Hilo International Airport (ITO)

45 minutes $30 entrance fee (plus vehicle rental)

Drive southwest from Hilo along Highway 11 for 30 miles to reach the main park entrance. Reserve a vehicle directly at Hilo Airport, as the park itself has no rental facilities inside its boundaries. The 45-minute drive grants access to 106 miles of paved park roads, including the 3,700-foot descent down Chain of Craters Road. The entrance fee is $30 per private vehicle, payable only by credit or debit card at the cashless gate. Parking lots at major trailheads like Nāhuku fill completely between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Arrive before 9:00 a.m. or after 4:00 p.m. to secure a spot and avoid the midday crowds.

+ Direct access to 106 miles of paved park roads+ Allows for flexible night visits to view the crater glow - Midday parking at popular trailheads is highly competitive- No rental vehicles are available inside the park

🚌

Public Bus from Hilo

1 hour 15 minutes Free bus fare (plus $15 park entry)

Hawaiʻi County operates the fare-free Hele-On Bus daily between Hilo and the park. Board the Route 11 Red Line in Hilo for the 75-minute, 30-mile journey. The bus drops passengers near the 1846 Volcano House hotel at the second entrance to Kīlauea. From this drop-off, visitors have immediate access to the caldera rim and nearby trails. Pedestrian entry requires a $15 fee per person at the gate, though children 15 and under enter free. Plan your hiking time carefully, as the bus is the only public transit option back to Hilo.

+ Completely fare-free transportation from Hilo+ Drops off directly at Volcano House and the caldera rim - Takes 30 minutes longer than driving a private vehicle- No vehicle access to the 18.8-mile Chain of Craters Road

🚕

Taxi / Rideshare from Hilo International Airport (ITO)

45 minutes Up to $300 (plus $30 park entry)

Travelers can hire a taxi or rideshare directly from Hilo International Airport for the 30-mile drive southwest. The route follows Highway 11 straight to the cashless park entrance station. Fares reach up to $300, and the $30 private vehicle entrance fee still applies to the ride. Dropping off at the temporary Welcome Center at Kilauea Military Camp puts you 1.2 miles from the closed Kīlauea Visitor Center. Relying on a drop-off service means you must navigate the summit overlooks on foot. Coordinate your return transportation in advance to avoid being stranded after dark.

+ Avoids parking competition at popular trailheads+ Direct 45-minute drive from Hilo International Airport - High cost reaching up to $300- Navigating the 354,461-acre park on foot is difficult without a vehicle

🚲

Bicycle / Walking from Volcano Village

5 minutes $15 entrance fee

Volcano Village sits just five minutes outside the park's main entrance, making a short walk or bike ride a practical approach. The park charges a $15 per-person entry fee for cyclists and pedestrians aged 16 and older, while children 15 and under enter free. Once inside, cyclists share the 106 miles of park roads with vehicle traffic. Weather shifts rapidly from hot sunshine to cold mist and rain near the summit. Carry and drink at least three to four quarts of water daily to prevent severe dehydration.

+ Half the cost of a private vehicle pass+ Immediate access from Volcano Village accommodations - Exposure to unpredictable tropical weather and heavy rain- High risk of dehydration on exposed lava fields

Parking & Arrival

Vehicle parking is included in the $30 cashless entrance fee, with accessible spaces at the Steam Vents lot and key overlooks.

Lots at popular trailheads like Nāhuku and Kīlauea Iki fill completely between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Arrive before 9:00 a.m. to secure a spot, or use the fare-free Hele-On transit bus, which drops passengers directly at Volcano House.

Quick Reference

From	Mode	Time	Cost	Tip
Hilo International Airport (ITO)	Car	45 minutes	Up to $300 for rental or taxi	Drive southwest on Highway 11 directly to the main entrance. Reserve vehicles at the airport because the park has no rental facilities.
Hilo	Bus	1 hour 15 minutes	Free	Board the Hele-On Route 11 Red Line. The bus drops passengers at the intersection near Volcano House.
Volcano Village	Car	5 minutes	Varies	This settlement borders the main entrance. Enter before 9:00 a.m. to secure parking at heavily trafficked trailheads like Nāhuku.
Rainbow Falls	Car	45 minutes	Varies	Leave the 80-foot waterfall in Hilo and head southwest on Highway 11. Pack 3 to 4 quarts of water per person if hiking the exposed lava fields upon arrival.
Mauna Kea	Car	2 hours	Varies	Descend from the alpine observatories and drive south. Time your arrival for after dark to view the volcanic glow over Halemaʻumaʻu Crater.

Travel Tips

Time Your Arrival

Arrive before 9:00 a.m. or after 4:00 p.m. to secure parking at popular trailheads like Nāhuku and Kīlauea Iki. Lots fill completely between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Visiting after dark skips the daytime traffic and reveals the volcanic glow over Halemaʻumaʻu Crater.

Ride the Free Bus

Ride the fare-free Hele-On Bus Route 11 from Hilo to reach the park without a rental car. The 75-minute trip drops passengers near Volcano House at the second Kīlauea entrance. Renting a vehicle requires doing so at Hilo Airport, as none are available inside park boundaries.

Prepare for Cashless Entry

Pay the $30 private vehicle entrance fee using a credit or debit card. The park entrance station is entirely cashless. Budget travelers can skip this fee by visiting on designated fee-free days in April, August, September, or November.

Find the Welcome Center

Drive 1.2 miles past the closed Kīlauea Visitor Center to find the temporary Welcome Center on Crater Rim Drive East. The original facility remains under renovation until Summer 2026. Staff at the Kilauea Military Camp location operate daily from 9:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.

Check Live Volcano Alerts

Review live USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory updates and NPS alerts before making the 30-mile drive from Hilo. High volcanic activity frequently forces sudden closures of popular overlooks. Heavy vog and sulfur dioxide can accumulate in the summit area, requiring immediate evacuation for anyone with respiratory issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I drive to the park from Hilo International Airport?

Drive 30 miles southwest along Highway 11 directly to the main entrance. The trip takes about 45 minutes by rental car or taxi. Reserve your vehicle at the airport, as no rentals are available inside the park.

Is there public transportation to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park?

The fare-free Hele-On Bus runs daily from Hilo to the park. Route 11, known as the Red Line, takes 1 hour and 15 minutes. The bus drops passengers off at the intersection of Volcano House and the second entrance to Kīlauea.

How much does it cost to enter the park by car?

Private vehicles cost $30 for a seven-day pass covering up to 14 passengers. The entrance station is entirely cashless and accepts only credit or debit cards. Plan around fee-free days in April, August, September, and November to bypass this charge completely.

When is the best time to arrive for parking at popular trailheads?

Arrive before 9:00 a.m. or after 4:00 p.m. to secure a spot. Parking lots at Nāhuku and Kīlauea Iki fill up rapidly between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Night visits also bypass heavy daytime traffic and offer clear views of the volcanic glow over Halemaʻumaʻu Crater.

What time does the park entrance open?

The main park areas remain open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Vehicles can pass through the gates at any time, including all holidays. The temporary Welcome Center at Kilauea Military Camp operates on a stricter schedule, opening daily from 9:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.

When can I visit the Kahuku Unit?

The Kahuku Unit opens Thursday through Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. There is no entrance fee required to access this 150-year-old former cattle ranch on the slopes of Mauna Loa. The main gates here remain locked Monday through Wednesday.

What are the entry fees for motorcycles, bicyclists, and pedestrians?

Motorcycles cost $25, which admits up to two bikes and four passengers. Pedestrians and bicyclists pay $15, though children 15 and under enter free. Commercial mini-buses with 16 to 25 seats face a $100 charge at the gate.