Located on the Big Island of Hawaii, Volcanoes National Park is an incredible place to experience the power and wonder of volcanoes. With over 150 miles of hiking trails winding through volcanic craters, rainforests, and lava fields, it’s a camper’s paradise. In this article we talk abut Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii- Your Complete guide for camping.
Where to Camp in Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park has two drive-in campgrounds that provide a home base for exploring the park. The campgrounds offer tent and RV camping with picnic tables, fire pits, and restroom facilities.
Namakanipaio Campground is located at 4,000 feet elevation on the southwestern rim of Kilauea Caldera. It offers camping amongst a forest of native ohia trees with views looking down into the caldera. There are 10 first-come, first-served tent sites.
Kulanaokuaiki Campground sits on the Hilina Pali road, just minutes from the active lava flows. This secluded campground has 5 tent sites and is also first-come, first-served. Be aware that this area can get quite windy.
Backcountry camping is also allowed in Volcanoes National Park with a free permit. There are designated campsites along the Crater Rim Trail, Mauna Loa Trail, and remote coastal areas. Backpacking gives you access to remote, untouched areas of the park.
When to Visit Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park enjoys mild weather all year, making it ideal for camping. Average temperatures range from 46°F in winter to 81°F in summer. Elevations span from sea level to over 13,000 feet, creating diverse microclimates. The highest chance of rain is November-March.
Peak visitation is during the summer and around holidays. For more solitude, plan your camping trip during the spring and fall. Be aware that weather can be unpredictable, especially at higher elevations, so pack layers.
Must-Do Activities While Camping in Volcanoes National Park
Hiking Through Lava Tubes
Nāhuku, also known as the Thurston Lava Tube, is a prime example of a lava tube created by an ancient lava flow. You can take a short, paved walk through the impressive 500-year old lava cave. For a more rugged experience, hike out to the Kaumana Lava Tubes-a series of wild, undeveloped lava tubes to explore.
Seeing Kīlauea Caldera After Dark
Visit the overlook at the Jaggar Museum after sunset and you might be lucky enough to witness the dramatic glow of Halemaʻumaʻu Crater rising up from the depths of Kīlauea Caldera. This collapsed lava lake explodes into light, giving visitors a glimpse of Pele, the Hawaiian volcano goddess.
Hiking the Kīlauea Iki Trail
Kīlauea Iki Trail traverses the crater left behind after the 1959 eruption of Kīlauea Iki. Walk across the crater floor past steaming vents to see how plant life has returned to what was once a sea of molten lava. It’s an easy 4-mile loop hike with fascinating volcanic scenery.
Driving the Chain of Craters Road
This 19-mile road descends 3,700 feet towards the coast, passing many craters and lava flows along the way. Stop at the overlooks for scenic vistas of the lava entering the sea. During eruptions, portions of the road can be covered with fresh flows.
Stargazing from Mauna Loa
At 13,697 feet, Mauna Loa is one of the best places in Hawaii for astronomical observing. The combination of high elevation, clear skies, and lack of light pollution creates prime night sky viewing. Bring a telescope if you have one!
Essential Information for Visiting Volcanoes National Park
Entrance Fees
Private vehicles are $30 and individual hikers/bikers are $15. Interagency annual passes are accepted.
Camping Fees
Frontcountry campsites are $15 per night. Backcountry camping requires a free permit.
Cell Service & WiFi
Cell service and wifi is extremely limited in the park. Expect to be off-the-grid while camping. Download maps ahead of time.
Dining
There are snack bars at the Volcano House and Namakanipaio Campground store. The closest full-service restaurants are in the town of Volcano, just outside the park. Bring food to cook at your campsite.
Gas Stations
Fill up your tank before entering the park. There is no gas available inside Volcanoes National Park.
Grocery Stores
Pick up any last-minute camping supplies at Cooper Center Volcano Store just a few miles from the park entrance.
Safety Tips When Visiting Volcanoes National Park
– Check current lava conditions and closures at the visitor center before hiking or driving to flow sites. Approach flows ONLY in designated areas.
– Always stay on marked trails and away from cliff edges, steam vents, and hazardous ground. Ground can be extremely fragile over lava tubes and caves.
– Be prepared for intense sun, heat, humidity, and tropical storms with layers, sun protection, and plenty of drinking water.
– Watch out for giant craters, cracks, and fissures which can emit harmful volcanic gases when exploring lava fields and old flows.
– Heed warning signs and barricades. Don’t cross safety boundaries without authorization.
Packing List for Camping in Volcanoes National Park
Camping Essentials: Tent, sleeping bags, camping stove, lanterns, headlamps, camp chairs, toilet paper
Clothing/Outerwear: Lightweight pants, long sleeve shirts, fleece, rain jacket, extra socks
Hiking Gear: Sturdy shoes/boots, daypack, hiking poles, binoculars
Safety: Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, first aid kit, multi-tool, insect repellent
Food/Water: Reusable water bottles, water filter/treatment, non-perishable snacks, camping meals
Miscellaneous: Cash (for store), phone charger, towel, camera, stargazing app
Have an Amazing Camping Adventure in Volcanoes National Park!
With rugged volcanic landscapes, excellent hiking trails, fascinating geologic formations, and the chance to witness lava flows after dark, Volcanoes National Park is a magical place to pitch your tent. Follow this guide to enjoy an unforgettable camping trip surrounded by the incredible forces of Hawaiian volcanoes. From witnessing a lava lake glow to stargazing from 13,000 feet, Volcanoes National Park will give you memories to last a lifetime. I sincerely hope you find this “Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii- Your Complete guide for camping” article helpful.
