Visitors are being encouraged to explore these lesser-known parts of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park during the busy summer months. Located on Hawai’i the Big Island, the popular park protects two active volcanoes: Kilauea and Mauna Loa.
Visitors are being encouraged to explore these lesser-known parts of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park Image: ©Maridav/Shutterstock
On 11 May 2018, Kilauea experienced an unprecedented eruption that forced the closure of most of the park until 22 September, the longest closure in the park’s history. At present, visitation is increasing, and this is causing an issue with parking at popular areas along Kīlauea summit. As this leads to frustration and citations for illegal parking, the National Parks Service has offered tips to visitors to make the most of their visit during times of congestion.
A waterfall cascading from the tree-covered hillside in distance in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. Image by ©Tan Yilmaz/Getty Images
One piece of advice is that those who really wish to explore the summit attractions should do so before 10am or after 3pm. Otherwise, to avoid the crowds, NPS advises visitors to turn left at the entrance station to head down the 19-mile Chain of Craters Road towards the park’s dramatic lava-covered coast. You can stop at the crater pullouts along the way, explore Mauna Ulu fissure eruption and Pu‘u Loa Petroglyphs, and enjoy scenic overlooks and the Hōlei Sea Arch. Almost all of the sights along Chain of Craters Road have ample parking around the clock.
A fissure cave at Mauna Ulu at Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. Image: NPS Photo/Janice Wei
Those who are planning to hike the four-mile Kīlauea Iki Trail should aim to be there at 7am as it’s one of the most scenic and popular trails in the park. Mauna Loa Road is well worth exploring during peak hours, especially in good weather. Kīpukapuaulu offers an easy, forested hike, and the views are excellent along the way to the Mauna Loa Overlook at 6662 feet. Visiting Kahuku is also recommended as it’s free, never crowded, and is open to the public Wednesday through Sunday.
Inside the Thurston Lava Tube in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Image: Robin Runck/Shutterstock
Check out a new page on the park’s website showing the parking status at popular locations throughout the day here.
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