Things To Do – Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Pu’u HuluHulu. This is an easy, spectacular trail that begins at the Mauna Ulu parking lot a short way down the Chain of Craters road. The trail winds its way through a pretty pahoehoe lava area studded with Ohelo berry bushes. Ohelo berries are a favorite of Nene geese, Hawaii’s endangered state bird, so lucky hikers and birdwatchers may find this an ideal spot to watch for this elusive species. The trail continues slightly uphill, then climbs a larger hill. This area is a kipuka - a mass of land that the lava went around and left the forest intact. From the top of the hill there are great views to the Puʻu Ōō vent, and closer views of the steaming Napau Crater. Total distance: about two miles round trip.

Kīlauea Iki Trail. For the more adventurous hiker, Kīlauea Iki Trail provides a fascinating look at the Kīlauea Iki crater lava lake, which, despite being solidified, still emits steam. You’ll navigate a beautiful rainforest before descending into the crater, spotting stacked ahu along the way to mark the trail. This hike features some of the volcano’s most interesting features, including steam vents and cinder and spatter cones. Because the hike includes a steep and rocky path, hikers will want to be prepared for a challenging walk and come prepared with proper gear and clothing for multiple weather conditions. Total distance: about four miles round trip.

Mauna Kea Observatory has a visitor center at 10,000 ft. accessed via the Saddle Road. The visitor center has restrooms, a gift shop, and usually a couple telescopes you can look through. To continue up to the summit at over 13,800 ft, a 4x4 vehicle with low range transmission is required. The professional telescopes at the summit are beautiful to behold but not open to the public. The “brains” for the telescopes are located in the Hilo Technology Park. You will also find a great museum there, the ʻImiloa Astronomy Center.