Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park: A Journey Through History and 2025’s Current Volcanic Activity

On the southeastern flank of Hawaiʻi Island lies one of the world’s most spectacular living landscapes: Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Here, earth’s primal forces are on constant display, reshaping the Big Island in real time as fiery lava meets the sea, a reminder that Hawaiʻi is still being born.

In 2025, the park remains a wonder for scientists, locals, and visitors alike. The year has already brought renewed volcanic activity, drawing curious travelers eager to see Pele’s handiwork firsthand. But before you head to the park, it’s worth understanding its deep history, cultural importance, and what’s happening on the ground today.

Let’s dive into how this incredible national park came to be, and what you need to know if you plan to explore its living, breathing volcanic landscape this year.

A Brief History of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

Established in 1916, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park was one of the very first national parks in the United States and the first in a U.S. territory. Its creation reflected both scientific interest and cultural respect for the dynamic forces at work on Hawaiʻi Island.

Spanning more than 330,000 acres from sea level to the summit of 13,677-foot Mauna Loa, the park protects a massive swath of land shaped by millions of years of volcanic eruptions.

Two of the world’s most active volcanoes dominate the park:

• Kīlauea, one of the most studied volcanoes on Earth, whose summit caldera, Halemaʻumaʻu, has long been considered the home of Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of volcanoes.

• Mauna Loa, the largest volcano on Earth by volume, with eruptions documented since 1843.

Beyond geology, the park preserves sacred sites, cultural trails, and petroglyph fields that reveal how Native Hawaiians lived alongside these awe-inspiring forces for centuries.

In 1987, UNESCO named Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park a World Biosphere Reserve, and in 1980, it earned the status of a World Heritage Site, recognizing its global importance.

For a more in-depth look, visit the official National Park Service site.

Cultural Significance: Pele’s Domain

For Native Hawaiians, these volcanoes are not just scientific marvels — they are sacred. Halemaʻumaʻu Crater, for example, is believed to be the dwelling place of Pele, the powerful volcano goddess.

Chants, hula, and moʻolelo (oral histories) celebrate Pele’s creative and destructive powers, which continuously renew the land. When visitors stand at the crater’s rim today, they are witnessing a living Hawaiian spiritual site as much as a geological wonder.

Cultural protocols encourage visitors to show respect: never remove lava rocks, never leave trash, and observe silence at certain sacred overlooks.

To learn more about Pele and cultural practices, check out the resources at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Cultural Resources.

Volcanic Activity in 2025

As of June 2025, Kīlauea is experiencing a new eruptive phase that began in late 2024. Lava activity has been fluctuating in Halemaʻumaʻu Crater and along its summit vents, with occasional lava lake breakouts providing incredible, but carefully monitored, viewing opportunities.

The park service has set up safe viewing areas around Kīlauea’s summit, though conditions change daily. Always check for updates before you go on the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory website.

Meanwhile, Mauna Loa, after its dramatic 2022–2023 eruptions, is currently quiet, with only minor seismic tremors reported so far in 2025. Park scientists continue close monitoring, as Mauna Loa’s massive slopes pose hazards even during quiet periods.

Visitors should remain vigilant and check the NPS volcano conditions page for closures, air quality advisories (due to vog, volcanic smog), and trail restrictions.

What to See and Do in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

Whether the lava is flowing or not, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park offers unforgettable experiences. Here are some of the top highlights:

 Crater Rim Drive & Kīlauea Visitor Center
Start here to get oriented with ranger-led talks, cultural exhibits, and current eruption safety updates.

 Devastation Trail
This easy trail offers a firsthand look at how Kīlauea’s 1959 eruption reshaped the forest into a stark, otherworldly landscape.

 Thurston Lava Tube (Nāhuku)
Walk through a tunnel left by a centuries-old lava flow, with lush rainforest right outside.

 Chain of Craters Road
A scenic drive descending from the summit to the sea, where old lava flows have buried roads and created blackened coastal plains.

 Puʻu Loa Petroglyphs
See ancient Hawaiian carvings etched into hardened lava, an extraordinary cultural and archaeological site.

 Halemaʻumaʻu Crater Overlooks
If the summit is active, this is the top lava-viewing opportunity — but check park rules before approaching.

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Guided Tours & Opportunities

For those who prefer expert guidance, consider reputable tours that include knowledgeable local perspectives and safe lava-viewing strategies. A few top choices:

• Hawaii Forest & Trail — Known for high-quality guided hikes and naturalist-led excursions.

• Volcano Discovery Hawaii — Offers specialized geological tours of current eruptions.

• Epic Lava Tours — Led by local guides with a focus on up-close (safe) lava experiences.

Many hotels and visitor centers on the Big Island also partner with licensed local guides to ensure responsible and respectful exploration of these culturally rich landscapes.

Visitor Tips for 2025

 Stay Updated — Always check HVO daily updates and park alerts before your visit.

 Dress Prepared — Bring sturdy shoes, rain gear, sunscreen, and plenty of water; weather changes fast at elevation.

 Respect Sacred Sites — Remember this is Pele’s home; leave rocks, plants, and cultural sites untouched.

 Book Early — Summer and holiday seasons see high demand, so reserve accommodations and tours well in advance.

 Air Quality — If you have respiratory issues, check vog (volcanic smog) conditions before planning your day near an active vent.

Final Thoughts

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is more than a geological wonder — it is a living cultural landscape where Hawaiian traditions and science meet on sacred ground. In 2025, visitors have a rare chance to witness fresh lava flows and powerful earth-making processes, but only if they travel with care, respect, and cultural awareness.

Whether you’re walking through a rainforest alive with birdsong, standing at the edge of a glowing crater, or learning stories of Pele from a local guide, this remarkable park offers an unforgettable glimpse into the beating volcanic heart of Hawaiʻi.