Visiting Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park in Eruption

Visiting Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park During Kīlauea Eruptions and Supporting Local Businesses

Few places in the world capture the imagination quite like Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, home to Kīlauea and Mauna Loa, two of the most active volcanoes on Earth. When Kīlauea erupts—as it has multiple times in recent decades—it draws travelers from around the world, eager to witness the raw creation of new land.

But visiting during an eruption is not just about adventure. It’s also about respecting Hawaiian culture, following safety guidelines, and supporting the local communities whose lives are intertwined with the volcano. This guide explores how to visit Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park during a Kīlauea eruption and how to ensure your travel leaves a positive impact.

The Power and Presence of Kīlauea

Kīlauea, located on Hawaiʻi Island (the Big Island), has been erupting intermittently for centuries. The 1983–2018 eruption created nearly 9 miles of new coastline, reshaping neighborhoods and displacing families. Since then, Kīlauea has experienced new periods of activity, with eruptions in 2020, 2021, 2023, and beyond.

For Native Hawaiians, Kīlauea is not just geology—it is sacred. The volcano is considered the home of Pelehonuamea (Pele), the Hawaiian goddess of fire, creation, and volcanoes. To witness the lava is to witness her power, and that experience should always be approached with reverence.

Visiting Volcanoes National Park During an Eruption

When Kīlauea is active, parts of the national park offer safe vantage points to view lava fountains, glowing skylines, or active flows.

Where to See the Eruption

• Halemaʻumaʻu Crater: Located within the Kīlauea caldera, Halemaʻumaʻu has been a primary site for recent lava lake activity. Visitors can often see the red glow from overlooks like Kīlauea Overlook or Devastation Trail.
• Crater Rim Drive: Portions of this drive open and close depending on volcanic activity. It’s one of the most accessible routes to see eruption sites.
• Chain of Craters Road: While not always active with flows, this road leads down to the ocean where past eruptions reshaped the coastline.

Safety Tips

• Stay on designated trails and overlooks. Venturing into closed areas is both illegal and dangerous.
• Respect closures. Gases, unstable ground, and lava bench collapses can be deadly.
• Check daily updates. The National Park Service provides real-time eruption information and road closures on its official website.
• Bring proper gear. Good walking shoes, water, and a flashlight are essential for nighttime lava viewing.

Cultural Respect at the Volcano

Visiting during an eruption means witnessing more than a natural phenomenon—you are stepping into a cultural landscape sacred to Native Hawaiians.

• Respect Pele. Avoid treating the lava as a spectacle alone. For many, this is a spiritual encounter.
• Don’t take rocks or sand. Removing lava stones is considered both disrespectful and bad luck.
• Observe cultural practices. You may see locals leaving offerings such as leis, ti leaves, or food at overlooks. Be respectful—these are acts of reverence, not tourist displays.
• Learn before you go. Visit the Kīlauea Visitor Center or attend ranger-led cultural programs to understand the deeper meaning of the landscape.
• Supporting Local Businesses in Volcano and Beyond

The communities surrounding the park rely heavily on visitors for their livelihoods. When eruptions disrupt normal life, local businesses often suffer. By choosing to shop, eat, and stay locally, you directly contribute to their resilience.

Volcano Village

Nestled just outside the park entrance, Volcano Village is a charming, rainforest community with small inns, cafés, and art galleries.

• Cafés & Restaurants: Try ʻŌhelo Café for farm-to-table dining or grab coffee and pastries from Volcano Coffee House.
• Art Galleries: The Volcano Art Center showcases local artists inspired by the volcano’s landscapes and Hawaiian culture.
• Lodging: Family-run bed and breakfasts or small lodges provide alternatives to larger resorts and keep money in the community.
• Hilo

Located about 45 minutes from the park, Hilo is the Big Island’s largest town and a hub for supporting local businesses.

• Farmers Markets: The Hilo Farmers Market features local produce, crafts, and prepared foods.
• Local Shops: Support artisans making jewelry, lauhala weaving, and Hawaiian clothing.
• Dining: From poke shops to family-owned restaurants, Hilo is full of authentic flavors.

Puna District

This region was directly impacted by the 2018 eruption, and supporting local businesses here is a meaningful way to help recovery. Many tour companies, small farms, and retreat centers welcome visitors who want to explore responsibly.

Alternative Activities in the Park

Even if lava isn’t visible, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park offers plenty of awe-inspiring experiences:

• Thurston Lava Tube (Nāhuku): A walk-through lava tube formed by ancient flows.
• Kīlauea Iki Trail: A hike across a crater floor frozen in time from a 1959 eruption.
• Mauna Loa Lookout: Panoramic views of the world’s largest volcano.
• Petroglyphs (Puʻuloa): Sacred carvings left by Native Hawaiians centuries ago.

These sites offer a chance to connect with the land beyond the spectacle of active lava.

How to Be a Responsible Visitor

1. Book local tours. Guided experiences run by Native Hawaiian or local operators enrich your visit with cultural context.
2. Stay green. Use reef-safe sunscreen and reduce waste; the fragile environment around the park deserves care.
3. Respect community boundaries. Not all areas affected by lava are open to the public—avoid trespassing on private or restricted lands.
4. Support recovery funds. Some organizations continue to assist families impacted by past eruptions. Consider donating if you want to give back.

Why Your Visit Matters

After major eruptions, some travelers hesitate to visit the Big Island, fearing disruption or danger. But responsible tourism is exactly what keeps the island’s economy strong. When you:

• Stay in Volcano Village,
• Eat at local restaurants,
• Buy art from Hawaiian artists,
• Or take tours with family-run companies,

…you ensure that recovery isn’t just about rebuilding land, but about sustaining the people who call this place home.

Final Thoughts

Visiting Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park during a Kīlauea eruption is an unforgettable experience—where you can watch Earth being created before your eyes. But it’s also an opportunity to engage deeply with Hawaiian culture, to show respect for Pele and her sacred landscapes, and to support the communities who live in the shadow of the volcano.

Travel here with humility and aloha. Take only memories, give back by supporting local businesses, and leave with a deeper appreciation for the living, breathing land of Hawaiʻi Island.

In doing so, your journey becomes more than sightseeing—it becomes part of the story of resilience, renewal, and respect at the heart of Hawaiʻi.