Trek Across Lava Fields in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park
- SAMPLE ITINERARY
- Jun 12
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 4
Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park is where the Big Island breathes fire—literally. Home to Kīlauea, one of the world’s most active volcanoes, the park offers a front-row seat to the raw power that continues to shape Hawai‘i in real time. Ancient lava flows stretch for miles, new land emerges from molten rock, and at the heart of it all is Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of fire and creation, still believed to reside within the volcano’s fiery core.
Exploring the park means walking through a living, changing landscape—one that’s both sacred and geologically unmatched. And beyond the park, the Big Island delivers again with white- and black-sand beaches, high-altitude hikes up Mauna Kea, and lush trails through Hilo’s rainforest, waterfalls, and wild coastline. It’s a place where nature is on full (sometimes fiery) display.
If you're drawn to the islands—and the fire—our trusted travel partners and destination experts can help you find the perfect stay to keep you close to the action.
ACTIVITY: Private Hike to the Volcano
On this private tour, local guides craft a fully personalized adventure tailored to your interests, pace, and priorities—whether that means more hiking, more history, or just taking it all in.
As you explore the otherworldly terrain of Volcanoes National Park, your guide will bring the landscape to life with stories of Hawaiian culture, legends of Pele, and insights into the island’s unique botany, geology, and ongoing volcanic activity. You might walk across vast lava fields, stand at the edge of steaming craters, or pass through misty fern forests alive with birdsong. If conditions are right, you'll even glimpse the glow—or shimmer—of the lava lake, especially dramatic in the pre-dawn or twilight hours. It's a journey into the heart of the island, past and present.
ACTIVITY: Visit the Volcano Art Center
Local art and culture come alive at the Volcano Art Center, located in the historic 1877 Volcano House Hotel within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Operating under a cooperative agreement with the National Park Service, the Volcano Art Center Gallery has been a creative hub for visual artists since 1974.
The dynamic, powerful Kīlauea environment has inspired the Hawaiian people—and their crafts, songs, dances, and legends—for centuries. Today, the center continues that legacy, drawing artists, performers, writers, scientists, and educators from around the world.
Visitors can browse a curated collection of fine art by local creators, attend cultural demonstrations, join workshops on everything from hula to printmaking, and learn about the deep connection between Hawaiian culture and the volcanic landscape. It’s not just a gallery—it’s a living celebration of art, nature, and tradition.
ACTIVITY: Visit Nearby Volcano Village
Just a few minutes from the entrance to Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, the town of Volcano feels like a quiet, mist-covered hideout tucked into the rainforest. Small but full of character, it’s the kind of place where coffee shops double as art galleries, and locals know the latest lava updates better than the news.
Whether you’re browsing local crafts, wandering through native gardens, or just soaking up the cool, peaceful vibe under a canopy of ʻōhiʻa trees. It’s low-key, off-the-radar, and exactly where you want to be after a day exploring fire and stone.
