Hawaiʻi's Volcano Parks
Sunrise above the clouds on Maui and active lava on the Big Island. You'll need a short inter-island flight.
Best time to visit · Hawaii
Best Time to Visit Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
Two of the world's most active volcanoes, and, if you're lucky, glowing lava.
The best time to visit Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is January–May and September–November. For great conditions with fewer people, aim for May and September through November. It's busiest in March, July, August and December.
Month by month
Jan PrimeFeb PrimeMar PrimeApr PrimeMay PrimeJun GoodJul GoodAug GoodSep PrimeOct PrimeNov PrimeDec Good
Best monthsJan–May, Sep–Nov
Best valueMay and Sep–Nov
BusiestMar, Jul, Aug and Dec
Established1916
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes by season
Winter Prime
Peak travel season. It's cool and rainy at the summit (4,000 feet), so bring a rain jacket.
Spring Prime
Shoulder season, and a great time to visit.
Summer Good
Busy with family travel. Weather is generally good.
Fall Prime
Shoulder season, with good weather and fewer crowds.
What to do
- See Kīlauea's summit caldera (and the glow, if erupting)
- Drive Chain of Craters Road to the sea arch
- Walk through Nāhuku (Thurston Lava Tube)
- Hike the Kīlauea Iki crater floor
- Visit at night to look for lava glow
Local tip
Eruption activity changes constantly. Check the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory before your visit, and go after dark if there's a glow.
Good to know
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes contains two of the world's most active volcanoes, Kīlauea and Mauna Loa.
Before you go: Areas close without warning for volcanic gas and eruption activity. Check current conditions on nps.gov.
Getting there
Closest major airport: Hilo (ITO), about 45 minutes.
Nearby national parks
Approximate driving distance. Check a map for exact routes.
Where to stay
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes month-by-month ratings
| Month | Rating | Crowds | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | Prime | Busy | Prime season starts |
| February | Prime | Busy | |
| March | Prime | Peak crowds | |
| April | Prime | Busy | |
| May | Prime | Moderate | Last prime month · Best value |
| June | Good | Busy | |
| July | Good | Peak crowds | |
| August | Good | Peak crowds | |
| September | Prime | Moderate | Prime season starts · Best value |
| October | Prime | Moderate | Best value |
| November | Prime | Moderate | Last prime month · Best value |
| December | Good | Peak crowds |
Road trips with Hawaiʻi Volcanoes
Questions about visiting Hawaiʻi Volcanoes
When is the best time to visit Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park?
The best time to visit Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is January–May and September–November. For great conditions with fewer people, aim for May and September through November. It's busiest in March, July, August and December.
What is the worst time to visit Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park?
There's no truly bad month. June through August and December are the least ideal.
When is Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park most crowded?
Crowds peak in March, July, August and December. May and September through November offer the best balance of good conditions and fewer people.
Is Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park worth visiting in winter?
Peak travel season. It's cool and rainy at the summit (4,000 feet), so bring a rain jacket.
Do you need a reservation for Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park?
Areas close without warning for volcanic gas and eruption activity. Always check the official NPS page for the current year's rules.
What is the closest airport to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park?
The most convenient airport is Hilo (ITO), about 45 minutes.
How many days do you need at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park?
Most road trips spend 3 to 4 days here.
More in Hawaiʻi & Islands · National parks in Hawaii · Season calendar
Last reviewed October 4, 2026. Ratings are editorial. Rules and road openings change each year, so confirm on the official NPS site before you go.