Itinerary · 2 days · Hawaii
2 Days in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park: The Perfect Itinerary
Two days is enough to see the best of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park without rushing. Here is the day-by-day plan, built around the park's highlights.
Best time to go: Jan–May, Sep–Nov. Closest major airport: Hilo (ITO), about 45 minutes.
Day 1: The icons
- Morning: See Kīlauea's summit caldera (and the glow, if erupting). Start early to beat the crowds.
- Afternoon: Drive Chain of Craters Road to the sea arch.
- Evening: Walk through Nāhuku (Thurston Lava Tube).
Day 2: Go deeper
- Morning: Hike the Kīlauea Iki crater floor.
- Afternoon: Visit at night to look for lava glow.
Eruption activity changes constantly. Check the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory before your visit, and go after dark if there's a glow.
When to go
The best time to visit Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is January–May and September–November.
Best time to visit Hawaiʻi Volcanoes, month by month · What to pack
Questions
How many days do you need in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park?
Two full days covers the highlights: see kīlauea's summit caldera (and the glow, if erupting) and drive chain of craters road to the sea arch on day one, then hike the kīlauea iki crater floor on day two. Add a third day if you want a long backcountry hike or a slow morning.
When is the best time for this Hawaiʻi Volcanoes itinerary?
Go in Jan–May, Sep–Nov, when the park is rated at its best. May and September through November offer the best balance of good conditions and smaller crowds.
Can you do Hawaiʻi Volcanoes in one day?
You can see the highlights in one very full day by doing day one below and skipping day two, but you will miss hike the kīlauea iki crater floor. Two days is the sweet spot.