Volcanoes National Park Travel Guide

The park covers 217,000 acres and ranges from sea level to the summit of the Earth's most massive volcano - Mauna Loa, standing at a towering 13,677 feet and making up half the area of the island of Hawaii.

If you were to measure this giant from its base on the ocean floor it would be the tallest mountain on Earth, rising more than eight kilometres high. It most recently erupted in 1984, but there is plenty of activity going on beneath the surface. Kilauea, one of the world's most active volcanoes, is also here, making it a popular haunt for volcanologists and intrepid tourists alike.

Kilauea is the youngest volcano on the island, with a red-hot magma tap that reaches some 60km underground. Not surprisingly these monstrous mountains have given rise to local myths and legends. Kilauea is the home of Pele, the Hawaiian volcano goddess. Local folklore tells of eruptions sent forth by this temperamental icon well before the first Europeans saw the volcano in 1823.

There are many ways to make the most of the park (which is open throughout the year) including a helicopter ride over the summit of Kilauea, so take your pick. Due to the geography of this amazing piece of land, the park has distinct climate zones. Be prepared for a wide range of weather conditions varying from rain and chill winds to hot, dry and often windy conditions.

For up-to-date weather forecasts call +1 808 935 8555 or visit the park's website for details of how to make the most out of a visit there. Added to this there is a place called Volcano Village located just outside the entrance to the park. It is possible to stay here on the sacred lands of Ola'a - home to the descendants of the goddess Pele. Accommodation is in a prehistoric fern forest - a more weird and wonderful landscape would be hard to find.