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Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park

Halema'uma'u Crater, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii | Photo Credit: Shutterstock / DanVanPelt
Halema’uma’u Crater, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii | Photo Credit: Shutterstock / DanVanPelt

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is perhaps best known for its four active shield volcanos (Kilauea, Mauna Loa, Mauna Kea, and Hualalai) and eight-mile-long lava flow that once actively poured flowing lava directly into the ocean. After an eruption in 2018, Kilauea’s lava lake drained and the flow of lava to the ocean stopped. According to the National Park Service (NPS), “there is no molten lava or lava glow to see anywhere in or out of the park.” The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) is now tracking a pool of water at the Summit of Kīlauea where a lava lake used to be. Despite the lack of visible lava at this time, there is still plenty to do and see at this fascinating National Park. It offers some of the most unique cultural, biological, and geological landscapes in the world.

While visiting, plan on taking the Crater Rim scenic drive around the summit of Kīlauea and don’t forget to make a stop at the Steam Vents, Steaming Bluff, and Ha‘akulamanu (Sulphur Banks) on your way! Continue down the slopes of Kīlauea to the sea on a spectacular drive ending where lava-rock meets the ocean. Hike one of several trails while enjoying the natural beauty of this volcanic landscape or take a walk through lush rainforest to see a 500-year-old lava flow up close and personal. Pack your camera and your sense of adventure! If you’re lucky enough to make a trip to the Big Island (Hawai’i), it’s definitely one you’ll never forget! Be sure to visit the park website for current closures and conditions.

Map of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park:

Top Photography Locations and Sights at Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park:

As photographers, we know that many of you will only have one chance in a lifetime to visit the National Parks. To make your life easier, we have compiled a list of our top photography locations and sights at Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park! While this is not comprehensive, and there are many more amazing sights to see, it should give you a good feel for the park.

Chain of Craters Road
Chain of Craters Road
Devastation Trail
Devastation Trail
Ha'akulamanu Trail (The Sulphur Banks)
Ha'akulamanu Trail (The Sulphur Banks)
Halema'uma'u Crater
Halema'uma'u Crater
Holei Sea Arch
Holei Sea Arch
Kealakomo Overlook
Kealakomo Overlook
Kīlauea Iki Trail
Kīlauea Iki Trail
Mauna Ulu
Mauna Ulu
Nāhuku (Thurston Lava Tube)
Nāhuku (Thurston Lava Tube)
Nāpau Crater
Nāpau Crater
Napau Crater Trail
Napau Crater Trail
Nāpau Trail to the base of Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō
Nāpau Trail to the base of Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō
Pu'u Loa Petroglyphs
Pu'u Loa Petroglyphs
Pu'u O'o Crater (Kilauea Crater)
Pu'u O'o Crater (Kilauea Crater)
Puna Coast Trail
Puna Coast Trail
Steam Vents
Steam Vents
Steaming Bluff Overlook
Steaming Bluff Overlook

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park – Kahuku Unit

A remote and diverse section of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, featuring lava fields, lush rainforests, native plant species, historic sites, scenic drives, and unique cultural experiences.

Kamakapa‘a Trail
Kamakapa‘a Trail
Pali o Ka'eo Trail
Pali o Ka'eo Trail
Palm Trail
Palm Trail
Pit Crater Trail
Pit Crater Trail
Pu'u o Lokuana Cinder Cone
Pu'u o Lokuana Cinder Cone
Pu‘u o Lokuana Trail
Pu‘u o Lokuana Trail

Other Park Photography Opportunities

Boat Tours
Boat Tours
Plane Tours
Plane Tours

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park Wildlife Photography:

Great Hawai’i Volcanoes National Parkis filled with wildlife and biodiversity. If you like wildlife photography, you will love what this park has to offer!

Male Kalij Pheasant
Male Kalij Pheasant
Nēnē ‘Ohana
Nēnē ‘Ohana
Nēnē on a Grassy Hill
Nēnē on a Grassy Hill
Nēnē Pair
Nēnē Pair
Nēnē Roaming the Lava Plains
Nēnē Roaming the Lava Plains
Silhouettes of Four Hawaiian Nēnē Geese
Silhouettes of Four Hawaiian Nēnē Geese

Want to learn more about Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park? Check out these maps, guides & books:

  • Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Map (National Geographic Trails Illustrated Map)
  • Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park Travel Guide 2024: A 2024 Odyssey through Wonders, Lava Tales, and Fiery Spectacles at Hawaii’s Iconic Landmarks
  • The Insider’s Guide to Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, The Best Things to See and Do at Kilauea Volcano, including Volcano Village: Newly Revised After the Eruption!
  • Hawaii’s Plants and Animals: Biological Sketches of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
  • Hawaii Volcanoes National Park A Geologic Guide
  • Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park (Images of America)
  • Moon Big Island of Hawaii: Including Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (Moon Handbooks)

Please note, by making purchases through our affiliate links, you are supporting our mission to celebrate and showcase our National Parks and the photographers who frequent them. As an Amazon Associate, National Park Photographer earns from qualifying purchases at no cost to you. We appreciate your support.

Featured National Park Photographers:

  • Vezzani Photography: Kīlauea Iki Trail, Male Kalij Pheasant, Mauna Ulu, Thurston Lava Tube
  • NPS: Nēnē ‘Ohana, Nēnē on a Grassy Hill, Nēnē on the Grass, Nēnē Pair
  • NPS / Janice Wei: Silhouettes of Four Hawaiian Nēnē  Geese
  • NPS / LouieLea: Nēnē Roaming the Lava Plains
  • Pixabay: Volcano Lava Eruption
  • Shutterstock / Alexandre.ROSA: Steaming Bluff Overlook
  • Shutterstock / Beth Ruggiero-York: Pu’u Ula Ula (Red Hill Summit)
  • Shutterstock / Billy McDonald: Pu’u o Lokuana Cinder Cone
  • Shutterstock / Brester Irina: Chain of Craters Road
  • Shutterstock / DanVanPelt: Halema’uma’u Crater
  • Shutterstock / David G Hayes: Pu’u Loa Petroglyphs
  • Shutterstock / Eric Dale: Ha’akulamanu Trail (The Sulphur Banks)
  • Shutterstock / Gary Gilardi: Napau Crater Trail
  • Shutterstock / Joshua Rainey Photography: Puna Coast Trail
  • Shutterstock / Maridav: Boat Tours
  • Shutterstock / Mariusz S. Jurgielewicz: Steam Vents
  • Shutterstock / MH Anderson Photography: Devastation Trail
  • Shutterstock / Mike Sirotin Photography: Kealakomo Overlook
  • Shutterstock / MNStudio: Holei Sea Arch
  • Shutterstock / nyker: Pu’u O’o Crater (Kilauea Crater)

Want to visit more parks? Check out our complete list of the US National Parks!


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