Two Days in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

<p>Most visitors give Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park half a day from Kona. That's the biggest itinerary mistake on the island: the park rewards a slow pace and an overnight, because its best moments come after dark.</p> <h2>Day 1 — The summit district</h2> <p>Start at the visitor center for current eruption and closure info, then take the Kīlauea Iki loop before the lot fills. Crossing the steaming 1959 crater floor is the single best short hike in Hawaiʻi. Walk over to Nāhuku lava tube afterward, then spend the late afternoon on the Crater Rim overlooks.</p> <p>If Kīlauea is actively erupting, return to the overlooks after sunset — the glow of Halemaʻumaʻu against the night sky is what you flew here for.</p>

From Hikes in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

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Kīlauea Iki Trail

Descend through rainforest to cross a still-steaming 1959 crater floor.

<p>The island's signature hike: a 4-mile loop dropping 400 feet from the crater rim onto the hardened lava lake of the 1959 eruption, still venting steam in places. Moderately strenuous on the climb out; start early for parking and cooler temps, and combine with adjacent Nāhuku lava tube.</p>

Time: 2-3 hours

<h2>Day 2 — Down to the sea</h2> <p>Drive Chain of Craters Road in the morning light, stopping at the crater overlooks and flow fields on the 3,700-foot descent, and finish at the Hōlei Sea Arch where the road meets the coast.</p>