3 curated experiences
Volcano
The only place in the world to witness an active shield volcano in real time. Kilauea has erupted continuously in various forms since 1983. Drive Crater Rim Drive, walk Thurston Lava Tube (free, 10 min loop), and drive all 19 miles of Chain of Craters Road to where lava met the ocean — the road simply ends in a lava field. Kilauea Iki Trail (6km crater floor hike) is the best single activity in the park. Check current eruption status at nps.gov/havo before going. Always check the vog index (vog.higp.hawaii.edu) before the day — sulfur dioxide from the caldera can cause serious respiratory distress for anyone with asthma or heart conditions.
Ka Lae
One of only four green sand beaches in the world — color from olivine crystals eroding from a cinder cone. The dramatic crescent bowl is hidden behind a cliff, making arrival genuinely surprising. Strong waves crash directly onto the sand — swimming is dangerous here.
Kaʻū
Jet-black volcanic sand from lava meeting the ocean. Hawaiian green sea turtles (honu) regularly bask on the beach — federal law requires a 10ft distance. The black-sand, green-palm, blue-water contrast makes for extraordinary photography. Ocean swimming is extremely dangerous here.
1 trail
8 vetted properties
Volcano
Two-bedroom private cottage in the fern forest at Volcano; kitchen, quiet, fifteen minutes to the park. For two nights of lava at night.
Volcano
Guest rooms in a private home at Volcano — mountain-view and ocean-view rooms and a luxury suite. Hosts who know the park; breakfast on the lanai.
Volcano
Small B&B in the rainforest at Volcano; the Red Ginger room, breakfast included. Book early — it fills for the summer.
Volcano
The village's historic lodge, with the best restaurant in Volcano downstairs. Rooms Tsugi and Awapuhi; a fireplace for the cold nights.
Volcano
Private house beside the volcano, her pick for a family doing two nights in the park. Cleaning fee charged; quiet, no restaurants within walking distance.
Volcano
Two-bedroom private house in Volcano village, eight minutes from the national park entrance. Cool nights — bring a sweater. Cancellation fee applies.
49 on the calendar
2026-01-01
2026-01-03
The Quadrantids are one of the year's strongest meteor showers, with a brief, sharp peak in early January that can produce 40 or more meteors per hour under dark skies. Because Hawaiʻi has some of the clearest, darkest skies in the U.S., the islands are a superb place to watch. Look in the hours before dawn, away from town lights — a high-elevation spot or a dark leeward beach is ideal. No telescope needed; just let your eyes adjust for 20 minutes.
2026-01-18
2026-02-28
2026-03-29
2026-04-04
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