Visit Volcanoes National Park On Your Cruise To Hawaii

Hawaii was the last place we cruised in February 2020 right before Seattle went into lockdown due to the Covid-19 pandemic and cruising halted worldwide. And while living in a tiny downtown Seattle apartment with two adults, an 8 year-old out of school, and a dog was challenging, at least I didn’t have to worry about my house ending up in the Pacific Ocean after having been being swallowed whole by 2,000 degree lava like the 725 families living in Leilani Estates in Puna back in 2018 when the Kīlauea Volcano erupted. At least that’s what I told myself.

I’ll tell you one thing, reflecting back and revisiting the photos from that last cruise to Hawaii got me through some long days of working (“can you hear me now?”) from home, teaching and entertaining my kid (that is NOT what I signed up for when I decided to become a parent!), and donning a hazmat suit every time I had to take my geriatric dog down 20 floors in the elevator to do his frequent business.

But let’s stop pontificating on the challenges of the past year and move on to the future and your cruise to Hawaii! Today’s lecture will cover Volcanoes National Park, a must-see excursion for your stop in Hilo.

An Introduction To Volcanoes National Park

Located 30 miles from the cruise ship pier in Hilo on the Big Island of Hawaii, Volcanoes National Park is home to one of the world’s most active volcanoes: Kīlauea.

At 335,259 acres, there is so much to see and experience, from rainforests to craters to petroglyphs. And if you’re really lucky, you’ll get to run for your life from 2,000° lava (kidding, kidding)!

Before I offer my recommendations of specific things to see, here are the two best options for visiting Volcanoes National Park from your cruise ship in Hilo.

Options For Visiting Volcanoes National Park While At Port In Hilo

Renting a car to visit Volcanoes National Park on your cruise to Hawaii

Rental car pros:

1. Cost effective. The last time we rented a car at port in Hilo, we did so through www.discounthawaiicarrental.com and paid $129 for a full day. This was very cost effective for three people compared to other options.
2. Less rushed. If you like to read every informational sign more carefully than the dosageon your travel box of laxatives (you’ll want to read that very carefully – trust me) eliciting moans and groans and threats of hurling themselves into fresh lava from your children, you’ll have the flexibility to take your time if you rent a car. You’ll also have the freedom to do longer hikes and see more areas of the park.
3. More relaxed. By more relaxed I mean you can fart in the car and eat the hardboiled eggs you not-so-subtly wrapped in a napkin and stuck in your purse at breakfast. Your family members already know how gross and weird you are and choose to travel with you anyway, but you wouldn’t want to subject an innocent taxi driver or tour group to that.  

Booking a tour to visit Volcanoes National Park on your cruise to Hawaii

Tour pros:

1. Very convenient. Just hop off the ship and board your van or bus and be on your way!
2. Local Expert Commentary. You’ll have a local with you who can share their knowledge and experience and answer your questions.
3. Opportunity for camaraderie. If you’ve been locked at home for a year, the idea of this may either thrill or terrify you.

You can book a tour through your cruise ship or on your own (I almost always book on my own now because it’s often less expensive and a smaller group). Here are two tour options I would recommend (these also visit a few of my other recommended spots in Hilo, so you can hit them all on one tour):

Hilo Shore Excursion: Volcanoes National Park, Rainbow Falls and Highlights: Includes Volcanoes National Park, Rainbow Falls, Akatsuka Orchid Gardens, and a black sand beach.

Hilo Shore Excursion: Active Volcano Waterfall Black Sand Beach: Includes Volcanoes National Park, a local chocolate factory, Rainbow Falls, and a black sand beach.

What To See At Volcanoes National Park

Here are the things I’d recommend you see at Volcanoes National Park:

Kilauea Visitor Center

This is a great first (or last: see my “pro tip” below) spot to orient yourself to the park, gather reading materials, and ask any questions you may have to a park ranger or volunteer. Take note that there’s almost always one person in each group (it’s usually an uncle or a grandpa…just sayin) who takes WAY. TOO. LONG. in the Visitor’s Center. Bring their favorite candy with you to move them along.

Pro Tip: The Visitor Center can get very crowded early in the day as tour groups often start here. If you’re on your own, you may elect to make this your last stop. It usually clears out later in the day.

Volcano Art Center Gallery

Next to the Visitor’s Center is the Volcano Art Center gallery and gift shop. It features works by local artists and is a great place to pick up a souvenir. Take note that there’s almost always one person in each group (it’s usually a wife…just sayin) who takes WAY. TOO. LONG. in the gift shop. Cancel her credit card in advance to prevent this.

Ha’akulamanu (Sulphur Banks) Trail

This easy 1.2 mile trail is located near the Visitor’s Center and features sulpher banks with steam and gasses rising from underground. You’ll notice some beautiful, vibrant deposits as well as a variety of birds.

Pro Tip: Cruisers with heart or respiratory problems, pregnant women, and young children should avoid this area.

Volcano House

With the first iteration (called the Pitman House) constructed in 1846, the historic Volcano House sits on the edge of Kīlauea with a view toward Halema’uma’u crater. You don’t have to be a guest staying at the Inn to warm up by the fire (yes, it can get very chilly at Volcanoes National Park) or enjoy the incredible view around the back. Located near the Visitor’s Center, don’t miss this spot!

Steam Vents

Visit the steam vents, located about a mile from the visitor’s Center, to explore grassy fields, see steam rising from underground volcanic rock, or to cure indigestion if you ate too much at the breakfast buffet (some Hawaiian families believe this area has healing powers).

Nāhuku (Thurston Lava Tube)

Take a short (1/3 mile round trip) stroll through lush rainforest to Nāhuku (AKA the Thurston Lava Tube). Discovered in 1913, but dating back over 500 years, the unusual tunnel or “tube” was created as the result of low viscosity lava forming a crust that thickened and created a roof over still-flowing lava. There is a paved and lighted path through the tube, but I wouldn’t recommend it for those with mobility challenges.

Chain Of Craters Road

Originally built in 1928, Chain of Craters Road is 19 miles long and winds through the East Rift and coastal area of the park. There are many pull-outs where you can walk on vast lava fields, explore fascinating formations, and gaze at the sweeping views.

Extra Credit Bonus Tips For Volcanoes National Park

1. Dress in layers.

The temperature can be chilly early in the morning and it can get very windy. We made the mistake of thinking a volcano would be hot (right?!?) and froze in our shorts and t-shirts. Dress in layers and bring something to tie long hair back.

2. Wear sturdy hiking boots or sneakers.

Unless you have mobility challenges (no worries, there are plenty of beautiful viewpoints you can see without any significant walking or hiking), you’ll probably be doing lots of walking and hiking around on (sometimes) uneven surfaces. Be sure to wear a sturdy pair of sneakers or hiking boots.

I recommend these for women:

And these for men:

3. Pack a collapsible hiking pole if you have mobility challenges.

4. Wear sunscreen.

Sun and Prof. Cruise do not mix without a barrier of long clothing, glasses, and a hat (sexy, right?). And for those areas that cannot be covered because I have to breath, I require the highest available SPF with reapplication occurring approximately every 10 minutes, or 5 minutes if I’m climbing around on a lava field. But even those of you who don’t normally burn at the mere thought of the sun will want to pack sunscreen for this excursion. You WILL burn. Trust Mr. Cruise on that one!

5. Pack a good camera and pair of binoculars.

I like these, available to purchase here and here:

6. Take only photos and leave only footprints.

As with all national parks, you should take only photos (and memories!) and leave only footprints.

And with that…

Class Dismissed.

Homework (10 points): Check out all my Hawaii port posts here, my review of the Pride of America here, and 35 tips for Hawaii cruise on the Pride of America here.

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