5 Really Cool Spots in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park

Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park is a special place to visit if you are ever in the Polynesian area of the Pacific Ocean. Located on the big island of Hawai'i, the Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park is comprised of two active volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa. While Mauna Loa offers a scenic drive to a vista view point (which as of November 2025 is temporarily closed), the Kilauea area of the park offers much more diverse and accessible outdoor experiences. There are plenty of trail opportunities in the park, but for those looking for some cool spots that don't require a trek to get to, here is a list of 5 places that could be of interest!

1. Haʻakulamanu Sulphur Banks

   The Sulphur Banks are right next to the Kīlauea Visitor Center at the entrance to the park so they are super easy to get to. You can park at the visitor center and walk to the Sulphur Banks trail at the west end of the parking lot. It's a flat, paved path with a wooden boardwalk section at the sulphur banks. There are information plaques scattered throughout, and you'll see and smell the sulphur deposits for sure!

   
   
   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

2. Steam Vents

   The Steam Vents are right next to the sulphur banks. You can continue walking the sulphur banks trail across Crater Rim Drive or just drive to the next parking lot which is right in front of the steam vents. Here you'll see water vapor emanating from the ground due to the underground volcanic heat. It's quite a sight to see! It's also a lookout point for the Kilauea Crater.

   
   

   

3. Nāhuku Lava Tube

   Over by the Kilauea Iki crater, the Nahuku Lava Tube is an underground cavern formed from lava flow long ago and is now accessible via a short hike. It's really cool to walk through a cave carved out from lava, and the surrounding tropical forest is a crazy juxtaposition to the harsh might of the volcano. The whole loop is less than 0.5 miles. It should be noted that the lava tube in NOT wheelchair accessible as there are stairs involved. Also, the parking area closest to the lava tube can get full pretty early, but there is nearby parking at the Kilauea Iki Overlook, a short walk away.

   
   
   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

4. Kīlauea Iki Overlook

   The Kiauea Iki Overlook is just north of the Nahuku Lava Tube and offers a great lookout point to see the vast Kilauea Iki Crater. The crater itself if a very popular hike in the area, but if you're just looking to take in the sights, this is the spot to see it.

   
   

   

5. Volcano House

   Finally, back by the Kilauea Visitor Center is the Volcano House, a 3-star hotel inside the park which may be a good place to stay if you plan on visiting the park for multiple days. But even if you don't stay the night at the Volcano House, you can still visit the building which features an overlook of the Kilauea Halema‘uma‘u Crater. They even have a restaurant with windows facing the volcanic crater, so if you are looking for a place to eat, this may be a good option!

   
   

   

Bonus: As of late 2025, Kilauea has been erupting on and off since late December 2024 so you may be able to see some extra volcanic activity! Always follow park instructions though when it comes to safety and erupting volcanoes!