Kilauea

Kilauea, located on the Big Island of Hawaii, is one of the most active volcanoes in the world and a popular tourist destination. The volcano is part of the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, which was established in 1916 and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Kilauea stands at 4,091 feet (1,247 meters) above sea level and covers an area of approximately 125 square miles (324 square kilometers). The volcano has been continuously erupting since 1983, making it one of the longest-erupting volcanoes on record. The eruptions have created new land, including the black sand beaches of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, and have destroyed homes and infrastructure in the area.

Visitors to Kilauea can explore the volcano’s many features, including the Kilauea Caldera, a massive depression that is over 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) wide and 500 feet (152 meters) deep. The caldera is home to the Halema’uma’u Crater, a popular spot for viewing the volcano’s lava lake. Visitors can also hike through the park’s many trails, including the Kilauea Iki Trail, which takes hikers through a crater that was formed during a massive eruption in 1959.

Kilauea is also home to a diverse range of plant and animal life, including many endangered species. The park’s rainforests, deserts, and volcanic landscapes provide a unique habitat for a variety of plants and animals, including the nene (Hawaiian goose), the Hawaiian hawk, and the Hawaiian hoary bat.

Visiting Kilauea is an unforgettable experience that offers a glimpse into the raw power of nature. The volcano’s continuous eruptions, stunning landscapes, and diverse wildlife make it a must-see destination for anyone visiting the Big Island of Hawaii.

Flights To Kilauea

Tips For Booking Cheap Flights To Kilauea

  • Book in advance: Generally, the earlier you book your flight, the cheaper it will be. However, it’s important to note that some airlines may increase prices as the flight approaches if they see that demand is high.
  • Be flexible with your travel dates: Prices for flights to Kilauea can vary depending on the day of the week and time of year. If you have flexibility in your travel plans, you can often find cheaper flights by flying on off-peak days or during the off-season.
  • Use flight comparison websites: Websites like Skyscanner, Kayak, Earlytrips, Ticketsaway, Mycityflights and Google Flights can help you compare prices across different airlines and find the best deals.
  • Sign up for flight alerts: Many airlines and flight comparison websites offer email alerts that will notify you when prices drop or when there are special deals available. This can help you stay informed and find cheap flights to Kilauea.
  • Consider alternative airports: If you have multiple airport options, check prices for each airport to see if you can find cheaper flights. For example, instead of flying into Kilauea’s main airport, you might find cheaper flights to a nearby airport like Lihue Airport (LIH) or Kahului Airport (OGG).
  • Use budget airlines: If you’re willing to fly with a budget airline, you may be able to find cheaper flights to Kilauea. Keep in mind that budget airlines often charge extra for amenities like checked bags or food.
  • Use your frequent flyer miles: If you have accumulated frequent flyer miles, consider using them to book your flight to Kilauea. This can help you save money and get a free flight.
  • Consider a package deal: Sometimes, booking a package deal that includes your flight, hotel, and car rental (if needed) can be cheaper than booking each component separately.

Places To Visit

Beaches
  1. Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area: A picturesque white sand beach with crystal-clear waters, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. Enjoy the beach’s facilities, including restrooms, showers, and picnic tables.
  2. Mauna Kea Beach: A stunning crescent-shaped beach with white sand and clear blue waters, surrounded by lush palm trees and vegetation. Relax in a tropical paradise and enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling. 
  3. Hilo’s Bay Beach: A unique black sand beach located in the heart of Hilo town, perfect for swimming, picnics, and enjoying the local atmosphere.
  4. Punalu’u Black Sand Beach: A one-of-a-kind black sand beach with clear blue waters, a popular spot for seeing sea turtles and enjoying the natural beauty of Hawaii. 
  5. Spencer Beach Park: A family-friendly beach with calm waters, picnic tables, and a lifeguard on duty, ideal for a relaxing day out with the kids. 
  6. Waialea Beach: A secluded white sand beach with clear blue waters, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and escaping the crowds. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and take in the stunning scenery.
Historical Sites
  1. Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park: A historic site preserving the ancient Hawaiian culture, with stunning views of the surrounding area. Explore the ancient structures and learn about Hawaii’s rich history and culture.
  2. Puukohola Heiau National Historic Site: A historic site showcasing ancient Hawaiian temples, with stunning views of the surrounding area. Learn about the history and culture of Hawaii’s ancient civilizations.
  3. Petroglyph Archaeological District: A historic site featuring ancient Hawaiian petroglyphs, with stunning views of the surrounding area. Explore the ancient artwork and learn about the history of Hawaii’s indigenous people.
  4. Hulihe’e Palace: A historic palace turned museum, with beautiful gardens and stunning views of the surrounding area. Learn about the history of Hawaii’s royal family and explore the opulent architecture of the palace.
  5. Lyman Museum and Mission House: A historic site showcasing Hawaii’s missionary history, with beautiful gardens and stunning views of the surrounding area. Learn about the history of Hawaii’s missionary era and explore the historic buildings and artifacts.
  6. Mookini Heiau: A historic site featuring an ancient Hawaiian temple, with stunning views of the surrounding area. Explore the ancient structure and learn about Hawaii’s rich history and culture.
  7. Kamakahonu National Historic Landmark: A historic site preserving the birthplace of King Kalakaua, with restrooms available for visitors near the parking lot. Learn about the history of Hawaii’s monarchy and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the surrounding area.
  8. Honokaa People’s Theatre: A historic theater showcasing Hawaiian culture and arts, with restrooms available for visitors near the entrance. 
Nature and Outdoor Activities
  1. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: For volcanic landscapes and hiking trails The park offers a unique opportunity to see an active volcano up close. Visitors can hike through lava tubes, see steam vents, and witness the power of volcanic activity. The park also offers ranger-led programs, exhibits, and a visitor center.
  2. Mauna Kea: For stargazing and volcanic landscapes Mauna Kea is a towering volcano that offers stunning views of the stars. Visitors can take a guided tour to the summit to see some of the world’s most advanced telescopes and learn about the volcano’s geology and cultural significance.
  3. Waipio Valley: For hiking and horseback riding Waipio Valley is a stunning valley on the northeast coast of the Big Island that offers hiking and horseback riding. Visitors can explore the towering cliffs, lush vegetation, and black sand beach.
  4. Punalu’u Black Sand Beach: For swimming, sunbathing, and seeing sea turtles Punalu’u Black Sand Beach is a unique beach on the southeast coast of the Big Island that features black sand created by volcanic activity. Visitors can swim, sunbathe, and see sea turtles.
  5. Papakolea Green Sand Beach: For unique green sand and hiking Papakolea Green Sand Beach is a unique beach on the southern tip of the Big Island that features green sand created by olivine crystals from a volcanic eruption. Visitors can hike to the beach and enjoy the stunning views.

Best Vacation Spots

  1. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: This national park offers a unique opportunity to see an active volcano up close. Visitors can hike through lava tubes, see steam vents, and witness the power of volcanic activity.
  2. Hilo Town: This charming town on the east side of the Big Island offers a variety of outdoor activities, including lush rainforests, waterfalls, and botanical gardens. Don’t miss the Akaka Falls State Park and the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden.
  3. Waipio Valley: This stunning valley on the northeast coast of the Big Island offers hiking and horseback riding. Visitors can explore the towering cliffs, lush vegetation, and black sand beach.
  4. Hawaii Volcanoes Treehouse: This unique and secluded accommodation located just outside the park offers stunning views of the volcano and is a great base for exploring the area.
  5. Akatsuka Orchid Gardens: This family-owned orchid nursery features over 500 varieties of orchids and offers guided tours. Visitors can learn about the history and cultivation of orchids and purchase unique orchid arrangements.
  6. Hawaii Volcano Art Center: This non-profit organization promotes the arts and culture of Hawaii through exhibitions, classes, and workshops. Visitors can view and purchase works by local artists, attend a concert or performance, or take a class.
  7. Volcano House: This historic hotel located within the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park offers stunning views of the Kilauea volcano and the surrounding landscape. Visitors can dine at the hotel’s restaurant, enjoy live music, or take a guided tour of the park.
  8. Lava Tree State Monument: This unique state park features a forest of lava trees, or tree molds, created by a lava flow that swept through the area in 1790. Visitors can hike through the park’s trails and see the unique geological formations.
  9. Punalu’u Bake Shop: This popular bakery and cafe located on the southern coast of the Big Island offers a variety of sweet and savory pastries, sandwiches, and salads. Visitors can enjoy their treats on the bakery’s outdoor patio while taking in the scenic views of the surrounding landscape.
  10. Whittington Beach Park: This secluded beach park located on the southern coast of the Big Island offers a peaceful and serene atmosphere. Visitors can swim, sunbathe, or enjoy a picnic on the park’s grassy lawn.

Hotels

Top Hotels

  • Volcano House: A historic hotel located within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, offering stunning views of Kilauea volcano. The hotel features 33 guest rooms and suites, a restaurant, and guided tours of the park.
  • Hilo Hawaiian Hotel: An oceanfront hotel located in Hilo, offering 284 guest rooms and suites with private balconies and lanais overlooking Hilo Bay. The hotel features a restaurant, fitness center, and is near local attractions.
  • Mauna Kea Beach Hotel: A luxury resort located on the Kohala Coast, offering 252 guest rooms and suites with private balconies and lanais overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The resort features a private beach, restaurants, spa, golf course, and water activities.
  • Four Seasons Resort Hualalai: A luxury resort located on the Kona-Kohala Coast, offering 243 guest rooms and suites with private balconies and lanais overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The resort features a private beach, restaurants, spa, golf course, and water activities.
  • The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort: A luxury resort located on the Kohala Coast, offering 232 guest rooms and suites with private balconies and lanais overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The resort features a private beach, restaurants, spa, golf course, and water activities.

Budget Friendly Hotels

  • Kilauea Lodge and Restaurant: Located in the heart of Volcano Village, this lodge offers comfortable rooms starting at around $150 per night. The lodge also features a restaurant that serves local cuisine.
  • Volcano Inn: This inn is located in the heart of Volcano Village and offers cozy rooms starting at around $125 per night. The inn also features a hot tub and a garden.
  • Volcano Village Lodge: This lodge is located in a quiet area of Volcano Village and offers comfortable rooms starting at around $125 per night. The lodge also features a hot tub and a garden.
  • Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Factory Guest House: Located in Hilo, this guest house offers comfortable rooms starting at around $100 per night. The guest house is located near the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Factory and offers a complimentary continental breakfast.
  • Hilo Backpackers Hostel: This hostel is located in Hilo and offers dormitory-style accommodations starting at around $30 per night. The hostel also features a communal kitchen and a lounge area.
  • Punalu’u Black Sand Beach Inn: Located in Naalehu, this inn offers comfortable rooms starting at around $125 per night. The inn is located near Punalu’u Black Sand Beach and offers a complimentary continental breakfast.
  • Kona Inn Shopping Center: Located in Kailua-Kona, this hotel offers comfortable rooms starting at around $125 per night. The hotel is located near the Kona Inn Shopping Center and offers a complimentary continental breakfast.
  • Ali’i Village at Mauna Lani: Located in Mauna Lani, this resort offers comfortable rooms starting at around $150 per night. The resort also features a pool, a hot tub, and a fitness center.
  • Mauna Lani Terrace: Located in Mauna Lani, this hotel offers comfortable rooms starting at around $125 per night. The hotel also features a pool and a hot tub.
  • Hilo Reef Hotel: Located in Hilo, this hotel offers comfortable rooms starting at around $125 per night. The hotel also features a pool and a restaurant.

Best Time To Visit

  • Weather: Kilauea is located in the tropics, so the weather is generally warm and humid throughout the year. The average temperature ranges from 70°F to 85°F (21°C to 30°C). The summer months (June to August) are the warmest, while the winter months (December to February) are the coolest.
  • Crowds: The summer months are the busiest time at Kilauea, as it is a popular destination for vacationers. If you prefer smaller crowds, consider visiting during the shoulder season (April to May or September to November).
  • Volcanic activity: Kilauea is one of the most active volcanoes in the world, and its activity can vary throughout the year. If you want to see the volcano’s lava flows, visit during a time when the volcano is actively erupting. The best way to check the volcano’s activity is to visit the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory website or contact the park’s visitor center.
  • Outdoor activities: If you plan to hike or explore the area around the volcano, consider the weather and trail conditions. The summer months can be hot and humid, while the winter months can be cooler and wetter.
  • Festivals and events: Check the local event calendars to catch festivals or events that might interest you. For example, the annual Merrie Monarch Festival in Hilo celebrates Hawaiian culture and arts, and it usually takes place in April.
  • Personal preferences: Consider your personal preferences, such as avoiding crowds, enjoying good weather, or experiencing the volcano’s activity.
Cheap Flights To Orchidland Estates
Cheap Flights To Captain Cook Hawaii
Scroll to Top