Short answer: pay $30 at the gate, start at the Kīlauea Visitor Center, and see the steam vents, the Halemaʻumaʻu viewpoint, Kīlauea Iki and Nāhuku lava tube. Tours spend about three hours on that loop. Bring a warm layer.
Is lava visible right now?
Fees
| Pass | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Private vehicle | $30 | Covers everyone in one private, non-commercial vehicle (up to 15 people) |
| Motorcycle | $25 | Valid 7 days |
| On foot or bike | $15 per person | |
| Hawaiʻi Tri-Park Annual Pass | $55 | 12 months; also covers Haleakalā and Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau |
Getting there
From Hilo airport it is about 28 miles, roughly an hour. From Kona airport it is about 100 miles and up to three hours. A day trip from Kona works, but it is a long day: leave early and keep stops short, or stay a night near the park. See Kona vs Hilo.
The main stops, in order
These are the stops that guided tours list most often. Kailani Tours, for example, spends about 3 hours 15 minutes in the park.
- Kīlauea Visitor CenterStart here near the entrance for a map and what is open today.
- Steam VentsSteam rising from cracks near the caldera rim. A short walk from the road.
- Halemaʻumaʻu viewpointThe crater where the current eruption happens. Tours use the Jaggar parking area.
- Kīlauea IkiA crater lookout and trail that many tours stop at.
- Nāhuku (Thurston) Lava TubeWalk through a cave-like tube left by flowing lava.
- Chain of Craters RoadSome longer tours drive down past older craters and lava fields.
Photo to come: Lava tube interior, lit path
Dress for 4,000 feet
The summit sits above 4,000 feet. Mornings and evenings get cold, especially in winter, and rain is common. Bring a fleece, a windproof rain shell, closed-toe shoes and your own water. Full list: what to bring.
Rather not drive?
Group tours from Kona start around $239 a person and private tours around $1,600 a vehicle. Compare volcano tours.