Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park Sights

  1. Chain of Craters Road

    From Crater Rim Dr, this scenic 32km (20mi) road leads down to the coast, ending abruptly where recent lava flows have buried it. Rangers can advise you on how or if it's possible to hike to the active flow; a telltale steam plume marks the spot where lava enters the water. Stay for sunset, as darkness brings out the fiery glow. The road offers no services, but several short hikes lead from it, including one to a petroglyph field.

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  2. Crater Rim Drive

    The amazing 18km (11mi) Crater Rim Drive circles Kilauea Caldera, offering almost nonstop views of the scorched, smoldering home of Pele, the Hawaiian volcano goddess. If time is short, driving this loop road is a must - be sure to stop at the overlook for Halema'uma'u Crater; the Thurston Lava Tube, an enormous cave left by flowing lava; and the Jaggar Museum, with working seismographs, lava displays and a stupendous vista.

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  3. Kilauea Visitor Center

    This is an excellent place to start your visit. Rangers can advise you on volcanic activity, trail conditions and the best things to see based on your time, while a board lists guided hikes and ranger programs. On the hour, a small theater shows a free 20min film on Kilauea, with spectacular eruption footage. Attractive new exhibits, listening stations and life-size dioramas introduce the area's geology, flora, fauna and conservation issues.

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