Hawaii is a popular holiday destination, thanks to its temperate climate and sprawling beaches, but it's also known for its volcanoes. While lush, beautiful beaches are the perfect place to visit on a family holiday or honeymoon, the volcanoes are unique sites not to be missed.
Volcanoes are a great testament to the strange beauty that nature has to offer, as very few places on earth can compete with Hawaii when it comes to its volcanoes. As such, you should be sure to check out the best volcanoes in Hawaii on your trip.
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Kilauea
Stay in a hotel by a volcano’s edge
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Kilauea is a highly active volcano located within Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park on the Island of Hawaii. Not only can you visit Kilauea, but you can enjoy a hotel stay in the park at Volcano House near the crater's edge for the experience of a lifetime.
Kilauea itself is an active shield volcano, and its age is believed to be between 210,000 and 280,000 years old. Despite being active, the volcano still draws plenty of crowds, but it's best to check ahead for any safety notices.
Location: Hawaii 96778, USA
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Diamond Head
See panoramic views
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Read moreDiamond Head is a dormant volcano located on the island of Oahu and is an iconic attraction for many visitors to the island. Diamond Head is 3,500 feet in diameter and has a 760-foot summit.
The volcano is part of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, and venturing to the top will reward you with stellar views of Waikiki as well as the rest of the island. Whether you're staying in the area or are simply here to visit Diamond Head, being able to see the aerial sights of Waikiki will be a rewarding experience.
Location: Honolulu, HI 96815, USA
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Mauna Kea
Check out the tallest volcano in Hawaii
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Mauna Kea rises to about 13,803-feet above sea level, making it not only the tallest volcano but also the highest peak in Hawaii. Despite its formidable height, Mauna Kea has been dormant for about 4,600 years.
It’s possible to drive to Mauna Kea, but doing so will require a 4-wheel drive vehicle. The best way is to use the Saddle Road that stretches across the big island of Hawaii. Be sure to check with your car hire company before making the trip, as many don't allow their vehicles to be driven up Mauna Kea.
Location: Hawaii 96720, USA
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Mauna Loa
Visit a museum along the way
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Mauna Loa is a unique experience, as it offers a museum on-site, granting the opportunity to learn more as well as pick up a few souvenirs from your trip. This volcano is located in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and UNESCO named it a World Biosphere site.
While visiting the volcano, you can also make a trip to the museum in the park. The museum has attractions such as petroglyphs and a walk-in lava tube. Mauna Loa last erupted in 1984 and has seen no major activity since, making it a great volcano to visit.
Location: Hawaii 96785, USA
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Haleakala
Make it a day trip
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Haleakala is located on the east side of Maui and stretches to cover more than 75 percent of the island, so it takes a while to experience its entirety. As such, if you’re visiting Maui it’s almost necessary to make a trip to Haleakala.
Haleakala is the only active volcano on the island, and Haleakala National Park preserves its upper slopes. Given its immense size, it’s recommended to make it a day trip when visiting this beautiful volcano. Depending upon which part of the island you’re departing from, an average drive to Haleakala takes roughly 2 to 3 hours.
Location: Hawaii 96790, USA
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Hualalai
Experience the third-most active volcano
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Hualālai is considered the third-most active volcano in Hawaii and sits on the Island of Hawai'i. Despite being highly active, the volcano has only erupted 3 times in the last 1,000 years.
Hualālai’s peak reaches 8,271 feet above sea level and is most easily reached by helicopter, although you can choose to hike to the summit. Hualālai’s summit can be reached by driving as well, but it involves a fairly long and sustained uphill drive, so be prepared for that.
Location: Hawaii 96725, USA
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Kohala
Take in the awe of the oldest volcano
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Kohala is considered to be the oldest volcano in Hawaii and is believed to be around 1 million years old. Situated on the Big Island, the volcano has an elevation of 5,480 feet and last erupted 120,000 years ago.
One of the easiest ways to catch glimpses of this old behemoth is by taking a helicopter ride. By doing so, not only can you experience panoramic views of the volcano, but the Big Island as a whole. Additionally, there are several hiking trails you can take.
Location: Hawaii 96743, USA
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West Maui Mountains
Pass through farmland and rugged mountains
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The West Maui Mountains, or Mauna Kahalawai, are around 1.7 million years old and offer a unique opportunity to walk or drive through scenery such as farmland and rugged mountains. The area forms an eroded shield volcano composed of the western quarter of Maui.
When you drive through this region, you’ll be rewarded with beautiful sights of not only the farmland and mountains, but other scenic landscapes like rainforests, valleys, and coastlines. You can also choose to experience this beautiful area by helicopter tour.
Location: Hawaii 96793, USA
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East Molokai
Stroll down a secluded, scenic path
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The East Molokai Volcano is also referred to as Wailau, aptly named after Wailau Valley, and offers a secluded, scenic path to walk. This extinct volcano stretches to cover around 70 percent of the Moloka’i island in Hawaii. Its highest peak, Kamakou, reaches roughly 4,900 feet.
Unlike some other volcano regions, the East Molokai Volcano is quite rural and secluded. The best way to get there is by renting a car. Once there, you can take a hike and explore scenic sights such as waterfalls and lagoons.
Location: Hawaii 96748, USA
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