Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour

Steam Vents are created by the heat of the Kilauea Volcano, which heats groundwater trapped in underground pockets. The steam that rises from the vents is an indicator of the volcano's underground activity.

It’s a recreational facility for soldiers, but its history wasn’t all fun and games. During World War II, this became an internment camp not only for prisoners of war but for innocent Japanese citizens as well.

Your journey begins at the park’s Entrance Station, Volcano, HI. First, we’ll go straight through the Entrance Gate and explore the area around the visitor center.

Note: The tour is over 24.5 miles long, with more than 43 audio stories, and takes about 2-3 hours to complete.

Buy once, use for one year! Ideal for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months.

This is where the short but sweet Sulphur Banks Trail begins. Well, I say sweet… but that’s a lie. It’s actually extremely smelly!

This spot looks out across the simply jaw-dropping and is one of the must-see spots in the park. Although the crater doesn’t look like a typical volcano, it’s actually one of the most active in the entire world!

This trail leads directly through the Kilauea Iki Crater! It’s a 3.3-mile loop that takes about three hours, but the elevation change can be strenuous.

The Thurston Lava Tube was formed over 500 years ago when molten lava flowed through the area and created a tunnel-like cave as the lava on the outside cooled and hardened while the lava on the inside kept flowing. The result is a unique cave system that visitors can explore today.

The Luamanu Crater was once filled with a dense forest… but that all changed in just one day.

Puhimau Crater is a volcanic feature located in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, and if travelers book an experience to visit it, they can witness the unique geological formations created by volcanic activity.

Pauahi Crater is a steep-sided pit crater that was formed by explosive volcanic activity. The crater is approximately 330 feet deep and 1,000 feet in diameter, and it is known for its interesting geological features, such as the lava spatter deposits and the fumaroles, which emit steam and gases.

Pu’u Huluhulu is a cinder cone, just like Pu'upua'i. The name means "hairy hill" because low shrubs have grown across it, giving it a fuzzy appearance from afar.

Kipukas are formed when a lava flow surrounds an area of older vegetation, and over time, this vegetation can continue to thrive, creating a unique island of life in the middle of a barren lava field. These kipukas often have their own microclimate, with different soil types and moisture levels than the surrounding area, allowing for the growth of different plant species.

This raised platform offers panoramic views of the Mauna Ulu lava flow. It’s mostly flat and gray, but look for the toadstool-shaped formations.

Pu‘u Loa Petroglyphs is a historical site located in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island of Hawaii. If travelers book an experience to visit Pu‘u Loa Petroglyphs, they can see over 23,000 ancient petroglyphs etched into the hardened lava rock.

The famous Holei Sea Arch. This picture-perfect sea cliff naturally formed into the shape of an arch!

You might notice a small building separate from the rest of the Visitor Center. That will be the Volcano Art Center Gallery, a lovely place to stop if you’re a fan of the fine arts.