Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Eating & Drinking
The restaurant at Volcano House (
Click here
)
had just opened for snacks at time of re-
search, but the bar had not. You will also find some sandwiches at the nearby visitor cen-
ter shop. For more than that you should head to Volcano village.
Entertainment
Regular park programs include
After Dark in the Park
(Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium;
suggested donation $2;
7pm Tue)
, a series of free talks by experts on cultural, historic
and geological matters.
The Volcano Art Center (
Click here
)
hosts a full slate of events year-round, including
craft demonstrations
and
hula performances
by the center itself, and various concert,
967-8333; tickets adult $25-40, student $10)
(accessed via Crater Rim Dr). For information
see the events calendar at
www.volcanoartcenter.org
.
Information
The park never closes. The toll station at the park entrance also sells two annual passes: a
three-park Hawaii pass ($25, including HAVO, Puʻuhonua o Honaunau, and Haleakalā
on Maui) and one for all national parks ($80). Peak visitation is 10am to 2pm, so it is
best to visit popular spots (like Thurston Lava Tube) outside these hours.
The park's
hotline
(
985-6000; 24hr)
provides daily recorded updates on park
also has eruption updates on its website. Note that the nearest gas station is in Volcano
village - 25 miles from the end of Chain of Craters Rd.
At 4000ft above sea level, the Kilauea Caldera area is generally 10°F to 15°F cooler
than Hilo or Kona, but weather is unpredictable and microclimates can vary dramatically
within the park. Plan and prepare for hot sun, dry wind, fog, chilly rain and soaking
downpours, all in a day. At a minimum bring long pants, a jacket or sweater and a rain
slicker.
