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The Volcano Art Center Gallery:
is located directly next to the Kilauea Visitor Center and is
open from 9:00 a.m to 5:00 p.m. daily. More info on the Volcano
Art Center here.
The Sulphur Banks trail:
The sulphur banks are an impressive reminder of the volcanic
activity in the park because of the volcanic gases that
seep out of the ground along with groundwater steam. It is
an unusual spot with steaming cracks, colorful mineral deposits
and the smell of sulfur (think: rotting eggs) in the air.
The see the sulphur banks you need to hike the easy 1.2
miles (2 km) round trip Ha’akulamanu (Sulphur Banks) trail
that starts and ends at the far left of the Kīlauea Visitor Center
parking lot past the Volcano Art Center Gallery.
Special activities for kids
Children up to 12 years old can become junior rangers and
receive a junior ranger badge. To become a junior ranger
the kids have to complete a couple of activities while in the
park. This is a free, fun and educational activity and we highly
recommend it if you bring any children. There are programs
for kids aged 7-12, and for those of age 6 and below.
More information including junior ranger handbooks which
you can print out at home can be found at the ‘be a junior
ranger‘ website.
ACTIVITIES AND ATTRACTIONS IN HILO:
There are plenty of activities to be found in the town of Hilo.
For example, you can visit the ‘Imiloa astronomy center or
get a taste of Hawaiian history in the Lyman museum and
mission house. There is also a tropical zoo and a fantastic
local farmers market. Hilo also offers many options for the
culinary or culturally interested visitor. Browse below for
some activities that can be enjoyed in Hilo!
RAINBOW FALLS
The Rainbow Falls within Hilo are a perfect place to visit
early in the morning for a picnic or perhaps even before
breakfast. It falls over a lava-cave that is home to the ancient
Hawaiian goddess Hina, the goddess of the moon.
IMILOA ASTRONOMY CENTER
The ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center is a good pick if you or your
kids want to learn about Hawaiian culture and astronomy.
The ‘Imiloa center offers educational and cultural programs
for visitors, students, and local residents through exhibits,
activities and a full-dome planetarium.
STAY IN THE PARK OVERNIGHT:
CAMPING AND THE VOLCANO HOUSE
There is so much to do in the park that many people choose
to spend at least one night in or close to the park. There are
two campsites in the park as well as a hotel whose lounge
offers stunning views of the Halema’uma’u crater. There also
mare many charming and affordable vacation rental houses
available in a few miles from the park in Volcano Village.
Overnight camping is possible in the park on two separate
campgrounds, one of which also has tent rentals and cabins
available. The park hotel combines a great location with average
and somewhat pricey rooms and is called the Volcano
House (website) .
If you are an active service member or have served in the
US military you can also stay in the Kilauea Military Center
(KMC, website). The KMC is located inside the park and
offers 90 guest cottages and apartments with one, two, or
three bedrooms, and a 110-bed dormitory.
PANA’EWA RAINFOREST ZOO
The Pana’ewa Rainforest Zoo is the only tropical zoo in the
United States. You can visit a variety of rainforest animals
and endangered Hawaiian animals, such as spider monkeys,
lemurs, nene geese (the Hawaiian State bird), and over
80 other animal species.
MEHANA BREWING COMPANY
The Mehana Brewing Company is Hawaii’s largest independently-owned
craft brewer. Their tasting room and gift
shop are open from noon on most days. Read more on our
website about the Mehana Brewing Company or see a current
listing of the opening hours on their website.
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