Travel Guide
What to do, and how long to stay?
We’ve pulled together highlights, key tips and info to help you plan with ease! We suggest you check weather, and road conditions before heading to, or participating in activities mentioned on this page.
Volcano Village
Home of Volcano Inn
Come explore the charm of historic Volcano Village—an unexpected gem tucked into the rainforest. You’ll find cozy mom-and-pop shops, vibrant art galleries, a beloved farmers market, and plenty of ono (delicious) dining options. If you’re into nature, art, and good food, this little village just might surprise you.
Support local by stopping in at any of the three convenience stores that line Old Volcano Road—they’ve each got their own unique style and community vibe. Looking for something special to take home? Stroll through the many local art studios and craft shops. You’ll find everything from hand-blown glass and ceramics to fine art galleries and hand-stitched treasures—all crafted with heart by local artists.
Throughout the year, Volcano Village comes alive with events like the 4th of July Parade, the Experience Volcano Festival, fun runs and half marathons, golf tournaments, and more. When the sun starts to set, a few laid-back watering holes offer the perfect place to unwind. And for something truly unique, check out the KMC Bowling Alley—located inside Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, it’s the only bowling alley and arcade on the east side of the island!
How’s the air quality this close to the volcano?
Most days, it’s great! Volcano Village sits mostly east of the crater, so our famous trade winds tend to blow the vog around and away, often leaving us with crisp, clean air. It’s rare for us to even hit the “moderate” range.
Air Quality Alert – Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park (U.S. National Park Service)
Hawaii Volcanos National Park (2 days in the park is a good average)
Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park stretches from sea level all the way up to 13,680 feet, covering a landscape unlike anywhere else on Earth. Home to two of the world’s most active volcanoes—Mauna Loa and Kīlauea—the park is both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an International Biosphere Reserve. Since its founding in 1916, the park has welcomed nearly 2 million visitors each year.
Winter (November through February) tends to be the busiest season, so if you’re planning to visit during that time—especially with a group of three or more—it’s best to book early. That said, there’s really no bad time to explore this incredible place.
The scenery here is stunning in its contrasts—from lush, green rainforest teeming with native birds and plants to stark, otherworldly lava fields that feel like the surface of the moon. Hike down into the Kīlauea Iki crater, once a roiling lava lake, or visit the largest petroglyph field in Hawai‘i at Pu‘u Loa along Chain of Craters Road, just past the iconic Hōlei Sea Arch.
During whale season, it’s not uncommon for guests to return to breakfast glowing with excitement after catching sunrise at the sea arch—complete with sightings of whales and dolphins breaching offshore.
There’s so much to see and do in the park: native bird sanctuaries, lava tubes, fascinating museums, steam vents, sulfur banks, and regular cultural events that honor this sacred land. But the most awe-inspiring experience? Watching the glow of Kīlauea herself.
On many nights, she lights up Halemaʻumaʻu crater with a glowing vent or a shimmering lava lake. And on truly unforgettable nights—like March 25, 2025—she puts on a spectacular show, with lava fountains soaring over 1,000 feet into the night sky. If you’re lucky enough to be here when that happens, grab your camera—it’s a once-in-a-lifetime moment you won’t want to miss
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park (U.S. National Park Service)
South Point Day Trip
The south side of the Big Island, known as Kaʻū, is full of raw beauty and unique landscapes. As you cruise through this laid-back district, you’ll pass old lava flows, pockets of untouched native forest (called kīpuka), and sweeping views from the slopes of Mauna Loa all the way down to the ocean.
About 30 minutes from The Volcano Inn, you’ll reach Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach—one of the island’s most famous and easily accessible black sand beaches. It’s also a popular hangout for honu (Hawaiian sea turtles). If you’re lucky, you’ll see them basking on the sand or gliding through the waves. Just remember to give them space and enjoy from a respectful distance.
Farther south lies the charming town of Nā‘ālehu, which means “volcanic ashes.” It’s home to a few local eateries, but none more beloved than the Punaluʻu Bake Shop—known as the southernmost bakery in the U.S. Don’t be surprised if you find a line out the door and your new favorite treat inside! Their modern twist on Portuguese malasadas comes in all kinds of delicious flavors and fillings.
Keep driving and you’ll reach South Point (Ka Lae), the southernmost tip of the United States—yes, even farther south than Key West. Standing here, you can officially say you’re the southernmost person in the country!
To the east of South Point lies Papakōlea, one of only four green sand beaches in the entire world. The striking olive-colored sand is made from a rare mineral called olivine. Getting there takes some effort—it’s a hot, windy 5.5-mile round-trip hike, so bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and sturdy shoes. If you have a 4WD vehicle, you can drive, or pay a local for a ride (just know this practice isn’t encouraged by park officials due to its environmental impact—use your best judgment).
Along the way, you’ll find even more gems—like local coffee farm tours, scenic picnic spots at Whittington Beach Park, and endless opportunities to pull over and soak in the peaceful beauty of Kaʻū.
Staff Favorites:
- Lava Rock Cafe
- Da Raku Barn
- Cafe Ono
- The Thursday Night Market
Staff Favorites:
- Devastation Trail
- Steam vents & the steaming bluffs
- KMC Entertainment (Historic Theater)
- Bowling Alley
Staff Favorites:
- Wood Valley Temple
- Shaka Restaurant
- Punalu’u Beach
- Ka’u Coffee Festival
Day Trip to Hilo Town
Hilo is the capital city of the Big Island of Hawaii. It is located on the windward (east) side of the island, just north of Volcano Village. Known for its lush rainforests and historic settings, Hilo is well worth a visit.
The Pacific Tsunami Museum documents the numerous tsunamis that affected both the environment and the livelihood of the locals.
Coconut Island is a fun spot to swim in Hilo Bay, as well as stroll through Queen Liliuokalani gardens (pictured above), or down Banyan drive.
Richardsons Beach Park is a lovely little area with a lifeguard on duty where tourists and locals alike can enjoy a day in the Hawaii Beach. Snorkeling here is great, and there’s lots of shoreline to walk and take photos.
Worthy Things in the Area:
- Swim at Richardson Beach Park
- Overlook the beautiful Rainbow Falls and Boiling Pots
- Hike through Kaumana Caves
- Stop by the Pana’ewa Rainforest Zoo. They have lots of tropical animals and the WHITE BENGAL TIGER!
Quick Stop at Pahoa Hawaii
Known all over the world for it’s laidback, artistic atmosphere, Pahoa Village is quite the treat. Peppered with unique eateries and numerous art shops we highly recommend visiting this area for the adventurous spirit.
Pahoa Village is the site of the 2018 lava flow where fissure 8 opened up and over-runned more than 700 homes and a public charter school in the area.
Note worthy things to do around this location are; visiting Kapena beach (clothing optional), soak in the natural hot springs at Pohokik. Pohoiki Beach was affected by the 2018 lava flow, this resulted in it becoming the youngest black sand beach in the world. You can also drive Red road and enjoy the tree tunnels and scenic shorelines.
Staff Favorites:
- Nihgs Thai Food
- Variety of Poke in Malama Market
- Parts of the 2018 Eruption. Please check these sites respectfully.
North Shore Day Drive
Driving through the North Shore of the Big Island offers numerous scenic view stops, and bridges over or roads through gulches.
Along the way be sure to stop at the Laupahoehoe Train Museum to take in the cultural education of the history of the localmotives in the island which started in 1899 – 1946.
Hike ‘Akaka Falls (pictured above) known for plunging 442 feet into a stream eroded gorge.
There are numerous Zip lines and Horseback adventures along that North Shore. The Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden features over 2,000 species of tropical plants all nestled along a hike inside of a 40-acre valley.
Along the Hamakua Coast line there is a world famous eatery called Tex Drive In where you can enjoy local meals like Loco Moco and plate lunch, and finish off with the yummy Malasada filled with various sweets.
Be sure to stop at the Waipi’o Valley overlook, known as the Valley of the Kings. The end of this drive is marked by Waimea Town which is home to the Paniolo (Hawaiian Cowboy).
Day Trip to Kona
Kona is on the Leeward (west) side of the island. It’s hot and sunny most days of the week. Sweeping views of the slopes of Mauna Loa and Hualalai are just some of the beauty offered.
Built for tourism Kona boasts a great many planned things to do, such as shopping on Ali’i drive and watching the sunset over the Pacific Ocean.
The trade winds blow to the west pushing vog from Kilauea to the south and west side of the island. This natural occurrence makes for colorful sunsets over the Pacific Ocean. Normally the vog on the west side doesn’t exceed moderate levels, and most often very safe. Though we do suggest checking advisories if you or any of your traveling partners are highly sensitive.
There are coffee farm tours scattered throughout Kona and the surrounding area.
Hapuna Beach always draws a crowd, for its white sand and lifeguards on duty. But be advised, there is a parking fee & the walk to get to the water can be a bit much.
The west side is considered the dry or arid side of the Big Island, this means bring plenty of hydration when you are exploring and don’t skimp on the sun block. If you get burnt do what the locals do and slather yourself with Aloe Gel. This helps prevent blistering, and blistering sunburn can detract from even the best vacation. Do research on when to seek medical help.
Applying oils when in the sun amplifies the suns rays and causes increase in burning.
Once the sun sets taking part in a night tour like the manta ray feedings or a haunted tour of Kona.
Mauna Kea Nights
Mauna Kea is a beautiful location to enjoy nature. Mauna means mountain and Kea means white. There was a time when Mauna Kea was said to have snow year round, now it only happens in the right conditions.
Saddle Road or Daniel K Inouye Highway cuts between the two mountains, Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa. The road is commonly easy to drive as it is well maintained, but be mindful of other drivers and the speed limit.
There are a great many hikes to take along the way through kipukas, and rest rooms located at the bird sanctuary, or the Mauna Kea rest stop. Theres even a play area for children, or young at heart.
The drive up to the Mauna Kea Visitors center is not difficult, and 4 wheel drive is not needed. Going beyond the visitor center to the summit of Mauna Kea is more challenging and will require 4 wheel drive. It is a more noticeable incline, on a cinder road, with several switchbacks.
You need not drive to the summit to watch the sunset and experience some of the best stargazing in the world (OfCourse it is very nice and exceptional at the summit). However at teh Visitor Centers elevation you will be above the clouds (dress warm), and enjoy the unincumbered views.
Along the drive take the time to notice the different biomes as you drive from one side of the island to the other. Of the 16 biomes known to man we have 14 on this island.
Time to Plan
Two days in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
One day to visit Pahoa Town, and Hilo.
One day to cruise South Point and get an afternoon/evening in Kona.
One day to drive the North Shore, and drive back over Saddle road or Daniel K. Inouye Highway stopping at Mauna Kea for sunset.