Big Island · Natural Wonders
Exploring the Volcanoes on the Big Island of Hawaii
The Big Island is home to two of the world's most active volcanoes, Kīlauea and Mauna Loa, and to a landscape still being shaped by fire, time, and the sea. Understanding what you are standing on makes the experience all the richer.
Culture and Meaning
The volcanoes hold deep cultural significance for the Hawaiian people. Pele, the Polynesian Goddess of Fire, is understood as both the destroyer and creator of these landscapes. Her fires consume the land, then give rise to new cycles through nutrient-rich volcanic soil.
A Note for Visitors
Ancient tradition holds that Pele will bring misfortune to anyone who takes lava rock as a souvenir. Please observe the volcanic landscape, and leave it behind for those who come after you.
The Four Volcanoes
An Overview of the Big Island's Volcanic Landscape
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Mauna Loa
One of the largest active volcanoes on Earth, located within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
Hikers can tackle a challenging day hike or a multi-day backcountry trail through terrain
that shifts from forest to open lava field.
NPS · Mauna Loa -
Kīlauea
The youngest and most active volcano on the island. Kīlauea erupted continuously from
1983 until 2018 and remains one of the most closely studied volcanic systems in the world.
NPS · Kīlauea -
Maunakea
The highest point on the island. Glaciers covered part of the summit during the last ice ages,
making it the only Hawaiian volcano known to have glaciated. Today it is home to a cluster of
world-renowned astronomical observatories.
Maunakea Observatories -
Hualalai
Hualalai has erupted three times in the past thousand years. Its most recent eruption
reached the ocean and now underlies the ground on which Kona International Airport was built.
NPS · Big Island Volcanoes
Current volcanic activity conditions: NPS Volcanic Activity Update
Planning Your Visit
Two Ways to Experience the Volcanoes
Approximately 2 Hours from Mauna Lani
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Plan the drive as a full day and build in stops along the way, including the black sand beach at Punaluʻu and the green sand beach at South Point. At the park, begin at the visitor center for a short orientation film and a map of the day's options.
Walk the mile-long sulphur banks and steam vents loop, step through the Thurston Lava Tube, and make your way to the Kīlauea Overlook along Crater Rim Drive. After dark, the glow from the crater is one of the most memorable sights on the island.
Summit Stargazing
Maunakea Observatory Tours
The elevation and minimal light pollution at Maunakea's summit make it one of the finest places in the world for stargazing. Sunset tours and guided astronomy programs are offered regularly and are a worthwhile addition to any Big Island itinerary.
The drive above the cloud line is itself remarkable. Allow time to acclimatise at the visitor station before continuing to the summit.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park · Big Island
Pele's fires destroy the land, then begin a new cycle. Standing at the crater rim, that idea stops being mythology and becomes something you can feel.The Abita Standard
Stay at Mauna Lani. Explore the Island.
Every Abita property is located within Mauna Lani Resort on the Kohala Coast, positioning you within two hours of the national park, Maunakea, and the full volcanic landscape of the Big Island.
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