We were scheduled to visit Hilo and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on Monday, November 28, and woke to the news of an eruption on Mauna Loa! We ventured ahead...and our visit to the national park was enhanced by conversations that were immediately pertinent. We viewed lava on Kilauea (which is also erupting) while in the park, and viewed the Mauna Loa lava flow, etc. later in the week. Rangers were full of knowledge and fun to speak with. Don't miss the lava tube!! That short hike was a highlight of our visit.

I always love the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. There is so much to see and do. I love the short hike to the Thurston Lava Tube. It is really beautiful with all the green plants and flowers. Then you have areas of the park that look like it is on another planet. Add in flowing lava and you have a recipe for a great place to visit.

We booked our trip in the summer to go to the Big Island, and we ended up going there when the volcano was erupting. This was a trip of a lifetime and going to the national Park and seeing the study of these volcanos and craters was so surreal. We were so happy we went there.

Kilauea Iki trail: where else can you walk through a rainforest serenaded by birds then trek across a volcano caldera? It took us just over 2 hours for this moderate hike. Bring plenty of water and slather on the sunscreen. Take the Chain of Craters road down to the sea through lava fields and you’ll wonder if you’ve been transported to another planet. You could easily spend 2 days exploring the wonders of this amazing national park.

Glad we made the trip. Nothing was off the chart spectacular, but it was good. Thought the best part was the drive down to the arch. When you get to the bottom of the hill and see the lava field, look for the stairs leading down to the original road. You have to look carefully for it. We spent about 6 hours in the park

Nice, accessible visitor's center with restroom facilities readily available for visitors. A very helpful guide in the visitor's center was great help with navigating the national park with a layout of where to go and what each area accessed. My complaint regarding the guide was that he suggested going all the way to the end and bypass the lava tube parking. There is not much parking at the Thurston Lava Tube and most of that parking is accessible from the visitor's center and not on the return trip. The parking area prior to the lava tube parking is where visitor's can access the hike down into the valley, so parking is generally not available in that lot either. My biggest suggestion to the national park would be to offer a trolley service or the equivalent due to the parking shortages. The experience was frustrating and unnecessary complicated. A must do as part of the Big Island experience, but could be improved.

Beautiful hiking trails in and around various volcanoes, educational stops for learning about the formation and eruption of volcanoes, especially on this "young" island. Kilauea was erupting again and steam was venting everywhere. The best part of this trip's visit to Volcanoes was Park Ranger Dean Gallagher, at the Visitor Center, who shared endless facts on the development of this island and all the other (including submerging) Hawaiian Islands. We had the most fascinating conversation with him about eight different mini-shrimp species that originated when the islands were one land mass; the national preserve of submerged islands representing the early life cycle; and how early Polynesian peoples followed migrating giant birds (with teeth!!) traveling between Asia to the Americas with stops in the Hawaiian Islands to give birth. I could have soaked up his vast knowledge all day. The visitor center has great pictures, graphics and details on island formation and history. Plus maps and information on exploring back country sites within the park. This is a must see national park!

This is by far the most incredible national park we have visited. We got lucky with a clear bright night and even saw a stunning sky of stars. For the best viewing of lava, Kilauea Lookout was the key! We have eaten at the Volcano Lodge, and stayed at the cabins. Lodge views are amazing; food is adequate but overpriced. Cabins are well outfitted and a DEAL for the convenience.

Beautiful National Park! Lots of trails to hike and overlooks to see Kilauea erupting. Volcano House is cool and so is the visitor center. If you love the outdoors, go in the middle of the week, it’s much less crowded. Enjoy the aloha.

Driving up from Hilo, we arrived at night to view the current lava flow at the Halema'uma'u Crater. A night visit allows you can see the hot lava which does not show up during the day. To viewed the crater we chose the Kilauea Overlook which I have photographed the crater from on previous visits. Last year the best view came from the Keanakako'i Overlook. This year a fellow tourist said the rangers were recommending the Kilauea Overlook. The parking lot was crowded but as people left car spots opened up. By 10PM the car park was very open. We took our tripods for stability and were not disappointed with our photos. FYI, weekends the road can be blocked as the park monitors the number of cars. A sight that you should not pass up if you happen to be on the Big Island while Kilauea is erupting. This is the only active volcano that allows easy viewing world wide. Enjoy