Getting to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park sits in HI, United States, with Volcano the closest mapped town — about 4.9 mi (7.8 km) away, not a drive.
Reached by air to Hawaiʻi Island, with no road or ferry link to any other national park.
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park does not gate the entrance itself. Specific roads, hikes, or tours still need a permit or timed ticket.
Drive times from Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park sits close enough to Haleakalā National Park that one drive from home can cover more than one park.
| Park | Apart | Estimated drive |
|---|---|---|
| Haleakalā National Park | 112 mi (180 km) | 3 hr 6 min |
Towns to base yourself in
| Town | Distance | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Volcano | 4.9 mi (7.8 km) | Not a drive |
| Hawaiian Beaches | 21.7 mi (34.9 km) | Not a drive |
| Pāhala | 21.9 mi (35.2 km) | Not a drive |
| Hilo | 25.2 mi (40.6 km) | Not a drive |
| Laupāhoehoe | 42 mi (67.6 km) | Not a drive |
| Hawaiian Ocean View | 42.7 mi (68.7 km) | Not a drive |
| Hōlualoa | 51.5 mi (82.8 km) | Not a drive |
| Waimea | 54 mi (87 km) | Not a drive |
How to read these numbers
Distances are straight-line between the town and the park centre. Drive estimates add a road factor and an average speed, which is close enough for planning but wrong wherever mountains, ferries, or seasonal closures are involved.
Inside a large park, getting from the entrance to the part you came to see can add another hour or more.
Region pages
Common questions
What is the closest town to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park?
Volcano, about 4.9 mi (7.8 km) away on the map. Reached by air to Hawaiʻi Island, with no road or ferry link to any other national park. That distance is not a drive.
Where should I stay when visiting Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park?
The practical mainland bases are Volcano, Hawaiian Beaches, and Pāhala. Reached by air to Hawaiʻi Island, with no road or ferry link to any other national park.