I have been to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park a few times and despite spending multiple days there, always feel like I need more time. I have also found that lots of tourists try to squeeze it all in with a day trip from Kona. Here are my top 5 reasons to give yourself plenty of time to enjoy everything the park has to offer.

Lava!

Kilauea is one of the world’s most active volcanoes and you traveled a good distance to get there, so of course you want to see lava. By far the most popular viewing area is of the Halema’uma’u Crater from the Jaggar Museum. If the lava lake level is high, you can watch the lava sputter and move any time of day. If the level is lower you’ll want to wait until dark to see the glow. As of now it’s also possible to see the Pu’u’ O’o flow by either hiking about 11 miles round trip from the end of Chain of Craters Road or by driving to the Kalapana viewing area on the opposite side of the park and either hiking or renting bicycles to get out to the flow. Either option takes planning and a good amount of time, but it’s definitely worth the effort for an unforgettable experience.

Crowds

The most popular parts of the park get overrun by midday with tours and people doing day trips. If you get an early start you can see these spots with little to no crowds. The most popular areas are the Steam Vents, Jaggar Museum and Thurston Lava Tube. If these are on your itinerary (and they should be) then try to avoid the peak times. The Steam Vents are on the main road so there is a steady stream of cars coming and going, but its also an easy walk from the Visitor Center. By taking the time to walk you avoid the crowds, plus get some good views of the forest and crater. Thurston Lava Tube is just off of Chain of Craters road and parking gets crazy by late morning. Get here early if driving, or extend the Kilauea Iki Crater hike a bit and walk. The Jaggar Museum also has the viewing area for the crater, and since it’s much more spectacular at night, it is completely insane just after dark. By staying nearby, you can go have dinner, change into warm clothes, and then show up when the crowds have dispersed later in the evening. The museum closes, but the viewing area is accessible 24 hours, giving you as much time as you like to soak in the view and get some amazing photos without other people’s flash getting in the way.

Weather

There can be some wild weather changes in the park and they happen frequently, so by giving yourself more time you can be flexible if the weather doesn’t cooperate initially. If you are able to wait even a few hours, the weather can clear up into a beautiful day. Or if it’s cloudy and rainy one night, you have another shot at a clear sky and clear views of the lava lake by staying an extra night or two. Weather also varies depending on what area of the park you’re in, it can be raining at the Visitor Center but sunny and hot by the coast.

It’s Huge

Several of the sites are spread out and there are basically only two roads so it takes time just to get to some of the most worthwhile sites. Chain of Craters road can take an entire day if you let it, without even doing the hike out to the lava. There are several spots where you’ll want to pull over and take in the view. If you’re into hiking or cycling you’ll want even more time to explore the trails, many of which are nearly empty.

Art, etc.

If you find yourself in a sudden rain storm and want some refuge, there are several indoors things to do in the area. Volcano Art Center, next to the Visitor Center, has beautiful local art and is also a historic building. In town there is the Volcano Winery and Akatsuka Orchid Gardens, which are worth a stop if you have extra time or just need a break from the outdoors.

When planning your trip keep up to date with the activity in the park at the NPS website. There is a lot to do on The Big Island, but this is one of the most unique National Parks in the world, so allow time to soak it all in…and see as much lava as possible!