Unwrap These Ranger Tips Before Visiting Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park This Holiday Season

The holidays are a magical time to visit Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park—and when Kīlauea is stirring, it’s downright electric. With increased visitation and the possibility of volcanic activity, park rangers are sharing a few practical tips to help you enjoy the park safely (and keep your holiday cheer intact).

Expect crowds at Kīlauea’s summit
Holiday visitation is busy on a good day—and eruptions send it into overdrive. Heavy traffic is normal. Slow down, drive with aloha, and follow ranger directions. This isn’t the Indy 500; it’s a national park.

Stay on trails and out of closed areas
Closed areas are closed for a reason (spoiler: lava and cliffs). Stay well back from cliff edges and keep children close at all times.

Visitor Center update
The Kīlauea Visitor Center is currently closed for renovation. No worries—rangers, park information, parking, and the park store are all available at the Welcome Center, located just one mile past the park entrance on Crater Rim Drive East.
 Open daily—including Christmas and New Year’s Day—from 9:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.

Plahead (your future self will thank you)
Make the park website your first stop before arriving. You’ll find current eruption viewing tips, air quality updates, safety alerts, hikes, scenic drives, and other must-know details.

 Don’t get lost—go full ranger mode
Download the National Park Service App and interactive park map (free on the App Store and Google Play). Be sure to download for offline use—cell service is spotty, and your GPS may decide to take a vacation.

 Have a Plan B
If a popular area is packed, pivot to a less-visited section of the park and circle back later. Flexibility is the secret ingredient to a great park day.

 Protect the nēnē
It’s nēnē breeding season. Watch carefully for Hawaiʻi’s native goose along roadsides and in parking areas. Never feed them, give them space, and consider them VIP locals—because they are.

Park rangers want every visitor to have a safe, memorable holiday adventure. Safety is always the top priority—but it’s also a shared responsibility. Come prepared, stay alert, and enjoy one of the most extraordinary places on Earth. Lava optional, memories guaranteed. ?✨