Page last updated: 13 September 2024
How many people visit Volcanoes National Park each year?
Over 1.62 million tourists visited Volcanoes National Park in 2023.
- Volcanoes National Park welcomed 1.37 million visitors in 2019. However, when the pandemic hit in 2020, this number dropped by 62% to 589,775.
- By 2021, visitor numbers began to recover, reaching 1.26 million.
- Tourist numbers increased in 2022 to 1.58 million visits exceeding the 2019 figure, and in 2023, there was a 2% increase to 1.62 million, marking the highest recorded visits in history.
How much do visitors spend at Volcanoes National Park every year?
In 2023, visitor spending at Volcanoes National Park amounted to $154.60 million.
- In 2019, visitors to Volcanoes National Park generated $116.46 million in expenditure. However, in 2020, visitor spending dropped by 56% to $50.22 million.
- Volcanoes National Park recovered in 2021, with $117.16 million spent by tourists.
- In 2022, tourist spending amounted to $148 million, and in 2023, this increased by 4% to $154.60 million. This growth highlighted a steady recovery, showcasing a 32% rise compared to the spending levels in 2019.
How many people visited Volcanoes National Park in 2023?
- In 2023, Volcanoes National Park welcomed a total of 1.62 million visitors, with 45,856 overnight campers and 1.57 million same-day tourists. This marked an 18% greater than the visitors recorded in 2019.
How much did tourists spend in Volcanoes National Park in 2023?
- Visitors to Volcanoes National Park spent almost $154.60 million in 2023, exceeding the pre-pandemic spending levels by 24%.
Impact of Coronavirus
Volcanoes National Park Tourism Statistics 2020 and 2021
- In 2020, Volcanoes National Park visitor numbers fell to 589,775 due to the coronavirus pandemic. This marked a decrease of 56% from the 2019 figure of 1.37 million. In 2021, there was a 113% increase compared to 2020, with 1.26 million visits.
- Tourist spending followed a similar trend. After 2019’s expenditure figure of $116.46 million, tourist spending dropped to $50.22 million in 2020, showcasing a drop of over 56%. However, in 2021, visitor spending reached $117.16 million, exceeding the 2019 tourist expenditure by 1%.
How popular is Volcanoes National Park?
- Volcanoes National Park’s “Earth, Sea, Sky” education program received the National Park Service’s top “Excellence in Education” award for its outstanding contributions to educational initiatives.
- Volcanoes National Park ranked 19th as the most visited national park in the U.S.A. in 2023.
Read more about the U.S. National Park Ranking.
When is the best time to visit Volcanoes National Park?
- The best months to visit Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park are June, July, August, and December to February because these are the driest months, offering ideal weather conditions for exploring the park’s trails and volcanic landscapes.
- The best time to visit Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is early in the morning, before 10 a.m., to avoid crowds and enjoy popular spots like Nāhuku (Thurston Lava Tube) and Kīlauea Iki Trail.
- For a quieter experience and to see the summit eruption glow, plan your visit either before sunrise or after 9 p.m., when most visitors have left. The park is open 24 hours a day.
What were Volcanoes National Park’s peak tourist months in 2023?
- January was the busiest month for Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, attracting 186,410 visitors. The surge is driven by the holiday season and favourable weather.
- June saw 176,017 visitors, benefiting from the summer vacation period and excellent weather, drawing outdoor enthusiasts looking to make the most of their time in nature.
- July, with 142,751 visitors, remained a peak month, as the summer break continued, offering warm, dry conditions perfect for hiking and sightseeing.
- February welcomed 138,766 visitors, as cooler weather and fewer crowds made it an appealing time for travellers seeking a quieter experience.
- August drew 138,572 visitors, as tourists took advantage of the last stretch of summer, enjoying the dry season before the school year began.
What are the most popular types of camping at Volcanoes National Park in 2023?
- Concessionaire Lodging (34,788 visits) – This was the most popular option in 2023, with many visitors opting for comfortable lodging accommodations provided by third-party operators.
- Concessionnaire Camping (6,401 visits) – A notable number of visitors preferred concessionaire camping, which combines the outdoor experience with the added benefits of managed services and amenities.
- Backcountry Camp (3,704 visits) – Backcountry camping appeals to those seeking a more remote and challenging outdoor adventure.
- Tent Campers (958 visits) – Tent camping was less popular in 2023.
- RV Campers (5 visits) – RV camping saw the fewest visits, due to limited RV facilities within the park, making it a less accessible option for most visitors.
Volcanoes National Park Facts
- Largest Active Volcano: The park is home to Mauna Loa, the largest active volcano on Earth.
- World Heritage Site: It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an International Biosphere Reserve, recognised for its natural and cultural significance.
- Diverse Ecosystem: The park features a unique mix of volcanic landscapes, tropical rainforests, and diverse wildlife.
- Historical Significance: Polynesians were the first settlers, and the park has a rich cultural history.
- Volcanic Activity: Kilauea, one of the world’s most active volcanoes, continuously shapes the landscape.
What are the most common causes of death in Volcanoes National Park?
There were 16 recorded deaths in Volcanoes National Park between 2007 and 2023. Here are the main causes of death in the park:
- Motor Vehicle Crash (7 deaths)
- Falls (2 deaths)
- Medical Emergency – Unknown (2 deaths)
- Other Transportation-Related Deaths (2 deaths)
- Medical Emergency During Physical Activity (1 death)
- Medical Emergency Not During Physical Activity (1 death)
- Suicide (1 death)
Volcanoes National Park Safety Tips
Visitors are key in protecting Volcanoes’s wildlife, natural resources, and historical sites. To ensure safety and preserve the park’s environment, follow these guidelines:
- Stay on Marked Trails: Volcanic terrain can be hazardous, with unstable cliffs, cracks, and dangerous gases. Avoid closed areas.
- Prepare for Weather: The park can be chilly at higher elevations. Wear appropriate clothing and bring water.
- Driving Safety: Slow down, stay alert, and watch for pedestrians and wildlife.
- Wildlife Caution: Keep a safe distance from animals and never feed them.
- Hiking: Wear sturdy shoes, stay hydrated, and know your limits.
National Park (NP) Tourism Statistics
References
- NPS: Facts and Figures – Visitation, Ranking and Mortality Data