Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park

Both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an International Biosphere Reserve, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is one of the world’s most remarkable volcanic landscapes. It protects two of the world’s most active volcanoes, Kīlauea and Mauna Loa, and offers extensive wilderness and hiking opportunities.

Nearly 1.88 million tourists visited Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park in 2025.

• Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park welcomed 1.37 million visitors in 2019. However, when the pandemic hit in 2020, this number dropped by 57% to 0.59 million.
• 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 3% increase to 1.62 million, marking what was then the highest recorded visits since 2017.
• In 2025, visitation reached 1.88 million, up 31% from 1.43 million in 2024, reflecting a strong rebound after the previous year’s decline.

How many people visited Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park in 2026?

• As of February 2026, Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park recorded a total of 294,805 visitors, including 158,319 in January and 136,486 in February.

How many people visited Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park in 2025?

• In 2025, Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park welcomed a total of 1.88 million visitors, with 111,000 overnight campers and 1.77 million same-day tourists. This marked a 37% increase over the number of visitors recorded in 2019.

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park Tourism Statistics 2020 and 2021

• In 2020, Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park visitor numbers fell to 589,775 due to the coronavirus pandemic. This marked a decrease of 57% 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%.

• Visitors to Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park spent almost $445 million in 2024, exceeding the pre-pandemic spending levels by 282%.

Note: NPS also found that many Hawai'i Volcanoes visitors stay overnight and spend more on lodging, which helped raise the 2024 spending estimate. Visitors stayed an average of 6.4 nights, spent about $763 per group per night, and 24% said the park was the main reason for their trip.

How much does it cost to visit Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park?

• A visit to Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park costs $30 per private vehicle, $25 per motorcycle, or $15 per person on foot or bicycle, and each entrance pass is valid for 7 days.
• For travelers planning a longer trip, the Hawai'i Tri-Park Annual Pass costs $55. While the entrance fee is affordable, the National Park Service says overnight visitors to Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park spent an average of $763 per group per night and stayed 6.4 nights on the Island of Hawai'i, showing that total trip costs are usually much higher than the park entry fee alone.

• The best months to visit Hawai'i 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 Hawai'i 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 the 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.

About 110,600 people camped at Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park in 2025.

• Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park welcomed 91,200 campers in 2019. However, when the pandemic hit in 2020, this number dropped by 54% to 41,900.
• By 2021, annual camping numbers at Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park began to recover, reaching 90,800.
• Camping visits increased in 2022 to 124,300, exceeding the 2019 figure, and in 2023, there was an 11% decrease to 110,500.
• In 2025, annual camping at Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park reached 110,600, up 8% from 102,800 in 2024.

Most Popular Types of Camping at Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park 2025

• Concessionaire Lodging (33,480 visits) – Also known as glamping, this was one of the most popular options, with many visitors opting for comfortable lodging accommodations provided by third-party operators.
• Concessionaire Camping (4,870 visits) – A notable number of visitors preferred concessionaire camping, which combines the outdoor experience with the added benefits of managed services and amenities.
• Backcountry Camping (5,120 visits) – Backcountry camping appeals to those seeking a more remote and challenging outdoor adventure, though it attracts a smaller group of visitors compared to more structured options.
• Tent Campers (1,130 visits) – Tent camping was less popular.
• Other/Misc (65,980 visits) – This catch-all category was the most popular, representing the largest share of camping-related visits in the dataset.

Visitors are key in protecting the park'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.