Jaggar Museum:
A 15 minute drive from the lodge, Jaggar Museum is open 8:30am-7:30pm. It has exhibits ranging from seismographs, to the Hawaiian mythology on the creation of the Hawaiian Islands, to different types of lava, etc. It’s a great place to learn about lava, see lava eruption footage, and learn about Hawaiian mythology. Not to mention, the eruption of Halema’uma’u is best viewed from Jaggar Museum at night. Go star and lava gazing at Jaggar Museum and witness the power of Pele.
Note: Halema’ma’u eruption is a lava lake that is currently not showing above the surface of the crater. You will not see any surface lava. For more information about surface lava and tours see our Lava Tours section.
Thurston Lava Tube:
An easy loop walk, about 20 minutes, descend down a paved path into the enormous lava tube. The path through the lava tube is well lit. Take notice of the Ohia roots growing down through the ceiling of the lava tube.
Chain of Craters Road:
A beautiful and scenic 45 minute drive (one-way) that starts in the lush Hawaiian rainforest. Just a few miles down the road, you will start seeing the numerous craters that have formed throughout the years. Most of the lava flows are marked with dates, which is something that puts the history of Kilauea into perspective. Stop at the scenic overlooks to check out the breath-taking views of the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park’s coastline. Make sure to drive all the way to the end of the Chain of Craters Road, where the view becomes miles of open lava fields. At the end of the road, stop at Holei Sea Arch where the waves pound on the sea cliffs creating stunning views. After parking, be sure to walk the rest of the length of road to where the lava abruptly crossed over the pavement. No food, water, or fuel is available on this route
Please obey all posted speed limits. The Nene (Hawaiian goose) can be found along the side of road.
Mauna Loa Strip Road:
Located off Hwy 11 just past mile marker 30, Mauna Loa Strip Road winds its’ way up Mauna Loa to over 6,000 feet in elevation. Lower elevations of the strip road have large Koa trees, but most people will notice the dead (Ohia) trees. Ohia trees dying off are a naturally occurring event that scientists believe have to do with specific lava flows and the lack of nutrients. As you continue pass the Koa and Ohia trees, the landscape thins out a little and becomes a desert. However, you should still see beautiful blooming A’ali’i, a shrub with pink/purple flowers. The end of the road has a nice pavilion and on clear days beautiful views of the Volcano region.
It’s a great place to picnic. While up there, you can hike a little on the Mauna Loa trail, but for the most part it’s an intense uphill trail with very little vegetation.
