What to do In Volcano if Volcanoes National Park is Closed
We often get guests asking if they should even bother coming to the area if Volcanoes National Park is closed. The resounding answer is YES! The park is just one reason to visit the area. The rainforest and greenery will astound you, it is so beautiful and peaceful and different from the beaches of the Kona area, you really should not miss the opportunity to visit the area.
Rainbow Falls: 80” tall waterfall! Located off of Waianuenue Street (near the Bayfront). Stop by Boiling Pots next to Rainbow Falls. Given the name Boiling Pots due to the rapidly moving water spinning around large holes in the river rock.
Farmer’s Market in Hilo. Open 7 days a week 7am-4pm. Go early for the best selection of local & exotic produce, flowers, and crafts. Located on the Hilo Bayfront. Visit the Pacific Tsunami Museum – also located on the Hilo Bayfront.
Beach Parks in Hilo: Carl Smith’s Beach Park, Richardson’s Beach Park. Both located on Kalanianaole Street.
Hawaii Tropical Botanical Gardens is located just 8 miles north of Hilo on the 4 mile “Scenic Route”. This 40 acre botanical garden is home to over 2,000 plant species. You could spend hours just wandering around admiring the diversity. Admission is $15/person.
Akaka Falls: Located 11 miles north of Hilo, this 442” waterfall is not to be missed! This is a state park. Admission is $1 per person.
Kaumana Caves: Similar to the Thurston Lava Tube inside the Nat’l Park, Kaumana Caves is a lava tube for the adventurers. Located just north of Hilo, up the old Saddle Road, spend all day exploring this extremely long lava tube. Be cautious and bring headlamps and wear long-sleeve shirt and pants, and sturdy shoes.
** Continue north to Waipio Valley – “The Valley of the Kings”. Located near the town of Honoka’a, it is approximately 1 hour north of Hilo. The view from the Lookout is spectacular. For the more adventurous, get there early and walk down the road into the valley and enjoy the beautiful beach. Road is very steep and not for the light-hearted. Rental car agreements forbid driving down this road.
Stop by Tex’s Drive-In for lunch/dinner. Plate lunches, burgers, and more! Known for their world-famous Malasadas. Located at mile marker 43 near Honoka’a.
Volcano Garden Arts: Open 10am-3pm. Beautifully made art from local artist. Delicious lunch (great vegetarian and vegan options!)
Volcano Art Gallery: Guided rainforest walks Mondays at 9am and Saturdays at 11am. Rainforest walk is still accessible on a self-guided basis during the hours that the Gallery is open. Open Mon-Sat 9am-4pm. Closed Sundays. Located on Old Volcano Road.
Akatsuka Orchid Gardens and get a chance to see some of the world’s rarest orchids. Located at mile marker 22 and is open from 9am-5pm, 7 days a week.
Stop by the Volcano Winery on your way back for wine tastings! Open from 10am-5:30am. Located at Mile Marker 30 on Pi’i Mauna Drive just past the golf course.
Mauna Kea is the world’s tallest mountain from sea floor to summit. Truly spectacular and breathtaking views, Mauna Kea can be an all-day adventure. There are numerous hiking trails along Saddle Rd and Mauna Kea that gives you a taste of several different climates.
Stay for sunset at the summit, followed by star gazing tours and telescopes at the visitor center. Please note that Mauna Kea takes about 2.5 hrs to drive to summit. Also, it is advised to stop at the visitor center to accumulate before proceeding to the summit because of the drastic elevation changes.
Day Trip Idea #1: Head North
Hilo:
Rainbow Falls: 80” tall waterfall! Located off of Waianuenue Street (near the Bayfront). Stop by Boiling Pots next to Rainbow Falls. Given the name Boiling Pots due to the rapidly moving water spinning around large holes in the river rock.
Farmer’s Market in Hilo. Open 7 days a week 7am-4pm. Go early for the best selection of local & exotic produce, flowers, and crafts. Located on the Hilo Bayfront. Visit the Pacific Tsunami Museum – also located on the Hilo Bayfront.
Beach Parks in Hilo: Carl Smith’s Beach Park, Richardson’s Beach Park. Both located on Kalanianaole Street.
Hawaii Tropical Botanical Gardens is located just 8 miles north of Hilo on the 4 mile “Scenic Route”. This 40 acre botanical garden is home to over 2,000 plant species. You could spend hours just wandering around admiring the diversity. Admission is $15/person.
Akaka Falls: Located 11 miles north of Hilo, this 442” waterfall is not to be missed! This is a state park. Admission is $1 per person.
Kaumana Caves: Similar to the Thurston Lava Tube inside the Nat’l Park, Kaumana Caves is a lava tube for the adventurers. Located just north of Hilo, up the old Saddle Road, spend all day exploring this extremely long lava tube. Be cautious and bring headlamps and wear long-sleeve shirt and pants, and sturdy shoes.
** Continue north to Waipio Valley – “The Valley of the Kings”. Located near the town of Honoka’a, it is approximately 1 hour north of Hilo. The view from the Lookout is spectacular. For the more adventurous, get there early and walk down the road into the valley and enjoy the beautiful beach. Road is very steep and not for the light-hearted. Rental car agreements forbid driving down this road.
Stop by Tex’s Drive-In for lunch/dinner. Plate lunches, burgers, and more! Known for their world-famous Malasadas. Located at mile marker 43 near Honoka’a.
Day Trip Idea #2:
Volcano Attractions & Visit the Volcano – Mauna Kea!
Volcano Garden Arts: Open 10am-3pm. Beautifully made art from local artist. Delicious lunch (great vegetarian and vegan options!)
Volcano Art Gallery: Guided rainforest walks Mondays at 9am and Saturdays at 11am. Rainforest walk is still accessible on a self-guided basis during the hours that the Gallery is open. Open Mon-Sat 9am-4pm. Closed Sundays. Located on Old Volcano Road.
Akatsuka Orchid Gardens and get a chance to see some of the world’s rarest orchids. Located at mile marker 22 and is open from 9am-5pm, 7 days a week.
Stop by the Volcano Winery on your way back for wine tastings! Open from 10am-5:30am. Located at Mile Marker 30 on Pi’i Mauna Drive just past the golf course.
Mauna Kea
Mauna Kea is the world’s tallest mountain from sea floor to summit. Truly spectacular and breathtaking views, Mauna Kea can be an all-day adventure. There are numerous hiking trails along Saddle Rd and Mauna Kea that gives you a taste of several different climates.
Stay for sunset at the summit, followed by star gazing tours and telescopes at the visitor center. Please note that Mauna Kea takes about 2.5 hrs to drive to summit. Also, it is advised to stop at the visitor center to accumulate before proceeding to the summit because of the drastic elevation changes.