Packing list
What to bring to the volcano
You will leave a beach in shorts and arrive at a crater rim above 4,000 feet. Dress for both.
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
- Fleece or light insulated layer
- Windproof rain shell
- Closed-toe shoes with real soles
- Long pants for longer hikes
- Your own water
- Sun protection: lava fields have no shade
- Flashlight and spare batteries
- Snacks for longer hikes
Keep a warm layer in the car for dusk, when the crater glow (if lava is active) is at its best. See lava viewing.
Mauna Kea summit or stargazing
- A real jacket
- Hat
- Long pants
- Closed-toe shoes
- Water in the car
Evenings at the visitor station can drop to about 30°F. Most tours lend parkas and gloves; check yours. Altitude can bring headaches, nausea and tiredness, so spend at least half an hour at the visitor station before going higher. More on Mauna Kea tours.
If you are on a tour
Ask what is included: some volcano tours include lunch, others stop at a bakery where you pay your own way. Bring a layer either way; the van is warm, the crater rim is not.
Questions people ask
Is it cold at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park?
It can be. The Kīlauea summit area sits above 4,000 feet, and mornings and evenings get cold, especially in winter. Bring a fleece and a windproof rain shell even if it is hot in Kona.
What shoes should I wear to the volcano?
Closed-toe shoes with real soles. Lava rock is sharp and uneven, so skip the flip-flops.
Do I need a flashlight at the volcano?
Yes, if you stay after dark, which is the best time to see any lava glow. Bring a flashlight rather than relying on a phone.