Crater Rim Drive Itinerary
Crater Rim Drive is a scenic road trip that starts and ends in the city of Volcano, Hawaii, United States. This 83 km (51 mile) drive takes you through the beautiful landscapes of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Along the route, travelers can take in the stunning views of lush rainforest, lava fields, and volcanic craters. The best time to take this journey is in the spring or summer, when the weather is warm and the roads are clear. Although the road is generally in excellent condition, some sections may be narrow and curvy, so please drive with caution. Depending on the weather, some sections may also be closed during the winter months. This road trip is an excellent way to experience the beauty of Hawaii, and it can be done on a moderate budget. Whether you are a first time traveler or a seasoned road tripper, Crater Rim Drive will provide you with a memorable journey.
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number of days
83 km
route length
fair
budget
family
good for
on the right
traffic direction
low
accident level
START
Volcano
Distance 83 km
Driving time 1.5 h
Pace: modest
21.6 kWh
Airports
ITO
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MUE
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Volcano in the United States is a stunning destination for travelers seeking an awe-inspiring adventure. The area is home to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, a United Nations World Heritage Site that offers an array of exciting sights and activities. The Crater Rim Drive is the perfect way to discover the park’s incredible features. This 11-mile road takes you along the edge of the Kilauea caldera and provides stunning views of the Halema‘uma‘u crater, as well as beautiful rainforest and lush vegetation. Along the way, you can explore the Thurston Lava Tube, hike the Kilauea Iki Trail, and visit the Jaggar Museum and Volcano House.
For those arriving by air, the closest international airport is the Hilo International Airport (ITO). Car rentals are available at the airport, making it easy to explore the area. With a car, you can take a day trip to the nearby town of Pahoa and see the picturesque Punalu’u Black Sand Beach, or visit the Big Island’s tallest peak, Mauna Kea. No matter what you choose to do, Volcano in the United States is sure to provide an unforgettable experience.
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Volcano
- Hawaii Volcanoes N.P.
Distance 22 km
Driving time 0.4 h
Pace: modest
5.8 kWh
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Itinerary
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Embark on an unforgettable road trip adventure from Volcano, United States to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park! The 22km stretch is filled with breathtaking views, winding roads, and diverse vegetation. The journey takes less than an hour and is sure to leave you in awe of the majestic landscape. The road is narrow in some sections and the route may be closed seasonally, so make sure to plan ahead. Along the way, you’ll be able to marvel at the unique vegetation, lush forests, and vast open plains. You’ll also be able to explore the historic Volcano Village, the scenic town of Pahala, and the vast Kau Desert. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check out the Itinerary for this stage. Don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime experience!
Hawaii Volcanoes N.P. - United States - North America - Scenic Drive - Wikipedia
Hawaii Volcanoes N.P. - United States - North America - Scenic Drive - Pixabay
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Hawaii Volcanoes N.P.
- Volcano
Distance 61 km
Driving time 1.1 h
Pace: modest
15.8 kWh
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Itinerary
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Embark on an unforgettable road trip starting at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and ending in Volcano. This 61 km journey will take you less than an hour to complete, but the sights and sounds along the way will make you want to take your time. Along the way, look out for the beautiful and winding roads, and take in the stunning views of the volcanic landscapes. Be mindful of the weather and road conditions, as some sections may be closed seasonally or be too narrow for two cars to pass. As you drive, be sure to take a few moments to appreciate the wonders of nature that surround you. When you reach Volcano, take a stroll through the charming and unique village, and explore the many local shops and restaurants. For those wanting to spend a night in the area, there are plenty of accommodation options available. To get the most out of your road trip, be sure to check out the "Itinerary" of this stage for more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route.
Volcano
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Volcano in the United States is a must-see destination for anyone looking to explore the natural beauty of the country. Located in Hawaii, the volcano is the perfect end to a road trip along the famous Crater Rim Drive. The drive offers breathtaking views of the volcano’s crater and the surrounding landscape.
The most notable spot along the drive is the Kilauea Caldera, the world’s most active volcano. It is here that visitors are able to view the glowing lava that is constantly pouring into the crater. The steam and smoke that rises from the volcano can also be seen from the crater rim.
The Volcano National Park is another must-see for visitors to the area. Here, visitors can get up close and personal with the volcano’s many craters and lava flows. Visitors can also take part in educational and interpretive programs, such as guided hikes and night sky programs.
Those traveling by air will want to fly into the Hilo International Airport (ITO). From there, travelers will find it easy to rent a car and make the drive to the Volcano National Park.
At the end of the Crater Rim Drive, visitors will find themselves at the Volcano National Park, with its many wonders and attractions. From the glowing lava to the interpretive programs, this is truly a remarkable place that everyone should experience.
Crater Rim Drive at a glance
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Start:
Volcano
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End:
Volcano
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Distance:
83 km
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Stay:
1 day
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Getting there:
Hilo International Airport (ITO),
Waimea Kohala Airport (MUE)
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When to drive:
January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
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More info:
More info you can find in the "Itinerary" section at each stage.
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