In short
- Helicopters show inaccessible active vents from above.
- Hiking puts you inside a 500-year-old lava tube and diverse rainforests.
- Combine both if you have the budget and time.
In this article
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park covers over 505 square miles of rugged terrain. Choosing between a flight and a hike depends on what you want to see. Air tours fly over remote rift zones. Hiking lets you physically stand inside a solidified lava lake.
What do you see on a helicopter tour?
You get aerial views of inaccessible active vents and vast lava fields.
Flights provide a wide view of the 335,259-acre park. You can see the scale of Kīlauea and Mauna Loa from above. This is the only way to look directly down into remote craters that lack trails.
What is hiking the volcano like?
Hiking offers a grounded, immersive experience through diverse ecological zones.
Entering the park on foot costs $15 per person. You walk through dense rainforests and descend into massive craters. The park maintains trails for all levels, from paved paths to multi-day backcountry treks over hardened lava.
Can I see lava tubes from a helicopter?
No, you must be on the ground to explore lava tubes.
Walking allows you to enter Nāhuku (Thurston Lava Tube). This 500-year-old cave was formed by a river of molten lava. You can also hike the 3.3-mile Kīlauea Iki Trail down to a solidified lava lake.
How do time and money compare?
Hiking is highly affordable and takes all day, while flights cost more and end quickly.
A pedestrian pass is $15, and a vehicle pass is $30. Both are valid for seven days. Helicopter tours charge high per-person rates for short flights. Driving yourself means you control the schedule entirely.
How fit do I need to be?
Flights require zero physical exertion, while hiking depends on the chosen trail.
Helicopters are ideal for visitors with limited mobility. Ground exploration requires sturdy, closed-toe shoes. The Kīlauea Visitor Center sits at 4,000 feet, so hikers need warm layers for chilly weather.
Can I just fly my own drone?
No, drones are strictly prohibited everywhere in the park.
You cannot use unmanned aircraft to replicate a helicopter tour. The National Park Service strictly enforces this ban. This rule protects native wildlife like the endangered nēnē and preserves the natural quiet.
Questions travellers ask
Should I do both a flight and a hike?
Yes, if time allows. A helicopter shows the sheer size of the massive craters. Hiking lets you smell the sulfur and walk directly on fresh lava flows.
What should I wear if I choose to hike?
Bring sturdy closed-toe shoes for sharp, uneven lava rocks. Pack a rain jacket and a warm fleece for the chilly 4,000-foot summit.
Can I hike anywhere I want in the park?
No. You must stay on marked trails to avoid hidden cracks and sudden drop-offs. Closures for toxic gases and active lava are strictly enforced.
