Attractions and Places To See around Volcano Golf Course - Top 20

Beyond the golf course's unique setting on the rim of the active Kīlauea volcanic crater, you can explore the Kīlauea Iki Crater Trail, which allows you to walk across a solidified lava lake. Another impressive natural feature is Nāhuku (Thurston Lava Tube), a 500-year-old lava cave. Don't miss the Fern Rainforest, with its huge tree ferns, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of primitive times.

Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. The Nāhuku (Thurston Lava Tube) is a fascinating and accessible cave experience. The Fern Rainforest offers an easy walk through lush vegetation. Additionally, the Kīlauea Visitor Center provides exhibits and films about the park's geology, making it an educational stop for all ages.

The Volcano Golf Course itself is historic, established in 1921 as one of Hawaii's oldest courses. Within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, you can visit the Kīlauea Visitor Center, which showcases native Hawaiian culture. Further into the park, the Pu'u Loa Petroglyphs offer a glimpse into ancient Hawaiian rock art, with over 23,000 carvings accessible via a 1.5-mile hike.

For easy hikes, consider trails within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The Devastation Trail is a paved, accessible path showcasing the aftermath of a 1959 eruption. The Fern Rainforest also offers a gentle walk. For more options, you can find several easy routes in the guide to Easy hikes around Volcano Golf Course, such as the Sulphur Banks and Crater Rim Trail Loop or the Kīpuka Puaulu Trail.

Yes, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park offers several accessible options. The Kīlauea Visitor Center is wheelchair-friendly. The Devastation Trail is a paved, accessible path. The Fern Rainforest also has an asphalt path leading to the lava tube entrance, making it accessible.

The area is home to unique Hawaiian wildlife. Keep an eye out for the Nēnē goose, Hawaii's state bird, which is often seen on the golf course. Kīpukapuaulu, also known as Bird Park, within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, is an old koa tree grove known for its rare plants and animals, making it an excellent spot for birdwatching.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is open 24 hours a day, year-round, offering different experiences depending on the time of day and season. For viewing lava flows, evenings are often best. The weather is generally mild, but conditions can vary with elevation. It's always a good idea to check the park's official website for current conditions and volcanic activity updates before your visit: nps.gov/havo.

Parking can be scarce at popular spots like Nāhuku (Thurston Lava Tube). It's often recommended to park at the Kīlauea Visitor Center or other designated parking areas along Crater Rim Trail and hike to your desired destination to avoid congestion.

Yes, the area offers various routes for different fitness levels. For running, you can explore trails like the Crater Rim Trail or the Crater Rim Drive and Devastation Trail, as detailed in the guide to Running Trails around Volcano Golf Course. For more challenging hikes, consider longer loops like the Kīlauea Iki and Crater Rim Trail, which can be found in the guide to Hiking around Volcano Golf Course.

Volcano Village is a charming community located near the golf course and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. It provides a cozy atmosphere with local art galleries, such as the Volcano Art Gallery, and unique establishments like the Volcano Winery, which offers tastings. It's also home to the Kīlauea Lodge & Restaurant, known for its award-winning dining and 'stay-and-play' packages with the golf course.

Visitors find the Kīlauea Iki Crater Trail to be a very impressive experience, often describing it as walking through a 'lunar landscape.' Many note the unique sensation of the ground sounding hollow as they traverse the solidified lava lake, making it a truly memorable and beautiful hike.

The Volcano Golf Course is uniquely situated on the rim of the active Kīlauea volcanic crater, and you can sometimes see steam rising from the volcano on parts of the course. Within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, you'll find numerous geothermal elements like steam vents and sulfurous fumaroles, and the spectacularly active Halema'uma'u crater.