There’s plenty to do and see at Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, so it might be a little overwhelming trying to figure out what to do first. This Traveler’s Checklist will point the way to must-do sights and locations to help start your exploration of this national park.

Check and see if a hula demonstration will be presented during your visit to Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park / Rebecca Latson

* While one of the first things you are probably going to want to do is see Kīlauea volcano, you should stop first at the park’s visitor center to at least find out what is accessible to visitors and what might be closed during your visit. You can also find out about any ranger-led programs and events such as hula demonstrations.

* From the visitor center, drive to Kīlauea Overlook, which provides the most dramatic views of this volcano’s activity. Visit during the day and you’ll see steam and maybe lava flowing. Visit at night to view the volcano’s dramatic glow, whether it is erupting or not.

The view from Kīlauea Overlook, Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park / NPS - Janice Wei

* To get the lay of the land, drive the 18.8-mile (30.3-km) Chain of Craters Road to view old lava flows (some of which really do shine like gold in the sunlight), craters, expansive landscape views, petroglyphs, and a sea arch near the end of the road.

Along Chain of Craters Road, you really will see pahoehoe lava sparkling like gold in the sunlight, Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park / Rebecca Latson

* Stop to visit Thurston Cave ((Nāhuku), an example of a lava tube created when molten lava once flowed through the now-solid passageway.

Take the time to explore Thurston Lava Cave (Nāhuku), Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park / Rebecca Latson

* At the end of Chain of Craters Road, park your vehicle and walk the trail to the Pu‘uloa Petroglyphs (images carved in stone). This archaeological site contains over 23,000 petroglyphs.

* Take a hike. If you only have time for one trail, make it the Kīlauea Iki trail. You’ll hike down through verdant rainforest vegetation, then on to and over what was once a roiling lava lake. Along the way, you’ll see steaming vents, pass by the still-steaming Pu'u Pua'i (Gushing Hill) cinder cone, see evidence of life reclaiming the desolate lava landscape, and view cairns (ahu) as tall as you or taller, created to point your way across the lava lake trail.

A telephoto view of the Kīlauea Iki trail, Pu'u Pua'i cinder cone, and a steaming Hale'uma'u crater in the background, Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park / Rebecca Latson

* For a longer backcountry trek, make reservations for the two cabins along the Mauna Loa Trail on the north side of Highway 11. This is a 19-mile (30.6-km) trek, one way, from the Mauna Loa Road that gains roughly 9,200 feet (2,804 m) on the way to the Mona Loa Cabin. Add another 427 feet (130 m) of elevation to reach the volcano's summit. Traveler’s Note: Mauna Loa Summit Cabin is not accessible from Mauna Loa Trail due to trail damage from the 2022 Mauna Loa eruption.

* Reserve a spot in a helicopter for a thrilling ride over active volcanism in the park. The views are incredible as is the sense of adventure. A Google search will show you several helicopter tour operations in Hilo. Make sure you have your camera handy.

Witness the park's volcanic activity from the air, Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park / Rebecca Latson

* Stay up past your bedtime to do some stargazing. It’s especially dramatic from the Kīlauea Overlook, where you can see stars above and a richly-glowing landscape below.

* Explore the Steam Vents on the rim of Halema’uma’u Crater. Cross Highway 11 from the Steam Vents parking area to walk the trail to the Sulphur Banks.

A trailside steam vent at Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park / Rebecca Latson

* Reserve a room at Hawai’i Volcano House, the only in-park lodging. If you can’t get a room, at least enjoy a sumptious dinner in the hotel’s dining room. It’s not your standard park fare.

A cioppino appetizer at Volcano House Hotel's dining room, Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park / Rebecca Latson

* If you are in a shopping mood, visit the Volcano Art Center near the park’s visitor center for a one-of-a-kind gift and original work of art.

Traveler’s Note: Depending upon the time of your visit, you will want to check the park’s website for any alerts/construction/closures. As of this writing, the Chain of Craters Road is closed due to heightened gas emissions and seismic activity. Also, expect closures and delays at the summit of Kīlauea due to a two-year construction project to repair or remove damaged buildings and infrastructure.