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Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is a beautiful and remarkable destination to spend the weekend with your friends and family. Be ready to get excited about the breathtaking views and stunning landscapes that you are going to love so much.
The national park is located on the island of Hawaii. This park is famous for the Kīlauea volcano, which is considered as one of the most active volcanoes not just on the island but also in the whole world. That’s why each year thousands and even millions of tourists come to visit this miracle of nature. The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is inscribed in the list of World Heritage Sites and is worth seeing.
My name is Eddie, and I have traveled a lot in my life. Hiking is one of my biggest passions, and from my own experience, I can tell you a lot about what to bring to the Hawaii Volcanoes and ensure the most comfortable and safe trip. That’s why I have prepared the ultimate list of things you should certainly take with you on your hiking trip. Let’s get started!
The price is quite reasonable, and for $80 for adults, you will get access to parks for the whole year. Seniors will pay the reduced annual price of $20, but there is an opportunity to buy a lifetime senior pass for $80 as well. Military members, their dependents, and kids up to 4th grade can enter the park free.
Packing List for Hawaii Volcanoes National Park in Spring or Summer
There are two options for you to travel there – hiking and trekking. If you have not that much time to travel, then hiking is the best way as it takes only one day to see the main sights of this park. In case you have a few extra days, and you are a wild nature buff, then you can easily opt for a trekking trip, which involves staying and exploring the park for a few days.
However, before you come to visit, there is something you need to think of thoroughly in advance. Hawaii Volcanoes` backpacking list is the essential thing you need to check out to make your trip comfortable and pleasant.
Once you have purchased the pass, we can tackle the list of Hawaii Volcanoes hiking gear itself. Depending on what type of trip you choose, it will be shorter or longer. For example, hiking trip usually lasts the whole day so you might need fewer things than you would need for a trekking trip, which is the same as hiking but lasts a couple of days.
Basic Items
First of all, make sure you have your passport, travel insurance, cash, credit cards, cellphone, and park pass with you. These are the things you can’t afford to forget. Also, take care of your nutrition in advance. Depending on the amount of time you will spend on your trip, stock up with fruits, high-level energy bars and prepare snacks and sandwiches. Potable water is the next important thing that you should take with you enough and spare. Take a refillable water bottle for your comfort.
Hiking Adventure Gear
Here are some of the essential things that will make your trip comfortable and safe.
- Bags
Your backpack is very important for a comfortable trip. Choose medium (15L) or large (30L) bag with the back panel and padded straps. I would recommend you take a waist bag to put all the essential items and easily access it during hiking, as well as waterproof dry bag, to put there your cash, documents, and extra clothes.
- Sleeping items
Packing cubes are a great option that will help you organize well all your belongings and save a lot of space in your backpack. Then you have to get a tent, sleeping bag and pad, travel-size pillow. If you want, you can even take a travel hammock to relax after a long hiking day.
- Navigation
For navigation and a better sense of direction, you have to take Hawaii Volcanoes map, navigator, compass or GPS, watch, flashlight. Don’t forget to take a cellphone charger, headphones, camera, USB cables, and power bank. Also, a waterproof phone case is obligatory and, if it’s possible, land a waterproof camera to take a picture of stunning views. Surfing board, snorkeling, and scuba diving equipment might not come in handy, but if you have extra space you, can make it and have fun after you visit the national park.
- Hygiene
To maintain your hygiene, you have to take small towels, hairbrush, face wipes, toilet paper, hand sanitizer, moist wipes, menstrual products for women, toothpaste and toothbrush. If you stay for a few days, you should also take shampoo, shower gel, moisturizer, hair conditioner. Also, it’s recommended to take with you insect repellent to have peaceful rest at night.
First aid kit is also an item to remember about. Take at least the most essential medicines to soothe the pain. I would advise you to take the whole kit to provide emergency medical care just in case.
What to Wear to Hawaii Volcanoes
Pay attention to suitable clothes for such types of trips.
- Clothes
As the weather on Hawaii island is pretty hot and humid during the summer period, you have to take minimum clothes. Choose water wicking underwear as it dries fast and doesn’t let sweat soak in. Then you can put a light T-shirt or tank top. Women can easily wear sports bras that are very comfortable and at the same time suitable, for the temperature and the situation. Shorts, runners, or light pants will be appropriate. Choose the materials that will dry fast as you will sweat a lot because of humidity and high temperature outside.
- Footwear
You should take care of your feet and choose the coziest lightweight sneakers. Flip-flops are not an option as hiking is the king of activity that requires protected feet. You can take sandals that you can wear while resting but for hiking, you should put on only quality sports shoes.
- Extras
Take a bandana, hat, or cap with you to protect your head from sun exposure. You have to take sunscreen with the highest SPF to avoid sunburns. Sunglasses with UV filters are required, as well. The swimsuit is the thing you want to make. Don’t forget to take extra clothes, socks, underwear, and your sleepwear if you stay for a few nights. The weather can be pretty unpredictable, so you should take a raincoat with you.
Packing list for Hawaii Volcanoes National Park in Winter
The most unusual thing about Hawaii is that for the winter season, you don’t need bulky sweaters, jackets, hats, and wool socks. The list of things you should take with you on your trip in winter will be almost the same. The weather is pretty warm in winter. However, you should know that the rainy season starts in November and lasts until March.
- Clothes
Taking into consideration the large volume of precipitation during the winter season, here are additional items that you should put to your Hawaii Volcanoes packing list.
A raincoat is also an important item to take with you. Instead of hiking sneakers, you can take water shoes. You should have extra socks. Your shirts and pants are required to stay dry and warm during the bad weather. Also, it’s advisable to take warmer pants and a fleece jacket or hoodie to put on top.
- Adventure gear
Taking into consideration often rains, it is essential to purchase a quality waterproof tent that will save you from strong winds and rain. You might need some warmer sleeping bag not to get cold during the night.
FAQ
Can you hike active volcanoes in Hawaii?
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is home to two of the world’s most active volcanoes, and you can hike to the summit of both. The popular Kilauea Iki Trail takes you through a lava-tube forest and across the floor of Kilauea Caldera.
How long does it take to hike volcano national park?
There is no easy answer to this question because it depends on a number of factors, including your fitness level, the trail you take, the weather, and how often you stop to rest or take in the scenery. That said, most people take 3-5 days to hike through the park.
What are Hawaii Volcanoes National Park hours of operation?
The park located on the Big Island of Hawaii is open of operation: Daily 7:45am–5pm.
Final Words
Thinking of your Hawaii Volcanoes backpacking list is the main thing to make the trip as convenient for you as possible. Before you start your trip, make sure that you have all the necessary items with you. Make a checklist so it will be easier to detect if something is missing. Don’t neglect these tips as my experience shows that the hiking trip turned out to be more serious than it seemed at first glance.
Pack up your bag and hit the road to explore the miraculous landscapes. Make this trip as fascinating and memorable as possible and enjoy every moment. Now, I would love to hear from you. Leave the comment below and tell me about your previous hiking experience. How you packed your backpack for the trip? Did you take everything you needed or something was missing?