Yup, we ditched the cold and snow for some relaxation in the sand. Alongside the fabulous beaches and resorts, Hawaii is also home to Volcanoes National Park! Rising nearly 14,000 feet above sea level, the two most active volcanoes in the world reside here. Kīlauea and Mauna Loa are sights to behold and are designated International Biosphere Reserve and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. 

If you are traveling to any of the islands that make up The Aloha State, there are some things you absolutely must do! One of these is to visit the breathtaking Volcanoes National Park! We have put together a list of five of the best things to do in this outstanding park!

This 2-3 hour hike is a must stop destination for any hiking enthusiast. During your trek, you will walk across a solidified lava flow! This is something you cannot really do here in the Northland! Frost River’s High Falls Short Daypack would be ideal for this hike, as it can fit a light jacket and other small necessities!

A lava tube forms as liquid hot lava flows underground. The sides of the flow harden, leaving a tube behind. After the lava is done flowing, these tubes can be walked through like caves! The Thurston Tube is one of the bigger ones and runs nearly 600 feet long and 20 feet high!

This scenic drive is home to many, MANY beautiful overlooks. Some of these include the Kilauea Overlook, where you can see an incredible view of the Kilauea Caldera. Another is the incredible Steam Vents, where you can walk the gorgeous Sulphur Banks Trail.

This easy 1.4 mile round trip hike is home to nearly 23,000 petroglyphs that have been etched into the rock formations. Many, many years ago, native Hawaiians carved these incredible petroglyphs into the stone surrounding this area. Make sure to practice your “Leave No Trace” policy and stay on the paths! Our Hillsider Hip Pack can help hold your phone and other hiking essentials as you traverse the petroglyphs!

A lava tube forms as liquid hot lava flows underground. The sides of the flow harden, leaving a tube behind. After the lava is done flowing, these tubes can be walked through like caves! The Thurston Tube is one of the bigger ones and runs nearly 600 feet long and 20 feet high!

Oh yeah, this is it. If Kilauea is actively erupting while you are visiting this stunning area, there is nowhere else you’d rather be. Depending on the year, you can take hikes out to the flow, watch through telescopes, or take helicopter tours of this breathtaking volcano. The best times to view this are early morning or after sunset. The contrast from the molten lava against the black sky and rocks will blow you away! Make sure to pack your Skyline Rolldown Backpack for this one, as you’ll need to bring a camera and a jacket for this hike, especially at night!

Now before you visit the Hawaiian Islands, it is important to brush up on some of the incredible culture that surrounds this sacred area. Things like Lei etiquette, what to do with your shoes, and how to approach nature are vital things that should be taken into consideration before traveling to this beautiful paradise. An article about how to respect Hawaiian culture can be found HERE!

Visit the aloha state with these amazing packs!