Hawaiʻi Island: Kona to the volcano
Coffee country, black sand beaches and the steaming summit of Kīlauea.
- Distance
- 154 km (96 mi)
- Driving
- 1 h 43 min
- Suggested days
- 3
- Stops
- 4
- States
- HI
- Updated
- June 6, 2026
At a glance: 3-day road trip of about 154 km (96 mi) with 4 stops, from Kailua-Kona to Hilo. About 1 h 43 min of driving in total.
More road trips in Hawaii
Route description
Kailua-Kona is a seaside town on the dry western side of Hawaiʻi Island, with Aliʻi Drive along the waterfront. The slopes above town are Kona coffee country, with small farms offering tours. Head south on HI-11 past Kealakekua Bay and Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau, a historic place of refuge with carved wooden figures and temple platforms.
HI-11 rounds the southern end of the island through lava fields and ranch land, past the turnoff to South Point, the southernmost point of the United States. At Punaluʻu, a black sand beach, green sea turtles often rest on the sand; keep your distance. The road then climbs to the village of Volcano, at around 4,000 feet, at the edge of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.
In the park, Crater Rim Drive passes steam vents and overlooks into Kīlauea’s summit caldera, though part of the road has been closed since the 2018 collapse. The Nāhuku lava tube and Chain of Craters Road, which descends to the sea over old lava flows, are also worth the time. Eruptions come and go, so check the park’s updates before you visit.
HI-11 then descends to Hilo, a rainy, green town on a bay, with Rainbow Falls, Japanese gardens and a farmers market. Volcano is cool and often wet, so bring a jacket, and volcanic haze can affect people with breathing problems. From Hilo, you can return to Kona across the island on the Saddle Road, HI-200.
Stop-by-stop itinerary
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Kailua-Kona
HI - 299 km
Volcano
HI - 37 km
Kīlauea caldera
NatureVolcano, HIThe summit of one of the world’s most active volcanoes, with steam vents and lava fields along Crater Rim Drive.
- 448 km
Hilo
HI
Suggested stages and overnight stops
3 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Kailua-Kona → Volcano · 62 mi · 1 h 06 minOvernight nearby, for example: Kulanaokuaiki Campground (7 mi); Namakani Paio (4 mi).
- Day 2: Volcano → Kīlauea caldera · 4 mi · 0 h 05 minOvernight nearby, for example: Namakani Paio (< 1 km); Kulanaokuaiki Campground (5 mi).
- Day 3: Kīlauea caldera → Hilo · 30 mi · 0 h 32 minOvernight nearby, for example: Trailer Parking (2 mi).
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually December–February. Still fine, with some compromises, in March–June and September–November. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
FAQs
How long is Hawaiʻi Island: Kona to the volcano?
3-day road trip of about 154 km (96 mi) with 4 stops, from Kailua-Kona to Hilo. About 1 h 43 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for Hawaiʻi Island: Kona to the volcano?
We suggest 3 days: about 1 h 43 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does Hawaiʻi Island: Kona to the volcano start and end?
It starts in Kailua-Kona and ends in Hilo.
Which states does Hawaiʻi Island: Kona to the volcano pass through?
Hawaii.
Where can you camp along Hawaiʻi Island: Kona to the volcano?
OpenStreetMap lists 7 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 19 mi of the stops on this route. For example: Malama Kiholo, Kulanaokuaiki Campground and Trailer Parking.
When is the best time for Hawaiʻi Island: Kona to the volcano?
The most pleasant months are usually December–February. Still fine, with some compromises, in March–June and September–November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
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