Driving Time Crater Rim Drive

[splitpeaz]

How long does it take to drive Crater Rim Drive once we enter the Volcano National Park....and how long if we add a walk through the Lave Tubes?

 

We have approximately 2.5-3 hrs to enjoy the park and hope to make the best of every minute Any advice would be appreciated !

[CruiserBruce]

3 hours is going to be the minimum for the things you want to do. You could easily spend 4 or 5. It also depends on how much of Crater Rim Dr is open. When we were last there, a big chunk was closed due to toxic gas emissions from the volcano.

Edited April 13, 2016 by CruiserBruce

[Susan-M]

If you have 2.5 to 3 hours in the park, you'll have time to enjoy some scenic stops in the park along Crater Rim Drive.

 

The VNP website has a link to help plan your time in the park, and it suggests,

"If you have only one to three hours, explore the summit of Kīlauea volcano via Crater Rim Drive; an 11-mile road that encircles the summit caldera, passes through desert, lush tropical rain forest, traverses the caldera floor, and provides access to well-marked scenic stops and short walks."

 

Thurston Lava Tube takes about 20 minutes.

 

Here's a link that might be of help.

Edited April 13, 2016 by Susan-M

[Susan-M]

When we were last there, a big chunk was closed due to toxic gas emissions from the volcano.

 

Bruce - which area was closed & when? I think since 2008 Crater Rim Drive beyond Jaggar Museum has been blocked because of activity in Halema'uma'u crater (viewed from the Jaggar museum overlook) - but just wondered if they close other parts of Crater Rim Drive if the winds shift? (We had no issues with closures -other than not being able to drive beyond Jaggar Museum - during a 4 day stay in Volcano in 2013.)

Edited April 13, 2016 by Susan-M