At 11 miles long, Crater Rim Drive follows along the top of the Kilauea Caldera. Along the way, you’ll find plenty of stops to see the caldera, as well as such park attractions as the Jaggar Museum and Thurston Lava Tube. There are also opportunities to get out and hike around the area. For a really cool and easy experience, check out the Thurston Lava Tube Trail. It’s a hollowed-out remain of a former lava flow and is a truly unique experience. If you continue on the road, you’ll go through a variety of ecosystems, including desert and jungle. There are plenty of great sights and chances for some amazing pictures all along the trail.

Mauna Loa is the largest active volcano in the world, towering over 13,000 feet above sea level. It’s an awesome sight with its snow-capped peak. The Mauna Loa Road will take to a height of about 6,600 feet. The road is rugged and 17 miles one way, so you’ll need to put aside plenty of time for the trip there and back. If you want to hike to the summit, it’s essential to be prepared. The trail is strenuous, high altitude and loose in some spots. Back country camping will require a permit and a $10 charge.

For an experience unlike anything you’ve probably ever seen, drive to the end of Chain of Craters Road. From there, you’ll have to hike about five miles (one way) across a lava field to reach the spot where the volcanoes’ hot lava connects with the Pacific Ocean. The result is giant plumes of steam that rise up high into the Hawaiian sky. It’s a unique experience and this trail is one of the few places on Earth where you can experience it. Keep in mind, however, that the entire hike will be about 10 miles, so plan accordingly.