Planning any visit begins with selecting the ideal base town. Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park occupies a large stretch of Hawaiʻi Island’s southeastern flank, extending from sea level to over 13,679 feet on Mauna Loa and covering active volcanic landscapes shaped by Kīlauea. The park is reached primarily via Highway 11, with access concentrated along the island’s east and south sides. All towns featured in this guide are located within a 60-minute drive of the major park entrance. Visitor information is currently provided at the Welcome Center at Kīlauea Military Camp, as the Kīlauea Visitor Center is closed for renovations. These towns make it easy to pack supplies, secure lodging, and organize transport before heading into the park.

Hilo

This town functions as the most complete service base on Hawaiʻi Island’s east side, combining full urban infrastructure with direct access to the park corridor. Lodging includes waterfront properties such as Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo-a DoubleTree by Hilton, along with smaller hotels and inns near downtown. Restaurants are concentrated along Banyan Drive and Kamehameha Avenue, with sit-down options including Moon and Turtle and Ken’s House of Pancakes. Groceries are easy to handle at Safeway Hilo and KTA Super Stores, while fuel is widely available along Highway 11 at stations such as Chevron and Shell.

Hilo also anchors gear, tours, and transportation for park visits. Hilo Surplus Store carries camping supplies, rain gear, and outdoor equipment suited to volcanic terrain. Guided experiences are offered by Trail and KapohoKine Adventures, operating volcano-focused tours with departures from town. Drivers reach the park by following Highway 11 south toward Volcano Village and continuing to the Welcome Center at Kīlauea Military Camp, Travelers without a car can use the county-run Hele-On Bus, which connects Hilo to Volcano Village, providing public transportation access to the park area.

Volcano Village

Located directly outside the park boundary, this small community works as the closest possible base for visitors who want immediate access without a daily drive. Lodging and dining are centered in the village core, anchored by Kilauea Lodge & Restaurant, which combines guest rooms with a full-service restaurant, along with smaller properties such as Volcano Village Lodge. Fuel and basic groceries are available locally at Volcano Store & Gas, while snacks and convenience items can be picked up at the K.M.C. General Store.

Access connects directly to the park entrance area, just a 3-mile drive. Public transportation is available through the Hele-On Bus Route 11, with stops in the village along the park corridor. For basic gear and weather-related supplies, Hawaii True Value Hardware is useful for items such as flashlights, raincoats, and everyday necessities suited to the area’s cooler, wetter conditions.

Pāhoa

Set along the Puna District’s main commercial corridor, this town works as a practical east-side base with a direct inland route. Lodging includes Pahoa Village Hostel and Hawaiian Sanctuary Retreat Center, both located close to everyday services. Restaurants cluster near Pāhoa Village Road, with sit-down options such as Pāhoa Fresh Fish and Black Rock Café. Groceries are handled locally at Malama Market, and fuel is available at Malama Gas N Go, allowing visitors to prepare before leaving town.

The drive follows Highway 130 to Highway 11, reaching the visitor hub in about 48 minutes under typical conditions. Public transportation is available through the Hele-On Bus, with Route 40 connecting Pāhoa to Hilo and timed transfers onto Route 11 along the park corridor. There are no dedicated gear or outfitter shops in Pāhoa itself; visitors needing equipment typically stop in Hilo at S. Tokunaga Store, located about 18 miles away, which carries practical outdoor clothing, rain gear, footwear, and general supplies suited to volcanic conditions.

Keaʻau

A 36-minute drive from the park entrance, this town sits along the corridor between Hilo and Volcano and works as a low-key base for visitors who want services without staying in a larger city. Lodging includes small properties such as Hoomaikaʻi Blessings Bed and Breakfast, which are common in the surrounding residential areas. Dining centers on local, independent spots, including Peppercorn Spice House for full meals and Big Island Bakehouse for breakfast items and baked goods. Groceries are easy to handle at Foodland Keaʻau, while fuel is available along the highway at Chevron, allowing travelers to prepare before heading inland.

The route leads directly toward the park corridor. Public transportation is available via the county-run Hele-On Bus, as Route 11 includes stops in Keaʻau along the same route. While the town itself does not host dedicated outdoor outfitters, gear and supplies are easily picked up nearby in Hilo at S. Tokunaga Store, located about 7 miles away.

Know Before You Go

Choosing the right base shapes how smoothly a visit comes together, from the drive in to how prepared visitors feel on arrival. Hilo offers the widest range of lodging, dining, groceries, fuel, gear shops, guided tours, and bus connections, making it the most flexible option for first-time visitors. Sitting at the park edge, Volcano Village provides the shortest daily approach, with lodging, restaurants, fuel, groceries, local supplies, and direct highway access. Farther east, Pāhoa works as a service-ready base with hostels, retreats, food, fuel, transit links, and a clear inland route. Along the main corridor, Keaʻau balances quieter lodging with dining, groceries, fuel, transit access, and quick connections to additional services nearby.