Discover the best places to visit in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park for your family reunion. From active volcanoes to lava tubes, find perfect reunion destinations in this UNESCO World Heritage site.
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Kilauea Volcano Crater Rim Drive
An 11-mile scenic drive around Kilauea's summit caldera offering spectacular views of active volcanic activity. Families can stop at multiple viewpoints, visit the Jaggar Museum, and learn about volcanic processes. The drive provides safe access to witness one of the world's most active volcanoes with educational stops perfect for all ages.
SCOUT LOGISTICS
Park entry is $30 per vehicle valid for 7 days and groups of 4 or more vehicles should coordinate arrival at the Kilauea entrance station where the ranger can process a group pass at $15 per person for educational organizations. The 11-mile Crater Rim Drive is fully accessible by vehicle with 8 paved ADA-accessible overlooks featuring wheelchair-friendly viewing platforms and accessible restrooms at the Steam Vents and Jaggar areas. Volcanic terrain produces sulfur dioxide emissions that trigger health advisories so check the park air quality page at nps.gov/havo before bringing family members with respiratory conditions.
Website: nps.gov/havo
Thurston Lava Tube (Nahuku)
A 500-year-old lava tube that families can walk through on a paved trail. This natural tunnel was formed by flowing lava and offers a unique underground experience. The short, accessible hike through tropical rainforest leads to this geological wonder, providing an exciting adventure suitable for all family members.
SCOUT LOGISTICS
Access is free with park admission and the paved loop trail through the 500-foot lava tube takes approximately 20 minutes with no reservation required. The main tube entrance is ADA accessible with a paved ramp and lighting throughout the tunnel but the exit trail has 12 steps that require an alternate return route for wheelchair users. The parking lot holds 40 vehicles and fills by 10 AM so arrive early or take the park shuttle from the Kilauea Visitor Center which runs every 15 minutes during peak season.
Website: nps.gov/havo
Chain of Craters Road
A 19-mile scenic road descending 3,700 feet from the summit to the coast, showcasing diverse volcanic landscapes. Families can see recent lava flows, steam vents, and dramatic coastal views where lava meets the ocean. Multiple stops along the way provide opportunities for photos and geological education.
SCOUT LOGISTICS
This 19-mile one-way road descends 3700 feet from the crater to the coast and takes 2 to 3 hours round trip with stops at the major overlooks and petroglyphs. All roadside pullouts are paved and ADA accessible from the vehicle but the Pu u Loa Petroglyph Trail requires walking 1.5 miles over rough volcanic rock that is not wheelchair accessible. A rental car with high clearance is recommended as lava rock debris occasionally falls onto the road surface and the nearest gas station is 30 miles away in Volcano Village.
Website: nps.gov/havo
Kilauea Visitor Center
The main gateway to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, offering exhibits, ranger programs, and a theater showing films about volcanic activity and Hawaiian culture. Groups of 15-50 benefit from the center's large theater that screens orientation films on a rotating schedule, giving everyone shared context before exploring. Rangers offer group talks and can customize presentations for reunion parties interested in geology or cultural history. The bookstore and exhibit hall provide natural gathering points where family members can browse at their own pace before regrouping. Ample parking and restroom facilities make it a practical first stop for coordinating large groups.
SCOUT LOGISTICS
The visitor center is free with park admission and is fully ADA accessible with wheelchair-friendly exhibits, an accessible theater showing a 25-minute volcano documentary every hour, and accessible restrooms. Rangers offer free 45-minute guided programs at 10 AM and 2 PM daily and groups of 15 or more can schedule private ranger talks by calling 808-985-6011 at least 3 weeks ahead. The parking lot holds 80 vehicles with 6 ADA-designated stalls and overflow parking is available 200 yards east on Crater Rim Drive during peak visitation from December through March.
Website: nps.gov/havo
Thurston Lava Tube
A 500-year-old lava tube accessible via a short loop trail through lush tropical rainforest, offering a dramatic underground walking experience. The paved, lit tunnel comfortably handles groups of 15-50 walking single file, creating a sense of shared adventure as voices echo off ancient lava walls. The surrounding rainforest loop adds a contrasting above-ground experience that keeps the outing varied and engaging for all ages. Wheelchair-accessible sections ensure no family member is left behind, and the short duration means even young children stay engaged. It serves as a natural conversation starter about volcanic geology that bonds the group through wonder.
SCOUT LOGISTICS
The lava tube is open during all park hours and requires no additional permit beyond the $30 vehicle entry fee that covers 7 consecutive days of access. Groups should plan visits before 9 AM or after 3 PM to avoid the midday rush when tour buses arrive and the 40-car parking lot overflows. The paved trail through the tube is partially ADA accessible with lighting but the surrounding rainforest loop has tree roots and uneven volcanic surfaces not suitable for standard wheelchairs.
Website: nps.gov/havo
Devastation Trail
A paved, accessible half-mile trail crossing a landscape transformed by the 1959 Kilauea Iki eruption, showcasing nature's recovery from volcanic devastation. The flat, boardwalk-style path accommodates groups of 15-50 walking side by side, making conversation easy while observing the stark beauty of regenerating vegetation. Interpretive signs along the route give the group shared talking points about resilience and renewal—themes that resonate with reunion gatherings. The trail's short length and level surface welcome elderly family members and young children equally. It pairs well with the nearby Kilauea Iki overlook for a combined experience under two hours.
SCOUT LOGISTICS
This 1-mile paved round-trip boardwalk trail is fully ADA accessible with flat surfaces and railings crossing the 1959 volcanic cinder field from the Devastation parking lot to Crater Rim Drive. No reservation is required and the parking lot holds 25 vehicles with 2 ADA-designated spaces close to the trailhead. Trade winds carry volcanic haze called vog from the southwest so check the park air quality index before visiting and bring masks for family members sensitive to sulfur dioxide which can exceed safe levels on certain wind patterns.
Website: nps.gov/havo
Jaggar Museum Overlook
A premier viewpoint overlooking Halema'uma'u Crater and the Kilauea caldera, offering some of the most dramatic volcanic vistas in the park. The expansive viewing area easily accommodates groups of 15-50 with room to spread out along the railing for unobstructed views and group photos. Evening visits reveal the glow of volcanic activity, creating a once-in-a-lifetime shared memory for reunion attendees. The paved overlook area is fully accessible and requires no hiking, making it inclusive for all mobility levels. Nearby parking handles multiple vehicles, simplifying logistics for large reunion caravans.
SCOUT LOGISTICS
The overlook area is free with park admission and provides the closest accessible viewpoint to the Kilauea caldera with a paved ADA-accessible platform and protective railings at the crater edge. Parking holds 30 vehicles with 3 ADA stalls and the site is most dramatic after dark when volcanic glow illuminates the crater so plan an evening visit if eruption activity is ongoing. Groups should check nps.gov/havo for current eruption status and trail closures as volcanic terrain conditions change rapidly and sulfur dioxide levels can force temporary closures of this overlook.
Website: nps.gov/havo
Ken O.
Founder of AmazingReunion and veteran reunion organizer who has coordinated 50+ family gatherings across the US.