Pros & cons
PROS
- Rangers on site for current conditions and trip planning
- HPPA park store with books, maps, and park gear
- Large, convenient parking lot at KMC
CONS
- No water refill station
- Portable toilets only
Overview
This is the park’s temporary Welcome Center while the Kīlauea Visitor Center is under renovation. Opened in February 2025, it sits inside Kīlauea Military Camp (KMC) along Crater Rim Drive, about 1.25 miles beyond the entrance station. It’s the place to get up-to-date info from rangers and pick up maps or guides before you head out.
What You’ll Find
- Visitor information desk staffed by park rangers for conditions, closures, and trip advice.
- Hawaiʻi Pacific Parks Association store relocated here, selling books, maps, guides, apparel, water bottles, and educational items that support park programs.
- Restrooms are portable toilets located directly behind the building and at the nearby ballfield parking lot.
Good to Know
- There is no water refill station operating right now; the usual station at the closed Kīlauea Visitor Center is unavailable. Bring plenty of water with you.
- Parking is straightforward in the adjacent KMC lot.
Why Stop Here
If you want the latest eruption, road, and trail updates—or just a smart plan for your day—this is your best first stop while the main visitor center is closed. The attached store is handy for grabbing a proper map or last-minute guidebook.
Best Time to Visit
Make it your first stop after entering the park so you can plan the rest of your day with current information. Lighting and photography aren’t the focus here—think quick orientation rather than a scenic destination.
Where it is
19.4327, -155.2740Tips for Welcome Center
- 01Bring your own water—the park’s refill station is unavailable during renovations.
- 02Portable toilets are behind the building and at the KMC ballfield lot.
- 03Grab maps and guidebooks at the HPPA store inside the Welcome Center.
- 04It’s about 1.25 miles past the entrance on Crater Rim Drive within KMC.
Amenities
Near Welcome Center
All places →All trails →
0 mi awayKīlauea Military CampHistoric military-only basecamp by Kīlauea with dining and fuelLodging · Restaurant
0.1 mi awayKilauea Military Camp Gas StationTiny two-pump lifeline for fuel inside the parkGas Station · Store
0.4 mi awayWahinekapu (Steaming Bluff)Steam-soaked caldera rim with sacred history and easy viewsParking · Scenic Viewpoint
0.4 mi awaySteam Vents Trail (Wahinekapu)Easy, steamy stroll to Wahinekapu’s bluff with big caldera viewsEasy · 0.2 mi · 30 min
0.5 mi awayTree Molds TrailQuick, safe look at eerie lava tree molds off Mauna Loa RoadEasy · 1.3 mi · 45 min
0.5 mi awayTree MoldsQuick stop to peer into lava-cast footprints of a vanished forestTrailhead · Parking
0.8 mi awaySulfur Banks TrailShort boardwalk to steaming vents and vivid sulfur colors.Easy · 1.3 mi · 45 min
0.9 mi awayCrater Rim TrailKīlauea’s rim walk with desert-to-rainforest views and easy access.Moderate · 11 mi · 5.5 hr
