USA Guide
Hawaii
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
The Big Island's southernmost volcanoes, Mauna Loa and Kilauea, jointly constitute Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, thirty miles from Hilo and eighty from Kailua. Possibly the most dramatic of all the US national parks, it includes desert, arctic tundra, and rainforest, besides two active volcanoes.
Evidence is everywhere of the awesome power of the volcanoes to create and destroy; no map can keep up with the latest whims of the lava flow. Whole towns have been engulfed, and what were once prized beachfront properties lie buried hundreds of yards back from the sea.
The national park operates two free campgrounds on a first-come, first-served basis, while Volcano House, close to the edge of the crater within the park ( 
808/967-7321, 
www.volcanohousehotel.com ; cabins Price: $51-75, rooms Price: $101–250), has spectacular views, and good food in the evening, although the prices for its simple motel-style rooms are rather high. Otherwise, the small and inconspicuous town of VOLCANO, just before the park entrance on the Hilo side, provides the best places to stay in the vicinity, with B&Bs such as the lovely 
Hale Ohia ( 808/967-7986, www.haleohia.com ; Price: $131-160), south of the highway across from the village. Kilauea Lodge, on the leafy main street ( 808/967-7366, www.kilauealodge.com ; Price: $161-200), is a comfortable inn with a very good restaurant.