When most people think about staying at a Hawaii National Park vacation rental, they picture spending days exploring craters and lava tubes. That’s definitely an option, but Volcano Village is also one of the best home bases for discovering more things to do on the Big Island.
You’re close to Hilo’s restaurants and waterfalls, black sand beaches, and scenic coastal drives, making it easy to plan a quick morning or afternoon outing without feeling rushed. It is also nice, in the heat of summer, to come home to a higher altitude, where it is always cooler than at sea level.
Most of these destinations are about 30 to 75 minutes away, with a few longer scenic drives if you’re up for it, so you can explore and still be back in Volcano for a relaxed evening on your lanai.
Richardson Beach Park
Richardson Beach Park sits just outside of Hilo and offers one of the easier places to snorkel on this side of the island. The bay is protected, the water stays calm most of the time, and you’ll usually see green sea turtles near the rocks. It’s a low-effort trip if you just want to get in the water without dealing with big waves or strong currents.
The beach itself is mostly black sand mixed with some lava rock. There are picnic tables, restrooms, and a small grassy area if you want to hang out after swimming.
Drive time from Volcano: About 45 minutes
Panaewa Rainforest Zoo
The Panaewa Rainforest Zoo is a small, free zoo located in the rainforest just south of Hilo. It’s nothing like a mainland zoo, but that’s part of what makes it worth a visit. The setting feels more like a walk through the jungle than a typical zoo experience.
You’ll see tigers, lemurs, monkeys, and a variety of tropical birds. The paths wind through thick vegetation, and everything stays pretty quiet since it’s not a high traffic spot. It’s a good option if you’re traveling with kids or just want something different to do for an hour or two.
Drive time from Volcano: About 35 minutes
Akaka Falls State Park
Akaka Falls is one of the taller waterfalls on the Big Island at 442 feet. The park has a paved loop trail that’s .4 miles long, takes under an hour to walk, and is mostly shaded under bamboo and tropical plants. You’ll also pass Kahuna Falls, which is smaller at 100 ft. but still stunning.
The walk is easy, and the waterfall is impressive without requiring much effort to reach. It’s a popular stop, so mornings tend to be less crowded. If you’re already heading toward Hilo or the Hamakua Coast, this is an easy add-on.
Drive time from Volcano: About 1 hour 15 minutes
Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden
The Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden sits along the Hamakua Coast in a valley that opens to the ocean. The garden covers about 40 acres and includes over 2,000 species of tropical plants. The paths take you through sections of palms, heliconias, orchids, and other rainforest plants, with a few small waterfalls along the way.
It’s a self-guided walk that takes about an hour, maybe a little longer if you stop to look at everything. The garden stays well-maintained, and the setting feels private since it’s tucked into the hillside. If you like plants or just want a quiet place to walk, this is one of the better options on the island.
Drive time from Volcano: About 1 hour 20 minutes
Lava Tree State Monument
Lava Tree State Monument is a small park in the Puna district where lava once flowed through a forest and left behind hollow molds of the trees. The result is a grove of tall lava formations that look like tree trunks. It’s an unusual landscape and worth seeing if you’re interested in how volcanic activity shapes the environment.
The loop trail is short and paved, taking about 20 minutes to walk. The park stays quiet most of the time, and the rainforest around the formations adds to the atmosphere.
Drive time from Volcano: Between 45 to 55 minutes
Punaluu Black Sand Beach
Punaluu is one of the more accessible black sand beaches on the Big Island. It’s a wide, dark sand beach with coconut palms along the shoreline and a good chance of seeing green sea turtles resting on the sand or swimming near the rocks.
The water here can be rough, so it’s not ideal for swimming, but it’s a good spot to walk the beach and watch the waves. There’s a small picnic area and restrooms, and it’s easy to spend an hour or two here.
Drive time from Volcano: About 30 minutes
Volcano Golf Course
The Volcano Golf Course sits at 4,000 feet elevation and offers a different kind of Big Island golf experience. Instead of oceanfront fairways, you’re playing through ohia forest and open grassland with views of Mauna Loa in the distance. The course stays cool year round, and the mist rolling through the trees adds to the atmosphere.
It’s a public 18 hole course that’s known for being affordable and relaxed. The layout isn’t overly difficult, making it accessible for most skill levels, but the elevation and occasional wind can affect your shots. The course drains well even after rain, so it stays playable most of the time.
You’ll often see native birds while you’re out there, and the setting feels more like playing in a mountain meadow than a typical resort course. It’s a good option if you want to play a round without the crowds or high greens fees you’ll find at courses closer to the coast.
Drive time from Volcano: About 10 minutes
Hilo Farmers Market
The Hilo Farmers Market runs every day but is largest on Wednesdays and Saturdays. It’s a good spot to pick up fresh fruit, local honey, coffee, baked goods, and prepared food. You’ll also find handmade crafts, jewelry, and clothing if you’re looking for something beyond groceries.
The market sits along the bayfront in downtown Hilo, so you can walk around the area afterward. It’s an easy stop if you’re already planning to be in Hilo, and it doesn’t take long to walk through.
Drive time from Volcano: About 35 minutes
Rainbow Falls
Rainbow Falls is located just outside downtown Hilo and is one of the easiest waterfalls to visit on the island. You can see it from the parking lot, so it requires almost no walking. The falls drop 80 feet into a large pool below, and in the mornings, you’ll often see a rainbow in the mist when the light is right.
There’s a short trail if you want to get a better view from above, but most people just stop, take a look, and move on. It’s a quick stop that pairs well with other activities in Hilo.
Drive time from Volcano: About 35 minutes
Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Visitor Center
The Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Visitor Center is a free stop where you can take a self-guided nature walk on the property and try samples of different flavors. There’s a small store where you can buy packaged nuts, chocolates, and other products.
It’s not a long visit, usually about 30 minutes, but it’s an easy stop if you’re driving between Volcano and Hilo. Kids tend to enjoy the samples, and it’s a low key way to learn a little about one of Hawaii’s agricultural industries.
Drive time from Volcano: About 25 minutes
Plan Your Stay in Volcano
Volcano Village works well as a base if you want to explore different parts of the island without packing up and moving every few days. You’re close to the national park, but you also have quick access to Hilo, the Hamakua Coast, and the southern beaches. These half-day trips let you see more of the Big Island while still having a place to come back to at the end of the day.
Check out our full Hawaii Volcano Vacation Guide for more ideas on what to do in the area.