Hawaiʻi Volcanoes in August: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack

Peak crowds · VisitWhen score 47/100 · #7 of 12 months

August is peak season — expect the year's biggest crowds at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park: crowds run 92% of the December peak (139,355 average visits). Weather: highs average 77°F and lows 62°F, with 23.5″ of precipitation and 12.8 hours of daylight. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.

Planning Hawaiʻi Volcanoes? Pack a guidebook: Moon Best of Big Island of Hawaii on Amazon. · affiliate link, VisitWhen earns from qualifying purchases

Crowds in August

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes averages 139,355 recreation visits in August — 92% of what December, the peak month, draws. Plan lodging and entries with that in mind — book early and start days at dawn.

Weather & daylight

Daytime temperatures are comfortable (highs average 77°F), and nights stay mild (lows average 62°F). This is one of the wetter months (23.5″ of precipitation on average). Mid-month daylight runs 12.8 hours.

NOAA 1991–2020 monthly normals, station GLENWOOD #2 55.4, HI US (8 mi from park coordinates, 2,200 ft elevation) — conditions vary inside the park, especially with elevation. Daylight computed for the 15th of August.

What to pack for Hawaiʻi Volcanoes in August

Computed from the month's weather normals above — not a generic list.

• Rain shell + pack cover — 23.5″ of precipitation is normal this month
• Waterproof boots — plus navigation and a basic first-aid kit — 23.5″ of rain is normal this month

As an Amazon Associate, VisitWhen earns from qualifying purchases. Gear names above link to Amazon searches or to a specific product — we don't show or set prices; you always see Amazon's current price.

Packing for a trip with a date on it? Amazon Prime includes fast delivery on eligible items, and eligible new members may be offered a free trial, so gear ordered this week can arrive before you leave. Delivery speed varies by item and address. See if you can try Prime free →
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on qualifying sign-ups, at no extra cost to you. Current terms are on Amazon's page.

Looking for a better window? The computed best month for Hawaiʻi Volcanoes is April.

Also at their best in August

Other parks whose computed August verdict is a best window — same NPS × NOAA formula:

• Guadalupe Mountains in August — 28% of peak crowds, highs 84°F, score 80/100
• Lassen Volcanic in August — 56% of peak crowds, highs 78°F, score 77/100
• Bryce Canyon in August — 81% of peak crowds, highs 78°F, score 68/100
• Redwood in August — 85% of peak crowds, highs 66°F, score 67/100

Common questions

See also: the best national parks to visit in August · Last verified 2026-09-24