About this Location

Facility Overview

The End Of Chain Of Craters Road Parking is an open-air turnaround and surface parking area situated at the southern coastal terminus of Chain of Craters Road within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park (ZIP 96778). Located right where the asphalt dramatically meets vast, historic solidified basalt lava flows and the rugged Pacific Ocean coastline, this lot features paved turnaround loops and designated roadside stalls. Because it is completely open-air without overhead decking or height barriers, vehicle clearance is unlimited. The facility comfortably accommodates compact cars, standard sedans, large SUVs, pickup trucks, passenger vans, and touring campervans.

Prime Location & Nearby Attractions

This remote parking location serves as the jumping-off point for some of the most dramatic geological and coastal sights on the Big Island of Hawaiʻi:

Hōlei Sea Arch: Located just a brief 2 to 5-minute walk (under 1,000 feet) from the parking turnout, this natural 90-foot-tall sea arch carved by wave erosion provides sweeping ocean vistas.
Historic Lava Flow Road Cutoff: Walk directly to the point where 2003 and earlier lava flows crossed and terminated the paved thoroughfare, showcasing the raw, creative power of Kīlauea volcano.
Coastal Cliffs & Sea Spray: Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the rugged lava rock cliffs and dynamic Pacific surf crashing against the coastline.
Puʻu Loa Petroglyphs: Located approximately 4.5 miles up Chain of Craters Road (about a 10-minute drive), featuring the largest petroglyph field in the state with over 23,000 ancient rock carvings.
Kīlauea Visitor Center & Volcano House: Located approximately 19 miles inland at the summit caldera (roughly a 35 to 45-minute scenic drive up the winding road).

Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity

The lot is accessed exclusively via the 19-mile Chain of Craters Road, descending over 3,700 vertical feet from Crater Rim Drive and Hawaiʻi Route 11 (Mamalahoa Highway). The roadway is fully paved, scenic, and well-maintained with clear road markings and guardrails where appropriate. There is no public bus transit or rail connection to this remote wilderness coastal zone; visitors must travel by rental car, motorcycle, chartered bus tour, or personal vehicle. Returning vehicles simply navigate the turning loop at the terminus and ascend back towards the summit entrance.

Facility Amenities & Key Features

Open-Air Surface Parking: Level paved parking stalls and marked parallel turnout bays with no vertical height limitations.
Vault Restrooms: Basic National Park Service pit/vault restrooms are available near the terminus turnaround.
Educational Interpretive Signs: Informational NPS wayside panels detailing the formation of the Hōlei Sea Arch and volcanic history.
No Commercial Electric or Fuel Services: There are no gas stations or EV charging plugs; drivers should verify ample vehicle range before descending the road.
No Additional Parking Surcharges: Parking is complimentary with standard National Park entrance admission (e.g., standard vehicle pass or America the Beautiful interagency pass).

Ideal For

Sightseers & Photographers: Ideal for capturing dramatic coastal seascapes, rugged lava fields, and golden hour coastal light.
National Park Explorers: Visitors completing the full Chain of Craters scenic driving route down from Kīlauea Caldera.
Hikers: Walkers wishing to explore the gated gravel emergency access road and marvel at multi-generational lava flows.
Stargazers: Visitors seeking dark-sky vistas with zero light pollution along the wild southern coastline.

Visitor & Driver Tips

Because this coastal area is remote and exposed, prepare ahead for changing conditions. There is virtually no tree cover or shade, and temperatures can feel considerably warmer at sea level than at the park summit; carry ample drinking water, sun protection, and sturdy closed-toe walking shoes to traverse rough, glass-sharp pahoehoe and aʻa lava. Check fuel gauges and EV battery levels in Volcano Village before making the round-trip drive (approximately 38 miles round trip from the summit). Cell phone service can be weak or nonexistent along the coastline, so download offline maps before starting your descent.