Pauahi CraterNearby Attractions to Pauahi Crater
Best Time to Visit Pauahi Crater
Visit when park access is open and vog levels are low; seasons affect visibility more than the crater itself.
Weather & Climate near Pauahi Crater
Pauahi Crater's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 11°C to 24°C. Abundant rainfall (1803 mm/year), wettest in March with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | 11° - 21° | 16° | 202 mm | - | - | 5.4 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | 11° - 21° | 16° | 214 mm | - | - | 5.7 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | 12° - 21° | 16° | 312 mm | - | - | 6.1 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 13° - 21° | 17° | 189 mm | - | - | 6.0 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 13° - 22° | 18° | 95 mm | - | - | 5.7 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 14° - 23° | 18° | 67 mm | - | - | 6.0 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 15° - 23° | 19° | 59 mm | - | - | 6.3 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 15° - 24° | 19° | 28 mm | - | - | 6.1 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 15° - 24° | 19° | 44 mm | - | - | 5.7 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 14° - 24° | 19° | 123 mm | - | - | 5.6 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 13° - 22° | 18° | 224 mm | - | - | 5.8 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | 12° - 21° | 17° | 246 mm | - | - | 5.8 m/s | - | - |
How to Get to Pauahi Crater
Pauahi Crater lies inside Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park on Hawaiʻi Island. The park’s main visitor center is on Crater Rim Drive near the summit area; from Hilo the drive is about 45-60 minutes (roughly 48 km) west via Highway 11. Once inside the park, follow Crater Rim Drive and park at designated turnout areas-the crater itself is best visited from established overlooks and marked trails. Expect limited cell service.
Tips for Visiting Pauahi Crater
- Approach the crater from the Crater Rim Drive side of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park to avoid long rough-road detours.
- Check the National Park Service alerts-venting, trail closures, and vog (volcanic smog) can close access at short notice.
- Bring a map and GPS; cell coverage is unreliable inside the park.