Pauahi Crater
Crater Volcanic crater within Hawaii Volcanoes' landscape
Volcanic crater on Hawai’i’s Big Island within the island’s volcanic landscape; visitors observe lava-sculpted terrain, hiking routes and geological features in the national-park area.
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.
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.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 21°C and lows of 11°C. Heavy rain (202 mm).
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February
February is the coolest month with highs of 21°C and lows of 11°C. Heavy rain (214 mm).
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March
March is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 12°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (312 mm) and breezy conditions.
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April
April is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 13°C. Significant rainfall (189 mm) and breezy conditions.
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May
May is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 13°C. Regular rainfall (95 mm).
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June
June is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 14°C. Moderate rainfall (67 mm) and breezy conditions.
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July
July is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 15°C. Moderate rainfall (59 mm) and breezy conditions.
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August
August is the warmest month with highs of 24°C and lows of 15°C. The driest month with just 28 mm and breezy conditions.
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September
September is the warmest month with highs of 24°C and lows of 15°C. Moderate rainfall (44 mm).
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October
October is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 14°C. Significant rainfall (123 mm).
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November
November is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 13°C. Heavy rain (224 mm).
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December
December is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 12°C. Heavy rain (246 mm).
