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

Peak crowds · VisitWhen score 49/100 · #5 of 12 months

October is peak season — expect the year's biggest crowds at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park: crowds run 78% of the December peak (117,453 average visits), days average 77°F with 11.7 hours of daylight. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.

Crowds in October

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes averages 117,453 recreation visits in October — 78% of what December, the peak month, draws. Trailheads and parking fill accordingly — book early and start days at dawn.

Weather & daylight

Days are mild (highs average 77°F), and nights stay mild (lows average 61°F). This is one of the wetter months (18.2″ of precipitation on average). Mid-month daylight runs 11.7 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 October.

What to pack for Hawaiʻi Volcanoes in October

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

• Rain shell + pack cover — 18.2″ of precipitation is normal this month
• Sturdy broken-in footwear, navigation and a basic first-aid kit — every park, every month

If your dates are flexible, consider shifting: The computed best month for Hawaiʻi Volcanoes is April.

Common questions

See also: the best national parks to visit in October · Last verified 2026-07-16