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Thomas A. Jaggar Museum
Good-for-Kids Rating
Babies
Toddlers & Pre-KSchool-Age KidsPre-Teens & Teens
Science & Nature Museum
Special Collection
Roadside Landmark
Souvenir & Gift Store
Thomas A. Jaggar Museum Description
A good strategy for navigating Volcanoes National Park is to skip the main visitor center (unless you arrive first thing in the morning before the crowds) and head straight for the Jaggar Museum, where you can pick up information, talk to park rangers, and also get an incredible view of Kilauea as well as of Halema`uma`u, an enormous caldera that is actively steaming. Inside the museum you'll find a real seismograph, larger-than-life volcano-related photos and paintings, and lava rocks you can touch, as well as a gift shop with eruption DVDs, posters, postcards, books, and stuffed animal Iiwi birds that sing when you squeeze them.
Kid Tips
Toddlers & Pre-K: There's a table just for children in the gift shop where your little one can sit and read colorful picture books. Those 3 and older can measure their own "volcanic output" on the seismograph by jumping or dancing in front of it (no banging on the glass).
School-Age Kids: Will want to put quarters in the viewing scope to see the caldera more closely.
Planning Notes
- Watch out for nene geese on the roadway. As you pull into the parking lot, rangers caution to look both ways for this endangered birds.
- Check the poster board at the front. See all of the day's talks, ranger-led hikes, and kid-friendly activities.
- Bring binoculars. To better view the steaming caldera.
Just the Facts
Hours: 8:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. Subject to change based on volcanic activity. Call ahead to confirm.
Fees: Free.
Recommended Time: Less than 1 hour
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