Overview
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is a unique and awe-inspiring destination, showcasing the raw power and beauty of nature in the form of active volcanoes. The park is home to two of the world’s most active volcanoes, Kīlauea and Mauna Loa, providing visitors with a rare opportunity to witness the creation of new land as lava flows towards the ocean. The park’s diverse landscapes include lush rainforests, barren lava fields, and volcanic craters, offering visitors a truly unforgettable experience.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park Location
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is located on the Big Island of Hawai’i, approximately 30 miles southwest of Hilo and 96 miles southeast of Kailua-Kona. The park encompasses 323,431 acres and stretches from the summit of Mauna Loa to the shoreline. The main entrance to the park is near the town of Volcano, where visitors can find the Kilauea Visitor Center and begin their exploration of the park.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park Things to Do
Hiking
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park offers numerous hiking opportunities for visitors of all skill levels. Some popular trails include:
- Kīlauea Iki Trail: This moderate 4-mile loop trail takes you through a lush rainforest and across the floor of the Kīlauea Iki Crater, offering stunning views of the volcanic landscape.
- Devastation Trail: This easy 1-mile round trip trail showcases the dramatic effects of the 1959 Kīlauea Iki eruption, passing through a barren landscape of cinder and ash.
- Crater Rim Trail: This challenging 11.3-mile hike circles the summit caldera of Kīlauea, providing breathtaking views of the volcanic landscape and diverse ecosystems.
Driving Tours
For those who prefer to explore the park by car, there are several scenic drives that showcase the park’s stunning landscapes:
- Chain of Craters Road: This 19-mile winding road descends from the park’s entrance to the ocean, passing through lava fields, rainforests, and numerous volcanic features.
- Crater Rim Drive: This 10.6-mile loop circles the summit caldera of Kīlauea, offering numerous overlooks and points of interest, including the Jaggar Museum and the Steam Vents.
Ranger-led Programs
The park offers a variety of ranger-led programs, including guided hikes, talks, and demonstrations. These programs provide visitors with an opportunity to learn more about the park’s geology, ecology, and cultural history from knowledgeable park rangers.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park Itineraries
One Day Itinerary
If you have only one day to explore the park, focus on the highlights:
- Start at the Kilauea Visitor Center to get an overview of the park and current conditions.
- Drive along Crater Rim Drive, stopping at the Jaggar Museum, Steam Vents, and other points of interest.
- Hike the Kīlauea Iki Trail to experience both rainforest and volcanic landscapes.
- Drive down Chain of Craters Road, stopping at various viewpoints and the Pu’u Loa Petroglyphs site.
- End your day at the Holei Sea Arch, where you can witness the power of the ocean against the volcanic coastline.
Two to Three Day Itinerary
If you have more time to explore, consider the following itinerary:
- Day 1: Follow the one-day itinerary, taking more time to explore the various stops and points of interest.
- Day 2: Drive up the Mauna Loa Road to the Mauna Loa Lookout, enjoying the diverse landscapes and views along the way. If you’re up for a challenge, hike the Mauna Loa Observatory Trail to the summit.
- Day 3: Explore some of the park’s lesser-known trails, such as the Napau Trail, which leads to the Napau Crater, or the Kulanaokuaiki Campground Trail, which passes through a native Hawaiian rainforest.
Best Season to Visit Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on your preferences. The dry season, from April to October, offers warmer temperatures and less rainfall, making it a popular time for hiking and outdoor activities. The wet season, from November to March, brings cooler temperatures and more rainfall, which can make some trails muddy and difficult to navigate. However, this season also offers the chance to see lush vegetation and waterfalls in the park. No matter when you visit, be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions and pack appropriate clothing.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park Weather
The weather in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park can be unpredictable, with temperature and precipitation varying greatly depending on elevation and location within the park. At the summit of Kīlauea, temperatures can range from the 50s to the 70s°F during the day and drop into the 40s at night. At lower elevations, temperatures are generally warmer, ranging from the 70s to the 80s°F during the day. Rainfall is more common at higher elevations and on the windward side of the island, while the leeward side tends to be drier.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park Hotels and Camping
There are several options for accommodations within and near the park:
- Volcano House: This historic hotel, located within the park, offers rooms with views of the Kīlauea caldera and a restaurant serving local cuisine.
- Nāmakanipaio Campground: Operated by the park, this campground offers tent and cabin rentals, as well as campsites with picnic tables and fire pits.
- Kulanaokuaiki Campground: This primitive campground, located within the park, offers nine campsites with picnic tables and vault toilets. No water is available at this site.
- Outside the park: A variety of accommodations, including hotels, bed and breakfasts, and vacation rentals, can be found in the nearby town of Volcano and the surrounding area.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park Restaurants
Dining options within the park are limited, but there are a few options available:
- Volcano House: The hotel’s restaurant offers a variety of local and international dishes, with spectacular views of the Kīlauea caldera.
- Kilauea Lodge: Located in the nearby town of Volcano, this restaurant serves a mix of Hawaiian and European cuisine in a cozy atmosphere.
- Local cafes and food trucks: Several small cafes, food trucks, and restaurants can be found in the town of Volcano and the surrounding area, offering a variety of options for casual dining.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park Wildlife and Plants
The diverse ecosystems within the park support a wide range of plant and animal species. Some notable wildlife species include:
- Nēnē: The Hawaiian goose, or Nēnē, is the state bird of Hawai’i and can be found throughout the park.
- Happy face spider: This tiny, colorful spider is native to the Hawaiian Islands and can be found in the park’s rainforests.
- Endemic birds: The park is home to several species of birds that are found only in Hawai’i, such as the ‘Apapane, ‘I’iwi, and ‘Elepaio.
The park’s plant life is equally diverse, ranging from lush rainforests to barren lava fields. Some notable plant species include:
- ʻŌhiʻa lehua: This native tree is found throughout the park and is essential to the survival of many native bird species.
- Silver sword: This unique and endangered plant, with its silvery leaves and striking appearance, can be found at high elevations in the park.
- Lava cacti: These hardy plants are some of the first to colonize new lava flows, helping to break down the lava and create new soil.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park History
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park has a rich history, encompassing both the geological processes that have shaped the land and the cultural heritage of the native Hawaiian people. The park was established in 1916, making it the 15th national park in the United States. Prior to the park’s establishment, the area was considered sacred by native Hawaiians, who believed that the volcanoes were home to the goddess Pele.
Throughout the park, visitors can find evidence of the native Hawaiians’ connection to the land, including ancient petroglyphs, stone structures, and heiau (temples). The park also protects numerous archaeological sites and sacred places, ensuring that the cultural heritage of the native Hawaiian people is preserved and respected.
Geologically, the park offers a unique opportunity to study the processes that have shaped the Hawaiian Islands over millions of years. The ongoing eruptions of Kīlauea and Mauna Loa provide valuable insights into the workings of shield volcanoes and the creation of new land. In addition, the park’s diverse ecosystems and landscapes serve as a living laboratory for scientists studying the ecological effects of volcanic activity.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park Geology
The geology of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is dominated by the presence of two massive shield volcanoes, Kīlauea and Mauna Loa. These volcanoes are part of the Hawaiian-Emperor seamount chain, a series of volcanic islands and underwater mountains created by the movement of the Earth’s tectonic plates over a stationary hotspot deep within the mantle. As the Pacific Plate moves northwestward over the hotspot, magma from the mantle rises to the surface, creating new volcanic eruptions and building the islands.
Kīlauea, the most active volcano on Earth, has been erupting continuously since 1983. Its eruptions are characterized by effusive lava flows, which slowly and steadily build the volcano’s broad, gently sloping shield. The summit caldera of Kīlauea contains Halema’uma’u Crater, which has exhibited lava lake activity in recent years. In 2018, a significant eruption caused the collapse of the crater floor and the creation of a much larger and deeper caldera.
Mauna Loa, the largest volcano on Earth, covers more than half of the Big Island and rises over 13,678 feet above sea level. Although its eruptions are less frequent than Kīlauea’s, they can be much larger in volume and more extensive in their lava flows. The most recent eruption of Mauna Loa occurred in 1984.
The park’s diverse landscapes, such as lava tubes, volcanic craters, and cinder cones, provide a fascinating look at the geological processes that have shaped the Hawaiian Islands over time. Visitors can witness the ongoing creation of new land as lava from Kīlauea reaches the ocean, adding to the island’s coastline.
Conclusion
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park offers a truly unique and unforgettable experience for visitors. With its active volcanoes, diverse landscapes, and rich cultural history, the park provides an unparalleled opportunity to explore the forces that have shaped the Hawaiian Islands and the world. Whether you’re hiking through a lush rainforest, marveling at the power of an active volcano, or learning about the native Hawaiian people’s deep connection to the land, Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking adventure and awe in nature.
