Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park

Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park

Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island offers a unique landscape shaped by ongoing volcanic activity, providing visitors with the rare opportunity to witness erupting volcanoes and explore dynamic lava fields.

323,431
Acres Protected
150
Miles of Trails
1,116,891
Annual Visitors
1916
Year Established

About Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park

Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park
 

Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park is located on the Big Island, encompassing over 300,000 acres of diverse terrain around the active volcanoes Kīlauea and Mauna Loa. This park offers unique geological features like sulfur banks, lava tubes, and volcanic craters, amidst dense rainforests and arid landscapes. Established in 1916, the park preserves the natural and cultural heritage of the Hawaiian Islands, offering insights into volcanic activity and the rich biodiversity that emerges in its wake. Popular activities include hiking through stark volcanic landscapes, exploring the flora and fauna adapted to these harsh conditions, and witnessing lava flows firsthand when volcanic activity permits. Visitors can also engage with the cultural aspects of the park through its ancient petroglyphs and the traditional stories of native Hawaiians. The park serves as an ideal destination for adventure enthusiasts and scientific explorers alike, keen on experiencing the dynamic earth-shaping forces in action and contributing to the ongoing conversation about conservation and environmental resilience against natural disasters.

Highlights

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Kīlauea Caldera

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Thurston Lava Tube

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Chain of Craters Road

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Devastation Trail

Notable Natural Features

Kīlauea Crater

Home to one of the world's most active volcanoes, Kīlauea Crater offers stunning views of volcanic landscapes.

Thurston Lava Tube

A walkable tunnel formed by lava flow, this feature lets visitors experience intriguing subterranean geology.

Chain of Craters Road

This scenic drive takes you past numerous craters and provides stunning coastal views at its end.