Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park

Pictures courtesy of the -Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park.

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, located on the Big Island of Hawaii, offers a dramatic and dynamic landscape shaped by the powerful forces of earth and fire. This unique park is home to two of the world’s most active volcanoes, Kīlauea and Mauna Loa, providing visitors with a rare opportunity to witness geological processes in real-time. The park’s diverse environments range from lush rainforests to stark volcanic deserts and from sea level to the summit of Mauna Loa at 13,678 feet. Established in 1916, this extraordinary national park not only allows for spectacular scenic drives and challenging hikes but also offers a deep dive into the natural history and cultural significance of these volcanic landscapes. Here, nature’s power is on vivid display, inviting exploration and inspiring awe in all who visit.

Website:	Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Map:	Park Map
Visitor Centers:	Kīlauea Visitor Center: Situated near the park entrance, this visitor center is the primary starting point for guests. It provides comprehensive information on current volcanic activity, hiking trail status, and safety precautions. The center also features exhibits on the park’s geology, endemic wildlife, and the cultural history of the area, making it a crucial stop before exploring further. Kahuku Visitor Contact Station: Located in the Kahuku Unit of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, this contact station is an entry point for exploring a lesser-known part of the park. Visitors can receive information about guided tours, hiking opportunities, and the diverse ecosystems present in the area. The Kahuku Unit offers a different perspective of the park with its rolling grasslands, ancient lava flows, and historic ranch lands, making it a fascinating area for scenic drives and educational exploration.
How to get There:	From Hilo (North): Start your journey by taking Highway 11 (Hawaii Belt Road) south towards Volcano. This drive covers approximately 30 miles and takes about 45 minutes. You will pass through scenic rainforests and quaint towns. Look for park entrance signs as you approach the town of Volcano. From Kailua-Kona (West): Begin on Highway 11 heading east and north towards Volcano, a longer route of about 96 miles that typically takes around 2 to 2.5 hours. This drive provides a cross-section of the Big Island’s diverse landscapes, including coffee plantations, black lava fields, and lush forests. Continue on Highway 11 until you reach the park entrance near the town of Volcano. Both routes are scenic and offer different perspectives of the Big Island’s geography and ecology, leading directly to the main entrance of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. Be sure to check the park’s website or contact visitor centers for the latest information on road conditions and volcanic activity before your visit.

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is a spectacular site that encapsulates the natural power and cultural depth of the Hawaiian islands. Established in 1916, the park is designed to preserve the unique volcanic landscapes and ecosystems of Kīlauea and Mauna Loa, two of the most active volcanoes in the world. The park’s history is deeply entwined with Native Hawaiian culture, particularly with Pele, the goddess of fire and volcanoes, who is believed to reside in Halema‘uma‘u Crater at Kīlauea’s summit. This cultural connection highlights the sacred nature of the landscape, revered and respected by generations of Native Hawaiians. Over the years, ongoing volcanic activity has continuously reshaped the park, offering scientists, tourists, and students a living laboratory to study geological processes and the regeneration of ecosystems.

Among the most popular places to visit within Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is the summit of Kīlauea, especially the overlook at Halema‘uma‘u Crater, which recently exhibited dramatic volcanic activity that drew global attention. The Crater Rim Drive tour offers visitors a comprehensive view of the park’s diverse volcanic features with numerous stopping points like the Steam Vents, Sulphur Banks, and the Thomas A. Jaggar Museum Overlook. Another significant area is the Chain of Craters Road, which descends 3,700 feet over 20 miles of road and passes several craters, hardened lava flows, and petroglyphs before ending where a lava flow crossed the road and reached the ocean. For hiking enthusiasts, trails like the Thurston Lava Tube and the Devastation Trail provide immersive experiences through forested areas and past landscapes altered by recent eruptions.

The significance of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park goes beyond its geological wonders; it plays a crucial role in ecological preservation and environmental education. The park is home to diverse habitats that support unique flora and fauna, some of which are endangered and found nowhere else on earth. Efforts to conserve these species, such as the nēnē (Hawaiian goose) and the silversword plant, are vital for maintaining biodiversity. Moreover, the park’s ongoing volcanic activity offers invaluable insights into volcanic processes and natural resource management, making it a prime site for scientific research and environmental learning. By visiting Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, individuals gain a profound appreciation for the forces of nature and the importance of preserving such extraordinary natural environments for future generations.

Halema‘uma‘u Crater Overlook: As the home of Pele, the goddess of fire, this is one of the most sacred and visually stunning sites within Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. The overlook provides visitors with a view of the continuously changing volcanic activity in the crater, particularly mesmerizing during periods of eruption when the lava lake is visible.

Thurston Lava Tube (Nāhuku): A walk through the Thurston Lava Tube offers a fascinating glimpse into the geological processes that shape the Hawaiian islands. This 500-year-old lava cave was formed by flowing lava which drained from the tube, leaving a walkable tunnel that is now lined with electric lights and equipped with a paved path.

Chain of Craters Road: This scenic drive descends from the summit of Kīlauea to the coast, passing through several geological and historical sites, including ancient petroglyphs and numerous lava flows. The road ends where a lava flow has crossed over, cutting off access and creating a dramatic demonstration of nature’s power.

Kīlauea Iki Trail: This popular hiking trail offers a unique experience as it descends from the rim of Kīlauea Iki Crater through a lush rainforest and onto its still-steaming floor, solidified from the 1959 eruption. This hike provides spectacular views and an up-close experience with volcanic landscapes.

Jaggar Museum Overlook: Although the Jaggar Museum itself is currently closed, the overlook nearby continues to provide one of the best vantage points for observing Kīlauea and its Halema‘uma‘u Crater. Visitors can see real-time volcanic activity, often including glowing lava at night, through telescopes provided at the site. This spot is also ideal for educational purposes, with displays explaining the current volcanic activity and the history of the area’s eruptions.