Hawai‘i Volcanoes

 National Park

Hawai‘i

Where fire meets the sea — explore one of the world’s most active volcanic landscapes, carved by molten earth and ancient legend.
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Where to Stay

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Where to Eat

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Experiences

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History & Culture

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Official Website

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Where is Hawai‘i Volcanoes?

Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park lies on the southeastern coast of the Big Island, about 30 miles southwest of Hilo. Spanning from the Pacific shoreline to Mauna Loa’s summit, it covers over 500 square miles of volcanic craters, rainforests, & lava plains.
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 Learn More about
Hawai‘i Volcanoes

 Learn More about
Hawai‘i Volcanoes

Learn a bit about Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park through these fun and interesting facts

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Origin

Established in 1916, it was the first national park in Hawaii and the first in a U.S. territory.

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Origin

Established in 1916, it was the first national park in Hawaii and the first in a U.S. territory.

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Topography

The park spans from sea level to over 13,600 feet, encompassing multiple ecosystems from tropical rainforest to alpine desert.

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Topography

The park spans from sea level to over 13,600 feet, encompassing multiple ecosystems from tropical rainforest to alpine desert.

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Wildlife

Home to unique species like the ʻŌpeʻapeʻa (Hawaiian hoary bat) and the nēnē, Hawaii’s state bird.

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Wildlife

Home to unique species like the ʻŌpeʻapeʻa (Hawaiian hoary bat) and the nēnē, Hawaii’s state bird.

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Active Volcanoes

Both Kīlauea and Mauna Loa are active; Kīlauea’s 2018 eruption reshaped 13 square miles of the island.

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Active Volcanoes

Both Kīlauea and Mauna Loa are active; Kīlauea’s 2018 eruption reshaped 13 square miles of the island.

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Cultural Sites

Over 23,000 archaeological sites are within the park, including petroglyph fields and ancient trails.

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Cultural Sites

Over 23,000 archaeological sites are within the park, including petroglyph fields and ancient trails.

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Night Skies

Due to its isolation and elevation, the park is one of Hawaii’s best stargazing spots — especially from the Mauna Loa Observatory area.

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Night Skies

Due to its isolation and elevation, the park is one of Hawaii’s best stargazing spots — especially from the Mauna Loa Observatory area.

Flowers growing in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park

Welcome to

Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park

Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park is a living, breathing testament to the raw power of creation. Home to both Kīlauea and Mauna Loa, two of the planet’s most active volcanoes, the park showcases landscapes constantly in flux — from smoldering calderas and vast lava fields to lush rainforests and tropical coastlines. Visitors can hike through volcanic craters, walk across still-warm lava flows, and stand at the edge of a glowing crater as molten rock churns deep below.

Beyond its geologic wonders, the park holds immense cultural significance to Native Hawaiians, who regard these volcanoes as sacred embodiments of Pele, the goddess of fire and creation. Trails and overlooks are often punctuated by historic petroglyphs and ceremonial sites, blending natural beauty with deep spiritual resonance. Whether driving the Chain of Craters Road or stargazing from the summit of Mauna Loa, visitors witness the island’s eternal cycle of destruction and rebirth.

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