Where is Hawai‘i Volcanoes?
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
Origin
Established in 1916, it was the first national park in Hawaii and the first in a U.S. territory.
Origin
Established in 1916, it was the first national park in Hawaii and the first in a U.S. territory.
Topography
The park spans from sea level to over 13,600 feet, encompassing multiple ecosystems from tropical rainforest to alpine desert.
Topography
The park spans from sea level to over 13,600 feet, encompassing multiple ecosystems from tropical rainforest to alpine desert.
Wildlife
Home to unique species like the ʻŌpeʻapeʻa (Hawaiian hoary bat) and the nēnē, Hawaii’s state bird.
Wildlife
Home to unique species like the ʻŌpeʻapeʻa (Hawaiian hoary bat) and the nēnē, Hawaii’s state bird.
Active Volcanoes
Both Kīlauea and Mauna Loa are active; Kīlauea’s 2018 eruption reshaped 13 square miles of the island.
Active Volcanoes
Both Kīlauea and Mauna Loa are active; Kīlauea’s 2018 eruption reshaped 13 square miles of the island.
Cultural Sites
Over 23,000 archaeological sites are within the park, including petroglyph fields and ancient trails.
Cultural Sites
Over 23,000 archaeological sites are within the park, including petroglyph fields and ancient trails.
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.
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.
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.
