Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

CONTENTS

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, established in 1916, displays the results of 70 million years of volcanism, migration, and evolution -- processes that thrust a bare land from the sea and clothed it with complex and unique ecosystems and a distinct human culture. The park encompasses diverse environments that range from sea level to the summit of the earth's most massive volcano, Mauna Loa at 13,677 feet. Kilauea, the world's most active volcano, offers scientists insights on the birth of the Hawaiian Islands and visitors views of dramatic volcanic landscapes. Over half of the park is designated wilderness and provides unusual hiking and camping opportunities. In recognition of its outstanding natural values, Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park has been honored as an International Biosphere Reserve and a World Heritage Site.

IN DEPTH

Sights To See It took Pele eons to create her marvelous house, fashioned with red-hot, flowing rock. You are now a guest of Pele and the wonders she made are for you...read more

Types Of Lava You will see two types of lava in Hawai'i: 'a'ā and pāhoehoe. 'A'ā is rough and chunky, while pāhoehoe is smooth and ropy. They may vary in color from...read more

Visitor Services Banking Services Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park is in a rural setting, and the amenities that towns may have to offer, such as banking, are far removed. Automated teller machines (ATM)...read more

Walking & Hiking Walking and hiking in the park can be a fascinating experience. Trails range from easy walks such as Kīpukapuaulu or Thurston Lava Tube (Nāhuku), to intermediate (Mauna Iki),...read more

Who's Who in Hawaii Volcanoes It takes many hours of dedication and hard work to keep Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park in operation. The flora, fauna and unique features of the land must be preserved...read more

In A Nutshell Park Entrance Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park is located 30 miles (48 km) south of Hilo and 95 miles (153 km) east of Kailua-Kona on the island of Hawai'i. There is...read more

Oh, Ranger! Fate destined me to work in a place I've known from childhood, and after nearly nine years of service as an interpretive park ranger, I wouldn't have wished for...read more

Only A Day The main feature of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park is the 11-mile (18 m) Crater Rim Drive that circles Kīlauea's summit caldera. If you only have a few hours...read more

Pronun Guide Hawaiian was not a written language until missionaries devised a 13-sound alphabet. Islanders were discouraged from speaking Hawaiian in public so it survived primarily through music. Today, this...read more

SCA Volunteers Since 1957, volunteers from the Student Conservation Association (SCA), the nation's oldest and largest conservation service organization, have been joining the effort to preserve and manage our national parks...read more