Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park encompasses 523 square miles on the Big Island of Hawaii, extending from sea level to 13,680 feet at Mauna Loa's summit. The park contains two of the world's most active volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa, providing rare opportunities to witness volcanic processes creating new land. Established in 1916, the park preserves not only geological wonders but also unique ecosystems and Native Hawaiian cultural sites. The park protects seven ecological zones from seacoast to alpine, supporting remarkable biodiversity with over 90% endemic species. Native ecosystems include tropical rainforests, dry forests, and alpine deserts, providing habitat for endangered species like Hawaiian honeycreepers, nene (Hawaiian goose), and hawksbill sea turtles. The isolation of the Hawaiian Islands has led to extraordinary evolutionary adaptations found nowhere else on Earth. Hawaii Volcanoes implements ecosystem restoration programs removing invasive species and protecting native habitat. The park manages 1.6 million annual visitors through sustainable infrastructure while monitoring active volcanic activity for public safety. Research programs study volcanic processes, evolution of endemic species, and climate impacts while cultural preservation protects sacred sites and traditional practices.

Water Features

Pacific Ocean, Steam vents, Crater lakes

Ecosystem

This destination features a mountain & alpine ecosystem.