If you want to add a little adventure to your Hawaiian vacation, look no further than Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The park is home to two of the world’s most active volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa. Visitors can hike through lava fields, witness active lava flows, and even take a helicopter tour of the volcanoes. Here’s your guide to visiting Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is one of the most geologically diverse places on Earth. The park area includes two of the world’s most active volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa, as well as the world’s largest volcano, Mauna Kea. In addition, the park consists of various other geological features, such as lava tubes, petroglyphs, and cinder cones.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park was established in 1916 to protect these unique geological features. Since then, the park has been expanded several times and now covers an area of almost 320,000 acres. Today, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is a popular tourist destination, attracting over two million visitors yearly. Visitors can explore the park’s diverse landscapes through various activities, including hiking, camping, and bird-watching.
Guide To Visiting Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
It’s no secret that Hawaii Volcanoes National Park draws in thousands of visitors every year. If you’d like to visit the park, here’s what you need to know:
What To Do When You First Get To The Park
When you enter Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, stop at the Kīlauea Visitor Center to get oriented. Park rangers can give you the latest eruption updates and advise which trails are safe to hike. Next, drive along Crater Rim Drive, a scenic route that takes you past the caldera of Kīlauea volcano.
Make sure to stop at Jaggar Museum to learn about the history of the volcanoes and Halemaʻumaʻu Overlook to see the glowing lava lake up close. Then, if you’re feeling adventurous, consider taking a hike along one of the park’s many trails. Just be sure to check with a ranger first to ensure the trail is safe and free from volcanic activity. By following these tips, you can make the most of your visit to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
The Different Areas Of The Park And What They Have To Offer
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the state. The park is home to two of the world’s most active volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa. Visitors can see active lava flows, hike through lava tubes, and explore the unique landscapes that volcanic eruptions have created.
The park has two main areas – the summit and the coastal area. The summit region is home to Kilauea Caldera, a massive crater formed by a series of explosive eruptions. The caldera is now home to several craters with unique features. The Halema’uma’u Crater is one of the most popular attractions in the park, and visitors can often see steam rising from its surface.
The coastal area of the park includes the Chain of Craters Road, which winds its way down the coast from Kilauea Caldera to the ocean. Along this road, visitors can see several different lava flows that have created numerous landscapes. However, one of the most popular attractions in this area is the 800-foot lava tube known as Thurston Lava Tube. An ancient lava flow formed this massive tube, which is now home to a colony of bats.