Home to one of the most active volcanoes on Earth, the Kilauea volcano, and one of the world’s most massive volcanic mass, Mauna Loa, the Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is one of the most popular attractions of the state and a sacred place for the native Hawaiians. The volcanoes are highly active and the volcanic activity is constantly expanding the island. Kilauea is called “the world’s only drive-in volcano”. In its current level of activity it generates 250,000-650,000 cubic yards of lava each day. The natives worship Pele, the volcano goddess, who lives here.
Spanning over 333,000 acres from the summit of Maunaloa to the sea, the park offers visitors about 150 miles of hiking trails. The part showcases extraordinary natural diversity and visitors can find volcanic craters, deserts and rainforests within the park precincts. Apart from the unique experience of watching the lava from Kilauea as it flows into the sea, the Kilauea Visitor Center, the Crater Rim Drive, the Halemaumau Crater, the Thurston Lava Tube, and the Thomas A. Jaggar Museum form the key attractions of the national park.
Also Read: Top Things To Do In Hawaii
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park Location Map
Facts about Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
- The National Park covers an area of 323,431 acres
- The site has seen 1,352,123 visitors
- Hawaii Volcanoes National Park was established on August 1, 1916
- Hawaii Volcanoes National Park was designated an International Biosphere Reserve in 1980 and a World Heritage Site in 1987.
Where is Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park ?
The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is located to the south-east of the Big Island (Island of Hawaii) in the State of Hawaii. The park is 30 miles southwest of Hilo and 96 miles south-east of Kailua-Kona. Hilo and Kona Airports are the nearest air terminals.
Best time to visit Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is open through the day, all days of the year including holidays. The Kīlauea Visitor Center is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm and the Jaggar Museum is open daily from 10 am to 8 pm. The Kahuku Unit is open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 9 am to 3 pm.
Ref: //www.nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/hours.htm
More about Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Nearby Attractions: Sea Life Park Hawaii, Kualoa Ranch, Haleakalā National Park, Nā Pali Coast State Park, Pacific Tsunami Museum, Pearl Harbor.