Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 13, 2025
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, located on the Big Island of Hawaii, is a unique destination that offers visitors the chance to explore one of the world's most active volcanoes.
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Summary
The park features two main volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa, which are both considered active. There are plenty of reasons to visit the park, including hiking, bird watching, and exploring the unique flora and fauna of the area.
One of the most popular points of interest in the park is the Kilauea Caldera, which is a massive crater that is over 2.5 miles wide. Visitors can hike along the rim of the crater and see steam vents and other volcanic features. Another popular activity is taking a tour of the Thurston Lava Tube, which is a natural tunnel formed by lava.
There are also several interesting facts about the park, such as the fact that the Kilauea volcano has been continuously erupting since 1983. Additionally, the park is home to several endangered species, such as the Hawaiian goose, the Hawaiian hawk, and the Hawaiian bat.
The best time of year to visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is during the cooler months, which are from November to February. During this time, temperatures are more comfortable, and there is less chance of rain. However, the park is open year-round, so visitors can explore the area at any time.
Overall, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to the Big Island of Hawaii. With its unique geological features, fascinating wildlife, and beautiful scenery, it offers visitors a one-of-a-kind experience that they won't soon forget.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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