Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Location: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, HI
Length: 150 miles
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Features: Rainforest, volcanic landscapes, sulfure vents, cinder cones, caldera, crater rim Heritage, Hiking

About the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park was formally named the Hawaii National Park in 1961. Visitors can expect magnificent volcanic formations and sites as well as varied plants and wildlife. Like many US parks, it is also a biosphere reserve and World Heritage Site. It reaches 13,677 feet of elevation from sea level. In it’s area are two active volcanoes, Kīlauea and Mauna Loa. Kilauea is the one of the world’s most active volcanoes. This is considered as the center of the park. Since 1983, volcanic activities and succeeding earthquakes are still felt in the area like in 2018. Some trails are still inaccessible due to this incident. While Mauna Loa is the most massive shield volcano in the world. The park and its volcanoes are rich sources of information on the history of the Hawaiian islands. 

Hiking trails in the park are very unique and varied landscapes. Trails include views of lava tube caves, lava trees, calderas, sea arches, pit craters, cinder cones, islands within islands, even petroglyphs, rain forests featuring sulphur vents, and also a beach. All trails combined span up to 150 miles. There are around 13 areas or trails you can choose from for a day hike. It includes Crater Rim Trail, Mauna Ulu, Pu’u Loa Petroglyphs, Keanakāko’i Crater, Ha’akulamanu (Sulphur Banks), Halemaʻumaʻu Trail, Kīlauea Iki Loop, Nāhuku (Thurston Lava Tube), Devastation Trail, Kūpinaʻi Pali (Waldron Ledge), Kīpukapuaulu Loop,  Kaʻū Desert, Uēaloha (Byron Ledge), Kahuku Unit. The Kīlauea Iki Loop takes you down to 400 feet thru a rainforest, to a volcanic crater and across a hardened lava lake. While the Pu’u Loa trail takes you across a lava field towards the featured Hawaii’s best set of petroglyphs. These are among many unique trails and spots inside the park. Visitors can also do back country hike and crater rims tour

Top 3 Adventure Hacks

1) Plan ahead

As Kīlauea is still active, it is advised to plan your visit ahead of time to ensure safety. Contact the management for applicable permits.

2) Stay on trail

Stay on trail and follow instructions to avoid injuries.

3) Sulfur vents

The trail with sulfur vents is discouraged for pregnant women, infants, young children, and people with heart or respiratory problems