Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Big Island

The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, located on the Big Island of Hawaii, is comprised of 377 square miles of natural volcanic land that gives refuge to a host of plant and animal life that continue to thrive in Hawaii today. Due to its tremendous scenic and scientific value and because it protects one of the largest ecosystems in Hawaii, the park was deemed by UNESCO as an International Biosphere Reserve site in 1980 and a World Heritage Site in 1982.

 

Kilauea and Mauna Loa Volcanoes

 

This unforgettable destination is home to two world-famous volcanoes: Mount Kilauea, which started erupting in 1983 and hasn’t stopped yet, and Mauna Loa, which at 30,000 feet in height and 10,000 cubic miles in breadth is the most enormous mountain in the world. Both Kilauea and Mauna Loa are active volcanoes, which add over 40 acres of new land to the Big Island every year.

 

In addition to simply viewing these volcanoes, visitors can partake in a multitude of other attractions and activities at the park. Over 150 hiking trails run through the park, giving vacationers an opportunity to experience a more casual daytime hike or a backcountry hiking trip that takes several days to complete. The Kilauea Iki Trail, a 4-mile hike that runs from rainforest land up to a volcanic crater with a live lava flow, is very popular.

 

Camping on Volcanoes

 

The park has two drive-in campgrounds for those who wish to spend extended time in the great outdoors. Others who may prefer a more relaxed stay can try the Volcano House Hotel, located across from the Kilauea Visitor’s Center. Here, guests will find modern facilities such as a gift shop, a restaurant, a snack bar, as well as the Jaggar Museum and Bookstore located close by. The nearby Volcano Village also has a host of amenities such as gas stations, restaurants, general stores and bed & breakfasts.