Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park includes two of the world’s most active volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa. It is located on the island of Hawaii.

Geology

Lava is only visible during a volcanic eruption but the solidified form makes up the island. Visitors can explore lava tubes, which are underground passageways built by rivers of lava. Lava trees are also found in the park. Sea arches formed by the sea, pit craters, steam vents, and sulfur banks are also found here.

Wildlife

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is home to birds, caterpillars, dragonflies, crickets, endangered sea turtles, bats, and more. Hawksbill turtles, green sea turtles, humpback whales, ophihi, and rock crabs are also found in the park. Most species that are found in the park are those that were able to fly there. Many species face threats from outside the park boundaries like plants, wildfires, and other animals such as feral cats, pigs, goats, sheep, rats, mongoose, ants, and wasps.

Things to Do

Visitors can hike, take a drive on the Crater Rim Tour, drive the Chain of Craters road which takes you to the ocean, or walk through the Nahuku rain forest and see a cave where lava flowed. Visit the Holei Sea Arch, which was formed by ancient lava flow.

See the arch before it eventually collapses!

Fun Facts

The Kilauea volcano erupted in 2018, destroying over 700 homes. The park experienced wrecked buildings, rock falls, collapsed and cracked roads and trails, and breaks in water and sewer lines.

The park was closed for 134 days in 2018 due to unsafe conditions from the volcanic eruption.

It is home to the largest dragonfly in the United States.

Source: National Park Service https://www.nps.gov/