Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

The park sits on the southeastern flank of Mauna Loa and encompasses Kīlauea's caldera and rift zones. Its terrain ranges from sea level at the coast to the 13,681-foot summit of Mauna Loa. The park's volcanic features include pit craters, lava tubes, and steam vents. The 2018 eruption of Kīlauea dramatically altered the landscape, collapsing parts of the caldera and creating a new crater at Halemaʻumaʻu.¹

The park's geology is dynamic; lava flows have repeatedly covered roads and structures, and the coastline has grown by hundreds of acres from new lava deltas. The park also contains the Kaʻū Desert, a rain-shadow area with sparse vegetation, and the ʻĀinahou Ranch, a historic ranch within the park boundary.

The park protects six ecological zones, from coastal lowlands to alpine tundra. It is home to rare species such as the ʻōpeʻapeʻa (Hawaiian hoary bat), the nēnē (Hawaiian goose), and the ʻiʻiwi (scarlet honeycreeper). Endemic plants like the ʻōhiʻa lehua and silversword thrive in volcanic soils.²

Invasive species, including feral pigs and non-native plants, threaten native habitats. The park actively manages these threats through fencing and removal programs. The park's coastal zone supports anchialine pools, which host unique shrimp species, and the ʻĀinahou Ranch preserves a remnant of native forest.

The park holds deep cultural importance for Native Hawaiians, who consider Kīlauea the home of the volcano goddess Pele. Ancient Hawaiian sites include the footprint of a 1790 eruption that left human footprints in ash, and the ʻĀinahou Heiau (temple) ruins. The park also preserves the site of the 1868 eruption that caused a tsunami and landslides.³

In 1916, the park was established as Hawaii National Park, later renamed in 1961. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 for its geological and cultural values. The park's visitor center and museum, built in the 1940s, are themselves historic structures.

The park is a living laboratory for volcanology. The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, located within the park, monitors Kīlauea and Mauna Loa using seismometers, GPS, and gas sensors. The 2018 eruption was the most destructive in recent history, destroying over 700 homes and adding new land to the coast.⁴

Mauna Loa, the world's largest active volcano, last erupted in 2022, sending lava flows toward a major highway but not threatening the park's infrastructure. The park's management must balance public access with safety, closing areas during eruptions and reopening them after assessment.

Beyond the headline attractions, the park holds lesser-known features: the 1790 footprint deposit, the only known human footprints preserved in volcanic ash; the ʻĀinahou Ranch, a working ranch until 1973; and the Kīlauea Iki Crater, site of a 1959 eruption that created a lava lake. The park also contains the ʻŌlaʻa Forest, a remote area with native birds and plants, accessible only by foot.⁵

The park's coastal section includes the ʻĀpua Point, a popular camping spot, and the Hilina Pali, a fault scarp with panoramic views. The park also protects the ʻĀinahou Heiau, a restored temple, and the ʻĀinahou Trail, which passes through a native forest. The park's night sky is designated an International Dark Sky Park, offering exceptional stargazing.

Kīlauea

An active shield volcano in the Hawaiian Islands, one of the world's most active.

Mauna Loa

The world's largest active volcano, with a volume of about 75,000 cubic kilometers.

Halemaʻumaʻu

A pit crater within Kīlauea's caldera, often containing an active lava lake.

Nēnē

The Hawaiian goose, the state bird of Hawaiʻi, endemic to the islands.

Pele

The Hawaiian goddess of volcanoes and fire, believed to reside in Kīlauea.