Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park: Difference between revisions
Truthseeker (talk | contribs) Created page with "{{Infobox national park | name = Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park | image = Halemaumau_Crater_Kīlauea.jpg | caption = Halemaʻumaʻu Crater at Kīlauea volcano | location = Hawaiʻi (Big Island), United States | coordinates = 19.4194°N, 155.2886°W | area = 523 sq mi (1,355 km²) | established = August 1, 1916 | visitors = 1.6 million (2023) | website = https://www.nps.gov/havo }} '''Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park''' is loca..." |
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== Ecosystems and Wildlife == | == Ecosystems and Wildlife == | ||
Despite its rugged terrain, the park contains a wide range of life: | Despite its rugged terrain, the park contains a wide range of life: | ||
* | * '''Tropical rainforests''', '''lava deserts''', and '''alpine climates''' | ||
* Endemic species such as: | * Endemic species such as: | ||
- | - '''ʻŌhiʻa lehua''' trees | ||
- | - '''Nēnē''' (Hawaiian goose) | ||
- | - '''ʻApapane''' and other native honeycreepers | ||
== Visitor Highlights == | == Visitor Highlights == | ||
Revision as of 20:30, 20 July 2025
| Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park | |
|---|---|
| Halemaʻumaʻu Crater at Kīlauea volcano | |
| Location | Hawaiʻi (Big Island), United States |
| Coordinates | 19.4194°N, 155.2886°W |
| Area | 523 sq mi (1,355 km²) |
| Established | August 1, 1916 |
| Visitors (latest) | 1.6 million (2023) |
| Governing body | National Park Service |
| Website | Official website |
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is located on the Big Island of Hawaiʻi and protects two of the world's most active volcanoes — Kīlauea and Mauna Loa. It was established on August 1, 1916, and is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Reserve.
Volcanic Landscape
The park features:
- Kīlauea – one of the most active volcanoes on Earth, last erupting in 2023
- Mauna Loa – the largest volcano in the world by volume
- Lava tubes, steam vents, sulfur banks, and volcanic craters
- The Chain of Craters Road, which descends through active volcanic landscapes
Native Hawaiian Significance
The area is sacred to Native Hawaiians and tied to the goddess Pele, the deity of fire and volcanoes. Many cultural sites, such as petroglyph fields, heiau (temples), and ancient trails, remain preserved.
Ecosystems and Wildlife
Despite its rugged terrain, the park contains a wide range of life:
- Tropical rainforests, lava deserts, and alpine climates
- Endemic species such as:
- ʻŌhiʻa lehua trees - Nēnē (Hawaiian goose) - ʻApapane and other native honeycreepers
Visitor Highlights
- **Kīlauea Visitor Center** and **Jaggar Museum Overlook**
- **Crater Rim Trail**, **Devastation Trail**, and **Nāhuku (Thurston Lava Tube)**
- Scenic drives and night views of glowing lava
- Opportunities to safely view active eruptions (when occurring)
Geological Importance
- The park helps scientists study the birth and evolution of volcanic islands
- It’s one of the few places where visitors can witness new land being formed
Fun Facts
- Mauna Loa rises over **33,500 feet** from its base on the ocean floor — taller than Everest!
- The park protects over half of the Big Island’s landmass
- Visitors can walk through lava tubes formed hundreds of years ago