Facts About The United States

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

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

See Also

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