Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, established in 1916, displays the results of 70 million years of volcanism, migration and evolution processes that thrust a bare land from the sea and clothed it with complex and unique ecosystems and a distinct human culture.
The park encompasses diverse environments that range from sea level to the summit of the earth’s most massive volcano, Mauna Loa at 13,677 feet. Kilauea, the world’s most active volcano, offers scientists insights on the birth of the Hawaiian Islands and visitors views of dramatic volcanic landscapes.
Lava Crossing a Road
Over half of the park is designated wilderness and provides unusual hiking and camping opportunities. In recognition of its outstanding natural values, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park has been honored as an International Biosphere Reserve and a World Heritage Site.
History & Culture
Because the eruptions of Hawaiian volcanoes are gentler than those of most other volcanoes around the world, the edges of active vents are frequently accessible, allowing people to come pay their respects to Pele. The early Hawaiians revered her and made offerings to placate her wrath. Missionaries William Ellis and Asa Thurston visited Kilauea’s boiling lake of lava in 1823, the first Westerners to do so.
Kilauea Iki Crater
Lorrin Thurston, publisher of the Honolulu Pacific Commercial Advertiser at the turn of the century, loved to explore the volcano lands. Among his discoveries was a giant lava tube, formed when a river of hot lava cooled and crusted over and the still-molten interior continued to flow downhill. Eventually, the lava drained out, leaving a cave-like shell. The Thurston Lava Tube (Nahuku) is a major attraction on the Crater Rim Drive.
In 1906, Thurston began a campaign to make this amazing area into a public park. His efforts were not effective until he was joined in 1912 by Dr. Thomas A. Jaggar, who came to the islands to establish and serve as director of the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. Together, the two conservationists collared politicians, wrote editorials and promoted the idea of making the volcanoes into a national park in what was then the territory of Hawaii.
On August 1, 1916, President Woodrow Wilson signed the country’s 13th national park into existence. It had taken 10 years, but the perseverance of Thurston and Jaggar paid off.
At first, the park consisted of only the summits of Kilauea and Mauna Loa on Hawaii and Haleakala on Maui. Eventually, Kilauea Caldera was added to the park, followed by the forests of Mauna Loa, the Ka’u Desert (the site of ancient warrior footprints set in ash), the rain forest of Ola’a and the Kalapana archaeological area of the Puna/Ka’u Historic District.
In 1961, Haleakala was made a separate national park. Today, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park protects 377 square miles of the island’s volcanic wonders and is a refuge for surviving native plants and animals.
In 1980, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural organization (UNESCO) named Hawaii Volcanoes National Park an International Biosphere Reserve because of its outstanding scenic and scientific values. The park was recognized for its important volcanic sites (including two of the world’s most active volcanoes); its volcanic island ecosystem, which preserves one of the largest significant ecosystems on the Hawaiian Islands; and its cultural and historic sites. The Biosphere Reserve program goals are to conserve the diversity of a designated site’s ecosystems and provide areas and facilities for international ecological and environmental research, education and training.
Lava Beds
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park was named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1982. World Heritage Sites recognize and protect areas around the globe that have outstanding natural, historical and cultural values. It evolved from the idea that certain natural and cultural sites have “universal value” for all people.
Nature & Science
Volcanoes are monuments to earth’s origin, evidence that its primordial forces are still at work. During a volcanic eruption, we are reminded that our planet is an ever-changing environment whose basic processes are beyond human control. As much as we have altered the face of the earth to suit our needs, we can only stand in awe before the power of an eruption. Volcanoes are also prodigious land builders (they have created the Hawaiian Island chain). Kilauea and Mauna Loa, two of the world’s most active volcanoes, are still adding land to the island of Hawaii. Mauna Loa is the most massive mountain on earth, occupying an area of 19,000 cubic miles. Measured from its base on the seafloor, it rises 56,000 feet, more than 27,000 feet higher than Mount Everest.
In contrast to the explosive continental volcanoes, the more fluid and less gaseous eruptions of Kilauea and Mauna Loa produce fiery fountains and rivers of molten lava. These flows, added layer upon layer, produced a barren volcanic landscape that served as a foundation for life. Hundreds of species of plants and animals found their way across the vast Pacific on wind, water and the wings of birds. A few survived, adapted and prospered during this time of isolation. The arrival of humans, first Polynesians, then Europeans and the plants and animals they brought with them drastically altered this evolutionary showcase, this grand natural experiment.
Today, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park displays the results of 70 million years of volcanism, migration and evolution – processes that thrust a bare land from the sea and clothed it with complex and unique ecosystems and a distinct human culture. Created to preserve the natural setting of Kilauea and Mauna Loa, the park is also a refuge for the islands native plants and animals and a link to its human past. Park managers work to protect the resources and promote understanding and appreciation of the park by visitors. Research by scientists at the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory has made Kilauea one of the best understood volcanoes in the world, shedding light of the birth of the Hawaiian Islands and the beginning of planet Earth.
Recreation
Hiking
The true character of the park is best discovered on foot. With over 150 miles of trails in the park, exploration by walking and hiking can be a fascinating and enjoyable experience. Park trails range in difficulty from easy walks (Bird Park/Kipuka Puaulu or Thurston Lava Tube/Nahuku) to longer hikes such as Kilauea Iki or Mauna Iki. Other trails provide access through wilderness areas and are suitable only for those who are in top physical condition and properly outfitted with winter gear. Most trails are well maintained and easy to follow. Wilderness trails are roughly marked by ahu (cairns – piles of rock). Devastation and Waldron Ledge trails are paved and accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
Biking
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park offers adventurous bicyclists dramatic views of volcanic landscapes. Descend into the steaming caldera of Kilauea volcano via Crater Rim Drive. Pedal through deserts and rain forests, past craters and rift zones. Biking in the park provides exciting opportunities for everyone – old or young, experienced or novice.
Protect the fragile lava features, rare plants and archeological sites. Ride only on designated bike routes.
Most visitors travel in cars and buses. Traffic is heaviest between 10:00 a.m. and 3pm especially on Crater Rim Drive. Be alert! Narrow winding roads through the rain forest limit visibility and pose hazards to bicyclists.
Getting There
By Plane
Hilo and Kona airports are served by inter-island carriers, Hawaiian Airlines and Aloha Airlines. Most major airlines have direct flights to Kona from the continental U. S. Vehicles may be rented at the Hilo and Kona airports. Most major car rental companies are represented at both airports.
By Car
Located on Hawaii, often called the “Big Island”, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is 96 miles from Kailua-Kona driving southeast on HWY11 (2 to 2 1/2 hour drive), or 125 miles through Waimea and Hilo via highways 19 and 11 (2 1/2 hour drive). The park is 30 miles from Hilo (45 minute drive).
Getting Around
Explore the summit of Kilauea volcano via Crater Rim Drive, an 11 mile loop road that encircles the summit caldera. On the drive, visitors will pass through a desert, cross the caldera floor and enjoy the beauty of a tropical rainforest.
If you have three to four hours, visitors may also explore the East Rift and coastal area via Chain of Craters Road. This road descends 3,700 feet in 20 miles and ends where a 1995 lava flow crossed the road. Depending on changing volcanic activity, there may be opportunities for viewing active lava flows.
Traveler Facts
Contact Information
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
P. O. Box 52
Hawaii National Park, HI 96718-0052
Phone: 808-985-6000
Fax: 808-985-6004
Operating Hours & Seasons
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is open 24 hours a day year-round. Kilauea Visitor Center is open daily from 7:45 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Jaggar Museum is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Weather/Climate
Expect changeable weather. Weather at Kilauea’s summit (el. 4,000 feet) fluctuates daily and can be rainy and chilly any time of the year. Temperature varies by elevation and it is generally 14 degrees cooler at the summit than it is at sea level. The coastal plain at the end of Chain of Craters Road is often hot, dry and windy. Come prepared. Bring rain gear, sturdy shoes, hats, water bottles, sun glasses and high UV factor sunscreen.
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