The 377 square
miles Hawaii Volcanoes National Park was established in
1916 and
has been
honored as a World Heritage Site since 1987. One of the
world’s natural wonders,
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park provides an
unparalleled volcanic experience. The
national park displays the creation of
the Hawaii Island Chain and helps visitors understand the Earth’s origin.
Kilauea and Mauna Loa are two of the
world’s most active volcanoes.
Mauna Loa, at 13,677 feet high, is the most
massive mountain in the world,
occupying an area of 19,000 cubic miles. Kilauea Caldera, according to
Hawaii Legends, is the home of Pele, the Hawaii goddess of
fire. The natural
setting of Kilauea and Mauna Loa provides a fascinating world
of active
volcanism, unique ecosystems and distinct human culture. The park is
also a
refuge for many of the island’s native plants and animals. Endangered
species
protected in the park include the Nene (the Hawaiian goose), Hawaiian
honeycreepers, the Kamehameha butterfly, etc. Hawaii Volcanoes National
park
truly is the essence of Hawaii.
Nestled between
unspoiled stretches of shoreline and Mauna Loa, Hawaii
Volcanoes National Park
offers camping, hiking, biking, bird watching as well
as many other outdoor
activities. Hundreds of miles of well-maintained and
marked trails such as Halemaumau Trail and Kilauea Iki Trail make Hawaii
Volcanoes National Park the
premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts. For
more information about the
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, please call (808)
985-6000 and check their web
site
www.nps.gov/havo.
Weather at the Hawaii Volcanoes National
Park is generally wonderful and
consistent year-round. Winters tend to be
slightly wetter and summers slightly
warmer. Night and early morning are
refreshingly brisk and can dip into the
high 40s. The temperature goes up
quickly during the day and is generally
warm and comfortable with temperature below 90. As temperature and
precipitation vary with elevation and location, it
is wise to bring warm clothing
and a rain jacket. The coastal plain and desert
areas are hot, dry and windy
while Kilauea summit at 4,000 feet above sea level
can be chilly with rain
showers. The well-prepared travelers should bring
sweater, rain gear,
windbreaker, long pants, close-toe shoes, sunglasses and
high UV factor
sunscreen.
Lava entering the sea
Photo: U.S. Geological Survey
