Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

There is a place on the southeastern shore of the Big Island of Hawaiʻi where the earth breathes, trembles, and glows. Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is a living showcase of geological might and cultural legacy, where molten forces reshape the landscape, and ancient traditions hold firm against a backdrop of fire and steam. This is one of the few places on the planet where you can witness the raw creation of land with your own eyes.

Two Giants of the Pacific

The park spans more than 500 square miles and stretches from sea level to 13,680 feet at the peak of Mauna Loa, the largest volcano on Earth by volume. Nearby, Kīlauea, Earth’s most active volcano, continues to mold the island in real time. Together, these colossal shield volcanoes define the heart of the park and the spirit of the Hawaiian Islands.

Mauna Loa dominates the horizon. Its massive bulk rises gently but persistently, its summit caldera stretching more than three miles across and plunging nearly 600 feet deep. Since 1843, it has erupted roughly three dozen times. Its most recent eruption in 2022 sent fountains of lava bursting from Fissure 3, painting the sky in fiery arcs and lighting up the Northeast Rift Zone with a brilliant glow.

Kīlauea, smaller in scale but far more active, has changed the face of the island again and again. Its eruptions have formed new land, buried communities, and sent ash clouds tens of thousands of feet into the sky. Halemaʻumaʻu Crater, the volcano’s most active vent, simmers and steams from within the caldera. From 1983 to 2018, a continuous eruption from the Pu‘u ʻŌʻō and Kupaianaha vents reshaped the southeastern coast. Entire forests vanished under rivers of lava, and more than 500 acres of new land emerged where lava met the sea.

A Sacred Landscape

The land is powerful, but it is also sacred. Hawaiian tradition honors Pele, the goddess of volcanoes, who resides within Kīlauea. Many visitors pause at the rim of the crater to pay quiet respect to her fiery presence. The sense of reverence is unmistakable. The ground pulses with ancient energy. The air carries a whisper of myth and memory. Even in the silence, the earth seems to speak.

Exploring the Park

Visitors encounter a range of landscapes that shift with altitude, rainfall, and volcanic activity. From lush rainforests dripping with moisture to stark deserts patterned by lava flows, the variety is striking. Over half of the park is designated wilderness, offering rugged terrain for exploration and solitude.

Highlights include:

• Kīlauea Overlook: A dramatic vantage point to observe Halemaʻumaʻu Crater and current volcanic activity
• Thurston Lava Tube: A walkable tunnel carved by ancient lava flows, surrounded by tropical vegetation
• Mauna Loa Trail: A challenging ascent from Kīlauea to the summit of Mauna Loa, crossing shifting landscapes and changing climates
• Kaʻū Desert: A dry expanse shaped by acidic ash and rain shadow, featuring unusual lava formations
• Kipuka Puaulu (Bird Park): A lush pocket of native forest teeming with songbirds and rare plants

Scenic drives cut through old lava fields and pass steaming vents. Short walks lead to panoramic overlooks and boardwalks across fragile terrain. Nightfall reveals a sky uncluttered by artificial light, where stars gleam above blackened earth and faint glows from volcanic vents flicker in the distance.

Wildlife and Plant Life

Despite the lava and heat, life thrives. Tree ferns unfurl along trails soaked by nearly 100 inches of annual rainfall. Koa and ‘ōhi‘a trees shelter native birds, while kipukas — pockets of untouched forest surrounded by lava — act as safe havens for endangered species. Visitors may spot mongooses darting across paths or hear the calls of pheasants in the distance. Wild goats and pigs, introduced long ago, still roam parts of the park.

Science and Safety

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is a research site of global significance. Volcanologists, geologists, biologists, and meteorologists monitor every tremor and gas plume. The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory provides real-time updates through webcams, sensors, and scientific reporting. Their work helps predict eruptions, manage hazards, and understand Earth’s dynamic processes.

Safety is a constant concern. Visitors are urged to check conditions before arriving, especially during periods of volcanic unrest. Eruptions can occur with little warning, often preceded by earthquakes or shifting lava flows. Portions of the park may close due to gas emissions, unstable ground, or construction.

Currently, a two-year restoration project is underway at the summit of Kīlauea. Damaged infrastructure is being repaired or removed, and the original Kīlauea Visitor Center is closed for extensive renovation. A temporary Welcome Center operates at Kīlauea Military Camp, where rangers and park resources remain available daily.

Recognition and Protection

The park is recognized as both an International Biosphere Reserve and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These honors reflect the area’s geological significance, biodiversity, and cultural importance. Since its founding in 1916, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park has stood as a living classroom and a spiritual landmark.

It continues to evolve with every eruption, every tremor, and every new stretch of lava. It invites exploration, study, and quiet reflection in equal measure.

Those who walk its trails or stand at its craters leave with a deeper understanding of Earth’s power and Hawaiʻi’s enduring spirit.