Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is a national park in the U.S. state of Hawai’i. The national park covers 333,431 acres spread over the southeast portion of Hawai’i Island, and encompasses both active volcanoes and rainforests that have survived since before human habitation.
What is Volcanoes National Park?
Volcanoes National Park is a United States National Park located in the state of Hawaii. The park encompasses two active volcanoes: Kīlauea, one of the world’s most active volcanoes, and Mauna Loa, the world’s largest volcano. The park also includes the Halemaʻumaʻu Crater, the site of Hawaii’s most recent volcanic eruption.
The park is open to visitors year-round, and there are a variety of activities available for visitors to enjoy. Hiking and camping are popular activities, and there are several trails that wind through the park. Visitors can also take part in ranger-led programs, which offer an up-close look at the park’s volcanoes.
Whether you’re interested in geology or simply want to experience the beauty of Hawaii’s volcanoes, Volcanoes National Park is definitely worth a visit!
Getting to the park
There are two ways to get to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. You can take a direct flight into Hilo International Airport, which is about a 45 minute drive from the park, or you can fly into Kona International Airport and take the scenic drive down the coast, which takes about 2.5 hours.
If you’re driving from Hilo, take Highway 11 south and then turn left onto Crater Rim Drive. Follow the signs to the park entrance. If you’re coming from Kona, take Highway 11 north and then turn right onto Crater Rim Drive. Again, follow the signs to the park entrance.
Once you’re in the park, there are plenty of things to do. You can hike through lava tubes, see active volcanoes, go on a nature walk, or just enjoy the stunning views.
The walk around the rim
The walk around the crater is about 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers) long, and takes about two hours to complete. It is an easy walk with a few uphill sections. The trail is well-marked and there are several rest areas along the way.
The crater of Kilauea is one of the most active volcanoes in the world, and has been erupting continuously since 1983. The lava lake inside the crater is usually about 100 feet (30 meters) below the rim of the crater, but can be much higher or lower depending on activity levels.
The views from the crater rim are amazing, and you can often see lava flowing into the ocean from here. If you are lucky, you might even see a volcano eruption!
Viewpoints
The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Hawaii. Every year, thousands of people come to see the active volcanoes and experience the unique landscape.
There are several different ways to visit the park, but one of the best ways is to take a guided tour. There are many different companies that offer tours, and they can range from a few hours to a few days.
Another great way to see the park is to hike one of the many trails. There are trails for all levels of ability, and you can even camp overnight in some areas.
Whatever way you choose to visit the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience.
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