Come And Visit The Volcanoes National Park

Adventurous spirits who haven’t visited Hawaii are missing out on a lot. There are a hundred things to do in Hawaii for those who love nature. And there are very few places like it on earth.

Image source:NPS.gov

One of the places that’s sure to attract the attention not just of nature lovers, but also of thrill seekers, geologists, volcanologists, and researchers all around the world is the Volcanoes National Park. This national park proves that there is more to Hawaii than just world-class beaches.

The Volcanoes National Park can be found on Big Island, and it is home to two of the most active volcanoes in the world – Mauna Loa and Kilauea. The protected part of the park extends from sea level all the way up to Mauna Loa’s peak. There’s a trail that takes visitors through Mauna Loa’s barren lava landscape. Many guests are surprised to feel the chill in the night air, being beside a volcano and all. It’s also important to remember that people who plan to venture through the Mauna Loa trail should be fit enough to do some high-altitude, low-oxygen treks.

Image source: NPS.gov

For a less physically demanding time, the Kilauea trail is easier, but no less scenic than that of Mauna Loa. Although most of the adventure will be done in a motor vehicle, there are still plenty of things to do such as see Crater Rim Drive and the Chain of Craters Road. There are tourist spots such as museums and information centers where people can learn a great deal about the Volcanoes National Park.

Dwyer and Associates advocates the preservation of the planet through conservation of national parks. For more articles on the grandeur of national parks, click here.

Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park: Where Beauty And Danger Collide

For those who truly crave adventure and the outdoors, Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park is a must-visit. Home to two of the world’s most active volcanoes -- Kīlauea and Mauna Loa – the park offers thrill seekers and nature enthusiasts the one-of-a-kind experience of witnessing volcanic eruption up-close. From the viewing area near the Halema‘uma‘u Crater, the closest active eruption site that visitors can approach – volcanic gas, steam, and particulates rise from the Kīlauea Volcano’s summit during the day. At night, visitors will be treated to a glowing lava lake. (Mauna Loa last erupted in 1984.)

Image source: nationalgeographic.com

Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park has seen massive changes in its landscape since its establishment in 1916. Not surprising since volcanoes are known land builders – they have, in fact, created the island chain of Hawaii, and continue to do so. It is therefore fitting that the park’s primary natural theme is geological dynamism. Apart from the mesmerizing volcanic landscape that envelops the 330,000-acre “Big Island” of Hawai'i, hundreds of species of plants and animals have survived, adapted, and prospered on the park. Moreover, several cultural sites abound in the park, reminders of the Polynesian pioneers who settled in the island 1,500 years ago. For these reasons, the United Nations has designated Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park as both an international biosphere reserve and a World Heritage site.

Image source: nps.gov

Those who are intrigued by both the beauty and danger for which the park is globally renowned can start planning their visit here.

Dwyer and Associates supports activities directed toward the preservation and protection of U.S. national parks, such as the Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. Learn more about efforts to take care of these natural wonders here.