Hawaii Volcanoes
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is an excellent example of island building through volcanic processes.
The park includes Kilauea, the most active volcano in the world, and Mauna Loa, the greatest volcanic mass on Earth and one of the best examples of a shield volcano. The ongoing geological processes make it an important place for scientific study as well.
Community Perspective: for the best experience you would need your trip to coincide with a major volcanic event. Jay was lucky two times and Michael had to watch the lava plumes from a safe distance. The views from the air (by small sightseeing planes) also come recommended, and Kyle shares some other things worth seeing.
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Jgriffindor6
Hawaii is a vacation destination of choice for many on the US west coast, and for a while, I felt like one of the only people in California that liked to travel that had not been to Hawaii (not even once!). Hawaii, being that it is beautiful, tropical, and unique, is also very expensive and will make your wallet cry for help. Compared to the prices for other domestic trips, Hawaii takes the cake for most expensive.
But honestly, it was so worth the temporary bankruptcy! I had this idea in my head that because so many people visit Hawaii that it wouldn't be as cool to visit as people say it is because it would be too crowded or something. But now I understand why so many people go there in the first place! It is truly a unique and special place. And where else to see the unique volcanic quality and beautiful plants of the islands then in the Hawaii Volcanoes WHS?
Although the volcano was not erupting on my visit to the park, there is still plenty to see and experience that makes the park a joy to visit when the volcano is quiet. The park is located inside a beautiful rainforest with a nice collection of ferns and orchids. You can hike down into the volcanic area and walk over the crunchy lava. While I was hiking down there, some fog rolled in and made the caldera so mysterious. You can see the park in a day easily, but there are so many other sites to see on the Big Island that you need at least a few days to see it all. The Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden was another highlight for me and has an incredible amount of plants to view!
Kyle Magnuson
California - United States of America - 10-Jan-22 -
For all visitors to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, the visitor center is a smart first stop to get information about current eruptions. During our exploration of the park, there were eruptions occurring, but the distance was significant. My camera captured the dramatic scene, but I regretted not bringing my binoculars. We spent 1.5 days in the park and there was certainly still more to see. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park was reminiscent to me of both Yellowstone National Park (Steam Vents and Sulphur Banks) and Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes (Thurston Lava Tube).
Kilauea Iki Trail (3 miles loop) - If there is a must-do hike at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, this would be it.
Thurston Lava Tube - An interesting, albeit brief stop (30 minute parking). Not anywhere near as exceptional as the Geomunoreum lava tube system in Jeju Island, but worth your time.
Chain of Craters Road - make sure to stop at the Pauahi Crater (last eruption 1979), which only takes 5-10 minutes. The Holei Sea Arch gets most the attention and is a good photo opportunity, but the drive itself is the highlight.
The Kahuku Unit was added to the National Park in 2004 and is currently not part of the inscribed boundaries, but may meet criteria for a minor boundary modification. Text related to this portion of the park was added to the UNESCO description as adding further to the parks conservation (almost an informal buffer zone), but the world heritage site remains as indicated below.
Current size 87,940 ha (inscribed) + Kahuku Unit size 46,943 ha (not inscribed)
I would love to see an expanded Hawaii Volcanoes National Park re-nomination that includes cultural criterion and additional natural values (current criteria is viii alone). After visiting the significant cultural sites, I was enthusiastic with the prospect of telling this more complete story of how Native Hawaiians adapted to this unique landscape. A whole separate cultural nomination also might be appropriate.
Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail (175 mile cultural & natural corridor that includes Hawaii Volcanoes National Park)
- NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK Kaloko-Honokōhau (Fishpond Bay, Petroglyphs)
- NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau (Place of Refuge/Royal Mausoleum)
- NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE Puʻukoholā Heiau (Temple on the Hill of the Whale)
Read more from Kyle Magnuson here.
Dan Pettigrew
We went to Hawaii in November 2021 and had to of course visit the Volcanoes National Park. There is plenty of competition for time on the Big Island, but this is well worth the visit. There had been eruptions ongoing for the past month inside the Kilauea Crater, so many people are at the viewing area but it was not too bad for crowds when we were there. We also went to the top of Mauna Kea with it's fourteen telescopes, a dormant volcano that at 13,800 feet is the highest point of the Hawaii Islands and second highest island peak in the World.
Frederik Dawson
Late Autumn 2019 my friends unexpectedly canceled our group’s anticipated road trip from Halifax to Ottawa, Canada and changed to Hawaii instead with dubious reason that they wanted surf, sun and sea instead of ocean of fossil and autumn foliage. At first, I was not happy since I planned to see those uninspired Eastern Canadian UNESCO sites, but Hawaii was indeed hard to resist. To accommodate me, Volcanoes National Park was one of the must stop of this trip. Before I visited Hawaii, I already noted that after great eruption in 2018, almost all volcanic activities that made this national park well known were no more. As of late 2019 no lava flow, no eruption, no fume, no smoke and we were wondered that with no volcanic activities, our visit will be worthwhile of not?
When we reached the visitor center of the national park, there was a big sign informed us that almost half of the national park was still closed and no lava to be seen, a lot of visitors seem to be disappointed and complained with park rangers for misinformation in many guidebooks and tourist brochures. Our group decided to do some tracking to see Sulphur bank and volcano crater. The tracking trail was nice, but the Sulphur bank was underwhelmed, since all of us already visited Yellowstone National Park, the trail and the sulfuric smell in Hawaii were nothing special. The crater on the other hand was really impressive for its size, but again with no lava or fume, it was just a gigantic hole similar to large copper mine! Nevertheless, the view of Mauna Loa was quite lovely. Our group had no regret to not be able to see the lava tube as we already saw similar natural wonder on Jeju, South Korea and to be honest we did not trust the structural safety. The most memorable part of the visit was driving on the famous Chain of the Craters Road; the view was indeed really impressive of vast deserted land done by many lava flows. At the end of the road was the iconic and beautiful Holei Sea Arch and lava cliff. The overall surrounding gave the feeling of what landscape of world’s end should be.
With no active volcanic activities, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park was just another volcanoes landscape that can be found around the globe. But combined it with other places on Big Island, the national park is still a fine place to visit. There are few places on earth that have so diverse landscape, and many different climates zone like this Hawaii Island, together with many ancient Hawaiian cultural sites, the whole island should be World Heritage Site in my opinion.
Gary Arndt
On my list of world heritage sites, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is listed as my very first site. When I began traveling full time in 2007, my first stop was in Hawaii, and my first stop in Hawaii was the Big Island.
I had previously visited here in 2006 on a geology field trip, so I guess that would actually be my first visit to the park.
This is probably the best place on Earth to see lava and volcanism, however, your ability to see really good lava flows is going to be dependent on luck and when you happen to be there. Unfortunately, I never saw flowing lava during any of my trips.
This is one site where to have the best experience, you should pay attention to the news and show up when there is activity going on.
Michael Ayers
Visit in May 2018.
It had been a surprisingly long, and often frustrating, ten years since I last had the opportunity to visit a new WHS in person. Only a few recent inscriptions of places I had visited in the past were added to my total during that time. Then, in 2018, a hastily-arranged trip, which was part personal business and part pleasure, would allow me the opportunity to see seven sites that I had not previously visited. Chronologically, the last of those was Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
I have lived on the West Coast of the mainland USA for about 25 years, and during all that time I had a strong desire to go to Hawaii, primarily to see the ongoing eruption of the Kilauea volcano. However, as often happens, circumstances conspired to prevent any trip to the islands, and I consoled myself with the idea that if had indeed found the time to make a visit there, the over-thirty-year-long eruption of the volcano would probably have ceased days, or weeks, before my arrival, and there would have been little to see. I had never considered the possibility that the opposite situation would be closer to reality.
As I was on the homeward bound segment of my recent trip, 10 days before I was scheduled to reach Hawaii, I was resting one evening in Malaysia, and decided to check in on some of the international news broadcasts, which was something I had not done for several weeks. The first story that was reported was describing the evacuations of about 2000 residents who lived in neighborhoods about 40km from the main crater of Kilauea, as the volcano had just begun a major new eruptive phase. This activity was well outside of the Park boundary, and the WHS core zone as well, so I had no immediate idea what effect this would have on my visit. Consequently, I kept a close eye on the situation as I drew closer to the islands.
Instead of subsiding, the eruption continued in force, though the bulk of the activity was still far outside of the Park. Nevertheless, three days before the day I had planned to spend touring this WHS, the entire Park was closed due to fears of an explosive steam eruption at the main crater, similar to the one that had previously occurred in 1924. As such, there was very little to see once I arrived. The road that traverses the Park was the only segment of the main park area that could be used, so I rode over that for a while, just so I could say that I was actually there. However, because of the forests and topography of the area, it was not possible to see much of the eruption from the road. Leaving the Park and going to the nearby Volcano Winery, which is not located in the closed area, or in the WHS, was the only way to get a decent view of the venting material. It was actually very interesting to watch from there for a while, as the ash-laden steam plumes pulsed with increased intensity every two, or three, minutes, as if one were watching the respiration of the Earth itself. The photo attached to this review was taken from that location.
During this time, lava plumes were still affecting the neighborhoods far to the east of the Park. However, as much as I would have been fascinated by seeing that, because there was no reasonable access to the active zone, the possibility of hazardous gas emissions, and, most importantly, out of respect for the people who were in the process of losing their homes, I made no attempt to go to that area.
In ordinary cases, reaching the National Park by bicycling is fairly straightforward when coming from Hilo, the main town to the Northeast. That involves a climb of 1100 meters over a distance of about 50 km. However, the scenery along the route is rather nondescript, and the ride is not really very interesting. Coming from Kona, on the west side of the island would be longer, but probably a little more scenic. In either case, one would reach Volcano Village, just outside the WHS, where there is a limited choice of food and accommodation, all of which are, not unexpectedly, a little on the pricey side.
Jay T
It isn't guaranteed you'll be able to see an active lava flow at (or outside) Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, but if one is active and accessible while you are visiting, it is an unforgettable sight. I was fortunate to see lava flows at night both times I visited in 2010 and 2011, and they were incredible. The Pu'u O'o eruption on the eastern side of Kilauea volcano has been flowing intermittently for over thirty years, crossing park boundaries, destroying housing developments, and nearing the town of Pahoa in 2014. Just west of the town of Pahoa are guides offering night-time hikes to the Pu'u O'o lava flows outside the park, and in 2010 I was able to watch lava flowing into the ocean on one of the tours. Officially the park warns about the dangers of walking out to the lava flows with a guided tour, so it is up to visitors as to whether they want to take the risk. Inside the park you can see the glow of a lava lake active within Kilauea crater, as well as trails traversing former eruptions. The lava lake rose high enough to be visible in April 2015, but has since subsided. Whether or not lava flows are active when you visit, it is pretty awe-inspiring to witness some of the youngest landscapes on earth.
Logistics: The airport in Hilo is the closer airport on Hawaii's Big Island, and the park is a short drive away. Pahoa and the Pu'u O'o flows are east of the park, but are not directly accessible from the park.
John booth
During a recent visit to the 'Big Island' of Hawaii we traversed the islands Saddle Road between Waikoloa and Hilo, and gained dramatic views of extinct Mauna Kea and active Mauna Loa.
We also drove up to the Kilauea Caldera in the Vocanoes National Park and hiked part of the way around the perimeter. Steam and fumes were rising from the Halema'uma'u Crater within the caldera.
Later we travelled the Chain of Craters Road which led past several vents, across lava fields, down an escarpment and ended at the lava cliffs where the flow ended in the sea.
Alex
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park requires at least two visits: One by land and another by air. On my trip there it was raining (It does that a lot) but that did little to sour the experience. I drove on the crater rim drive which was absolutly spectacular. Then as it got darker I headed down to the sea (with the rest of Hawaii it seemed) to see the latest lava show. It was truely one of the most amazing moments in my life; the lave glowed a brillient orange and the seemingly tranquil hillside was streaked with fire. Then, on a later day I explored the lava and Mauna Loa from the air in a small little plane. Despite having already seen mcuh of the park, the plane ride gave a whole new perspective. This is one of the most beautiful and awe enspiring places in the world.
Solivagant
Within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park lies the volcano of Kilauea – one of the world’s most active and accessible volcanoes. If you want to see molten magma etc this is the place to go. Except of course that it isn’t always erupting and the eruption isn’t always convenient or safe to see. Unfortunately, when we were there, the only visible “red spot” required a helicopter ride – and we were left with the remains of a previous magma flow crossing (and blocking!) a road (photo). Luckily we saw our “red spot” on a later trip to Etna albeit not as impressively as we would have liked.
There are web sites (eg http://www.volcanogallery.com/Volcano_news.htm) which provide you with up to the day information during an eruption if you are able to drop everything and take in the sights at their optimum time (However I understand that there are a lot of volcano watchers in the world and that transport can get pretty full at these “best” times). The IUCN review dated 1987 states that the volcano has had “more than 50 recorded eruptions in the last 33 years up to 1985”. There does not appear to be an eruption as of the date of this review (Jan 2006)!
If, like ours in summer 1987, your visit to the park doesn’t coincide with a major volcanic event, the Park still offers plenty to see both in terms of the main crater and magma flows and also in terms of fine mountain scenery (Mauna Loa is 13600 ft above sea level) and seashore views, forest and bird life. There is also a Hawaiian “aboriginal” “temple” at Waha’ula Heiau (which is said to date from 1275CE) – but, although inside the Park boundaries, this is NOT included in the criteria for the site designation which are purely “Natural”. Another aboriginal archaeological site on Hawaii a few miles away at Pu’uhonua o‘Homaunau was rejected for inscription by UNESCO in 1987 – the same year that the Volcanoes Park was accepted.
Remember that a trans-Pacific flight will “drop” you several islands away at Honolulu on the island of Oahu so this park can’t be picked up that easily on a quick Pacific stop-over. But the Hawaiian Islands justify more than this anyway and it would be a shame just to visit Oahu whilst you are in the area.
Heidi
We visited Volcanoes National Park and would say it was one of the top 5 places we have ever visited. When we visited we were able to hike approx 3 miles and were able to get very close to the flowing lava. In fact, there were tourists roasting hot dogs over the lava and having picnics. The glow of the lava as the sun went down was beautiful.
We stayed that night in July at a room at the Volcano House within the park. This building overlooks a steaming caldera. It was very inexpensive - around $60 for two. Don't miss this! We are taking our children this April so they may experience it.
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Site Info
- Full Name
- Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
- Unesco ID
- 409
- Country
- United States of America
- Inscribed
- 1987
- Type
- Natural
- Criteria
-
8
- Categories
- Natural landscape - Volcanic
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- By ID
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1987 Inscribed
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