Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Established in 1916, the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is a big draw for visitors to The Big Island. It encompasses two active volcanoes, Kīlauea, one of the world's most active volcanoes, and Mauna Loa, the world's second most massive volcano. Kīlauea and its Halemaʻumaʻu caldera were traditionally considered the sacred home of the volcano goddess Pele, and Hawaiians visited the crater to offer her gifts.

The park encompasses diverse environments that range from sea level lava-made coastlines, to the summit of Mauna Loa at 13,677 feet. Climates vary from lush tropical rain forests, to the arid and barren Ka'u Desert. Lava flows as recent as 2002 cover portions of the Chain of Craters Road that runs throughout the park, providing tourists unique picture taking opportunities.

The closest place to observe a volcanic eruption within the park at present is from the Halema'uma'u Crater, best viewed from the Jaggar Museum overlook. During daylight, the robust plume of volcanic gas is a constant and dramatic reminder of the molten rock churning in a lava lake beneath the crater floor. After sunset, Halema'uma'u continues to thrill visitors and park staff with a vivid glow that illuminates the clouds and the plume as it billows into the night sky.

Other noteworthy features within the park are the numerous steam vents, dotting the landscape with plumes of hot, slightly sulfuric steam emanating from deep beneath the ground; ancient underground lava tubes visitors can walk through like a cave; and the Pu'u Loa petroglyphs, a vast area covered with incredible images carved in the hardened lava.