Hawaii National Parks
Hawaii Volcanoes: Est: 1916 Acres: 217,359 2023 Visitation: 1,620,294 Visitation Rank: 8/63
Haleakala: Est: 1916 Acres: 30,183 2023 Visitation: 729,292 Visitation Rank: 29/63
With some exceptions, most US national parks were formed by ice, wind and water. But the national parks of Hawaii, and the islands themselves, were formed by fire. Oceanic volcano eruptions have formed some of the newest land on earth, and the results are spectacular. The Big Island’s Hawaii Volcanoes has an active cone with regular eruptions. Evidence of the still forming park is everywhere, with lava fields, steam vents and mountains of cinder. Hiking Maui’s massive Haleakala Summit is so foreign to Earth that NASA trained astronauts here before the moon landing. Balance this with Maui’s towering waterfalls, thick green jungles and gorgeous beaches, and you’ll have a trip where science meets paradise.
The nine-day Hawaii itinerary starts on Hawaii (the Big Island) with an exploration of the Kilauea Summit, including hikes across its steaming caldera and down lava tubes, followed by a drive where lava fields meet the ocean. You’ll spend a night star gazing from the largest volcano in the world. You’ll then fly to Maui to explore and see sunset from the summit of Haleakala. Balance that by snorkeling with sea turtles, a helicopter tour and the famed waterfall dotted Road to Hana.
Travel tips include airport, lodging and camping information, as well as links to current conditions and travel alerts. The “Short on Time? Don’t Miss” section identifies the three days that are highlights. Trip extensions listed include an extension to Kauai, also known as the Garden Island (for a good reason!), with hikes and excursions to the Napoli Cliffs and Waimea Canyon. A Kauai/Maui only itinerary is also included.
New: Looking for a shorter introductory overview itinerary? A new 3 day in-park itinerary for each island is now also included in this Guide.
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