Hawaii Volcanoes National Park trip planner

Volcanoes have played an important role in shaping the Earth, and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park shows visitors the process in action. The park includes two active volcanoes: Kīlauea, which spews lava frequently, and Mauna Loa, the world's largest subaerial volcano. Taking into account the portion beneath the sea, Mauna Loa actually has a vertical difference of 17,000 m (56,000 ft). A 17.7 km (11 mi) road encircles the summit caldera of Kīlauea, providing plenty of glimpses of volcanic activity below. Most visitors head to the Halema'uma'u Crater on Kīlauea to view eruptions, and the Pu'u 'Ō'ō vent to the east serves as a second eruption-gazing spot. Some 240 km (150 mi) of hiking trails crisscross the park, and visitors can also pedal their way around on bikes. The park includes seven ecological zones stretching from sea level up to the 4,170 m (13, 677 ft) summit of Mauna Loa, with plant and animal life as diverse as the landscapes. Make Hawaii Volcanoes National Park central to your United States travel plans using our United States online sightseeing planner.