Focused Guides and Informative Resources for Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

Active volcanoes, endemic ecosystems, and living Hawaiian heritage on the island of Hawaiʻi

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park stands as one of the most significant geological and ecological protected areas in the world, offering a window into the volcanic processes that created the Hawaiian archipelago. The park encompasses a remarkable range of environments, from lush tropical rainforests at middle elevations to the arid Kaʻū Desert on the leeward slopes, and up to the summit of Mauna Loa, the most massive active volcano on Earth. The continuous volcanic activity at Kīlauea has shaped and reshaped the landscape repeatedly, creating new land while burying old. Visitors travel from around the world to witness active lava flows, explore lava tubes like the Thurston Lava Tube (Nāhuku), and experience the raw power of nature in motion. The park's significance extends beyond geology to include profound cultural importance, as Kīlauea and its caldera Halemaʻumaʻu have been considered the sacred home of the volcano goddess Pele in Hawaiian tradition for centuries. The park also serves as a living laboratory for scientists studying volcanism, plate tectonics, ecological succession, and the evolution of endemic species in isolated island environments.