Hawaii Volcano National Parks

Our visit to the Hawaii volcano national parks was one of the highlights of our Hawaii trip.

Volcano national parks protect the natural beauty and unique ecosystems of their volcanic mountains. Three active volcanoes became Hawaii National Park by an act of Congress on August 1, 1916. The new park included parts of Kilauea and Mauna Loa on the Big Island of Hawaii, and Haleakala on Maui. In 1961 the park was divided into Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Haleakala National Park.

Kilauea and Mauna Loa are two of the largest and most active volcanoes on earth. Dormant Haleakala is one of the world's most colorful volcanic sights. Since most of the Hawaii volcanic activity can be safely viewed at close range, spectators rush to the scene of an eruption. Other volcanoes on earth may be just as docile, but few are as accessible.

Each year millions of people visit both volcano national parks, Hawaii Volcanoes and Haleakala, to view the results of past volcanic activity.