Acadia National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park are two of the most unique and diverse national parks in the United States. These parks offer a wide range of experiences, from hiking rugged mountains to exploring volcanic landscapes. Acadia National Park, located in Maine, is known for its beautiful coastal landscapes and rocky mountains, while Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, located on the island of Hawaii, is home to active volcanoes and a diverse array of plant and animal life. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply looking for a fun and adventurous vacation, these two parks offer something for everyone. From the rocky peaks of Cadillac Mountain in Acadia to the fiery crater of Kilauea volcano in Hawaii Volcanoes, both parks offer a chance to explore some of the most beautiful and unique landscapes in the world. So, pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable journey, as we compare and contrast these two national parks that are truly a nature lover’s paradise.
Hiking Trails in Acadia National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Acadia National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park both offer a variety of hiking trails for visitors to explore.
In Acadia, some of the most popular hikes include the Precipice Trail, a challenging hike with steep climbs and exposed ledges, and the Jordan Pond Path, a relatively easy hike around a scenic pond. Another popular hike is the Cadillac Mountain, which is the highest peak in the park and offers panoramic views of the Atlantic coast.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is home to the Kīlauea and Mauna Loa volcanoes, and offers hikes that allow visitors to get up close to these natural wonders. The Crater Rim Trail is a moderate hike that takes you around the rim of the Kīlauea Caldera, while the summit of Mauna Loa can be reached via the strenuous Mauna Loa Trail. The park also offers the easy, gentle Kīlauea Iki trail, which takes you through a crater created by a 1959 eruption.
Both parks offer a diverse range of hiking options for visitors of all abilities. The hikes in Acadia are known for their beautiful views of the coast and lush forests, while the hikes in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park are known for the unique opportunity to explore the volcanic landscapes and see active volcanic activity.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Acadia National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Beehive Loop Trail | 2253.076 | 148.7424 | Hard | loop | 5 |
| Cadillac North Ridge Trail | 6437.36 | 340.7664 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Jordan Pond Full Loop Trail | 5471.756 | 28.956 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Ocean Path and Gorham Mountain Loop Trail | 4988.954 | 181.9656 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Cadillac Mountain South Ridge Trail Loop | 12070.05 | 684.8856 | Hard | loop | 4.5 |
| Precipice, Orange and Black and Champlain North Ridge Trail Loop | 3379.614 | 319.7352 | Hard | loop | 5 |
| Ocean Path Trail: Thunder Hole and Monument Cove | 7242.03 | 113.9952 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Great Head Trail (Short Option) | 2574.944 | 91.7448 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| South Bubble Mountain and Jordan Pond Loop | 2253.076 | 149.9616 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Cadillac Summit Loop Trail | 482.802 | 13.716 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kilauea Iki Trail and Crater Rim Trail | 4828.02 | 209.7024 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Kalapana Lava Viewing | 15288.73 | 196.9008 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Pu’u Huluhulu via Napau Crater Trail | 4023.35 | 94.7928 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Halema���uma���u Steam Bluff and Sulfur Banks | 2092.142 | 24.9936 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Puu Loa Petroglyphs Trail | 1931.208 | 25.908 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Mauna Loa via Observatory Trail and Summit Trail | 20760.486 | 905.8656 | Very Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Devastation Trail to Puu Puai Overlook | 1609.34 | 37.7952 | Easy | out and back | 3.5 |
| End of Chain of Craters Road Trail to Lava Viewing | 16576.202 | 130.7592 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Sandalwood (Iliahi) Trail | 1931.208 | 13.716 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| Halema’uma’u Trail | 2735.878 | 130.7592 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Acadia National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Acadia National Park and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park are both home to a wide variety of unique wildlife. In Acadia, visitors can expect to see animals such as black bears, moose, deer, foxes, and a variety of bird species including the peregrine falcon and the bald eagle. The park also has a diverse array of plants, with species such as the pink lady’s slipper and the wild lupine being particularly notable.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, on the other hand, is home to a more tropical array of wildlife. Visitors can see native Hawaiian animals such as the nēnē (Hawaiian goose) and the Hawaiian hoary bat, as well as a variety of bird species including the Hawaiian honeycreeper and the short-tailed albatross. The park also boasts a wide variety of native plants, such as the ōhiʻa lehua tree and the Hawaiian hibiscus.
Overall, both parks offer visitors the opportunity to see a wide variety of unique wildlife, with Acadia offering a more diverse array of animals and plants that are typically found in temperate climates, and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park offering a more tropical experience.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Acadia National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Acadia National Park | Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park |
|---|---|
| Peregrine Falcon | Peregrine Falcon |
| Northern Harrier | Canada Goose |
| Sharp-Shinned Hawk | Great Blue Heron |
| Osprey | Rock Pigeon |
| Tree Swallow | House Sparrow |
| Mallard | Northern Mockingbird |
| Canada Goose | Black-Crowned Night-Heron |
| Lincoln’s Sparrow | Wild Turkey |
| Ruby-Crowned Kinglet | Barn Owl |
| American Robin | Cattle Egret |
| Great Horned Owl | Sanderling |
| Red-Tailed Hawk | Ring-Necked Pheasant |
| Northern Flicker | Chukar |
| Merlin | Ruddy Turnstone |
| Barn Swallow | Northern Cardinal |
| Savannah Sparrow | California Quail |
| Great Blue Heron | |
| Hermit Thrush | |
| American Kestrel | |
| Bald Eagle | |
| Song Sparrow | |
| European Starling | |
| Northern Pintail | |
| American Wigeon | |
| Green-Winged Teal |
Mammals
| Acadia National Park | Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | House Mouse |
| American Beaver | Norway Rat |
| Muskrat | ‘Iole |
| Big Brown Bat | Domestic Cattle |
| Bobcat | Feral Hog |
| Striped Skunk | |
| Little Brown Bat | |
| Deer Mouse | |
| Raccoon | |
| Black Bear | |
| Porcupine | |
| Silver-Haired Bat | |
| Hoary Bat | |
| Cross Fox | |
| New York Weasel | |
| House Mouse | |
| Mink | |
| Gray Wolf | |
| Bonaparte’s Weasel | |
| Varying Hare | |
| Masked Shrew | |
| Water Shrew | |
| Red Squirrel | |
| Virginia Deer | |
| Canada Lynx |
Fish
| Acadia National Park | Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | |
| Native Brook Trout | |
| Loch Leven Brown Trout | |
| Largemouth Bass | |
| Fathead Minnow | |
| Golden Shiner | |
| Togue | |
| Threespine Stickleback | |
| Creek Chub | |
| Brown Bullhead | |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Amphibians
| Acadia National Park | Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park |
|---|---|
| Leopard Frog | Bullfrog |
| Bullfrog | |
| Wood Frog |
Reptiles
| Acadia National Park | Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park |
|---|---|
| Ringneck Snake | |
| Eastern Garter Snake | |
| Milk Snake |
Insects
| Acadia National Park | Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park |
|---|---|
| Painted Lady | |
| Monarch Butterfly | |
| American Painted Lady | |
| Red Admiral | |
| Cabbage White | |
| Honey Bee |
Beautiful Landscapes in Acadia National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Acadia National Park is known for its beautiful coastal landscapes and rugged mountains. The park features many famous landscapes such as Cadillac Mountain, the tallest peak on the east coast of the United States. Visitors can hike to the summit for breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, the islands of Mount Desert, and the surrounding mountains. Another popular spot is Jordan Pond, a glacial lake surrounded by the park’s iconic pink granite peaks. The park also has many hiking trails, including the Precipice Trail, a strenuous hike with steep climbs and iron rungs, and the Jordan Pond Path, a leisurely walk around the pond’s shoreline.
On the other hand, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is known for its volcanic landscapes. The park is home to two active volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa, which offer visitors the chance to witness the power of nature at work. Visitors can hike to the summit of Kilauea volcano for a view of the crater and its active lava lake. Another popular spot is the Thurston Lava Tube, an underground cave formed by cooled lava. The park is also home to a diverse array of plant and animal life, including the endangered Hawaiian goose, the nene, and the Hawaiian honeycreeper, the ʻi’iwi. The park also features many hiking trails, including the Kīlauea Iki Trail, a 4-mile hike through an old lava lake and the Devastation Trail, which offers a glimpse of the volcanic landscape formed during the eruption of 1959.
Things To-Do and Activities in Acadia National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Acadia National Park, located in Maine, offers a variety of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy. Hiking is a popular activity, with over 120 miles of trails through the park’s rugged and diverse landscape. Visitors can hike to the summit of Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the east coast of the United States, for panoramic views of the park and the surrounding area. Other popular activities include camping, rock climbing, and wildlife viewing.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, located on the island of Hawaii, offers a unique and diverse set of activities for visitors to enjoy. The most popular activity is visiting the active Kilauea volcano, where visitors can see the volcano’s eruption and lava flow. Hiking is also a popular activity, with trails that lead through diverse landscapes including rainforests, deserts, and volcanic landscapes. Other popular activities include camping, stargazing, and birdwatching. The park also offers ranger-led walks and talks, cultural demonstrations, and guided volcano tours.
Overall, both parks offer a wide range of activities for visitors to enjoy, but the main difference is the focus on volcanoes at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, and hiking and wildlife viewing at Acadia National Park. Both are great options for families, with plenty of activities and educational opportunities for children to enjoy.
Best Time to Visit Acadia National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Acadia National Park, located on the coast of Maine, has a temperate climate with warm summers and cool winters. The park is busiest during the summer months, when visitors can enjoy hiking, swimming, and camping. The fall is also a popular time to visit, with the changing leaves providing beautiful scenery. The park is open year-round, but some facilities and roads may be closed during the winter due to snow and ice.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, located on the island of Hawaii, has a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round. The park is busiest during the summer months, when visitors can enjoy hiking, camping, and viewing the active volcanoes. The park also offers guided tours and ranger programs throughout the year. However, some areas of the park may be closed due to volcanic activity, and visitors should check with the park service before planning a trip.
In terms of hiking, Acadia National Park offers a variety of trails for all skill levels, with some popular options including the Precipice Trail, Jordan Pond Path, and the Jordan Pond Shore Trail.Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park also offers a variety of hikes and trails for visitors, with some popular options including the Kilauea Iki Trail, the Thurston Lava Tube, and the Crater Rim Drive.
In terms of seasonal weather, Acadia National Park is best visited in the summer months, when the weather is warm and dry. The park is also beautiful during fall when the leaves are changing color. On the other hand, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park has a tropical climate, so the weather is warm year-round. However, the park can be quite wet during the winter months, so the summer months are generally considered the best time to visit.
Family Friendliness of Acadia National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Acadia National Park in Maine and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island of Hawaii offer vastly different landscapes and experiences for visitors. While Acadia is known for its rugged coastal scenery, Hawaii Volcanoes is home to active volcanoes and lush rainforests. Both parks offer a variety of outdoor activities, but they cater to different types of visitors and have different levels of accessibility for families.
Acadia National Park is a great option for families with children, as there are many easy hikes and carriage roads that are perfect for kids. The Park Loop Road provides an easy way to see the park by car, and there are also numerous picnic areas and playgrounds to enjoy. The Jordan Pond Path and the Precipice Trail are both popular family-friendly hikes.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is not as family-friendly as Acadia National Park. The park is home to active volcanoes, which can be dangerous for children to explore. There are also few paved trails and amenities in the park, and much of the park is only accessible by foot. The park does offer ranger-led hikes and volcano walks, but these may not be suitable for young children.
In general, if you are looking for a family-friendly national park, Acadia National Park is a better option than Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. However, if you are looking for a more adventurous and unique experience, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is definitely worth visiting.