Biscayne National Park and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park are two of the most diverse and unique national parks in the United States. Both offer visitors a chance to experience the beauty of nature in entirely different ways. Biscayne National Park is located in southern Florida and is known for its crystal clear waters, coral reefs, and diverse marine life. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, on the other hand, is located on the big island of Hawaii and is home to two of the world’s most active volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa. Imagine swimming in the warm waters of Biscayne National Park one day and watching the fiery lava flows of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park the next. This comparison between these two parks will take you on an adventure through some of the most unique and breathtaking landscapes in the country. From snorkeling in the coral reefs of Biscayne National Park to hiking through the volcanic landscapes of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, there is something for everyone. So pack your bags and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime as we compare these two remarkable national parks.
Hiking Trails in Biscayne National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Biscayne National Park and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park offer vastly different hiking experiences due to their unique landscapes and ecosystems.
Biscayne National Park is located on the east coast of Florida and is primarily made up of water. The park offers a variety of water-based activities such as boating, snorkeling, and diving, as well as a few hiking trails. The easiest hike in the park is the short, 0.5-mile trail to the observation tower at Convoy Point. This trail is paved and provides excellent views of the park’s mangrove forests and the Atlantic Ocean. The park also offers some more strenuous hikes, such as the 4.5-mile loop trail at Adams Key, which takes hikers through a tropical hardwood hammock and offers great bird-watching opportunities.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, on the other hand, is located on the island of Hawaii and is home to two active volcanoes: Kilauea and Mauna Loa. The park offers a variety of hiking trails that take visitors through diverse landscapes such as volcanic deserts, rainforests, and even a volcanic crater. The easiest hike in the park is the 0.5-mile walk to the Kilauea Iki Overlook, which offers great views of the Kilauea Iki crater. For a more challenging hike, visitors can take the 11-mile round trip hike to the summit of Mauna Loa, which takes hikers through a volcanic desert and offers spectacular views of the island.
In terms of hiking, Biscayne National Park offers a more relaxed and easy going experience, with mostly short and easy trails, whereas Hawaii Volcanoes National Park offers a more adventurous and strenuous experience with its volcanic landscapes, trails that can be quite long and challenging. Both parks have their own unique charm and offer a different type of experience to visitors.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Biscayne National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biscayne National Park Walk | 15932.466 | 0.9144 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Black Creek Canal Trail | 2735.878 | 0.9144 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Jetty Trail | 1448.406 | 0 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Boca Chita Trail | 1287.472 | 0.9144 | Easy | loop | 3 |
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 Biscayne National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Biscayne National Park and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park are both home to a diverse array of wildlife, but the types of animals, birds, and plants that are commonly seen at each park are quite different.
At Biscayne National Park, visitors can expect to see a variety of marine life in the park’s waters, including colorful fish, sea turtles, dolphins, and manatees. The park’s coral reefs are also home to a wide variety of coral and invertebrates. On land, visitors might spot raccoons, otters, and a variety of bird species such as ospreys, pelicans, and egrets. The park also has a variety of plant species, including mangroves, sea grape, and coconut palms.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is home to a number of unique and endangered species that are found nowhere else in the world. Visitors to the park can expect to see a variety of birds such as the Hawaiian goose, Hawaiian hawk, and Hawaiian honeycreeper. The park is also home to a number of mammal species such as the Hawaiian hoary bat, the Hawaiian shrew, and the Hawaiian petrel. Visitors can also see a variety of plant species such as the Hawaiian silversword, Hawaiian ginger, and the koa tree.
Both parks offer visitors the opportunity to see unique and diverse wildlife, but the types of animals, birds, and plants that are commonly seen at each park are quite different.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Biscayne National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Biscayne 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 |
| Ruby-Crowned Kinglet | Northern Mockingbird |
| American Robin | Black-Crowned Night-Heron |
| Red-Tailed Hawk | Wild Turkey |
| Northern Flicker | Barn Owl |
| Merlin | Cattle Egret |
| Barn Swallow | Sanderling |
| Savannah Sparrow | Ring-Necked Pheasant |
| Great Blue Heron | Chukar |
| American Kestrel | Ruddy Turnstone |
| Bald Eagle | Northern Cardinal |
| Song Sparrow | California Quail |
| European Starling | |
| Northern Pintail | |
| American Wigeon | |
| American Pipit | |
| Swainson’s Thrush | |
| Killdeer | |
| Brown-Headed Cowbird | |
| Red-Winged Blackbird | |
| Blue-Winged Teal |
Mammals
| Biscayne National Park | Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park |
|---|---|
| Bobcat | House Mouse |
| Striped Skunk | Norway Rat |
| Raccoon | ‘Iole |
| House Mouse | Domestic Cattle |
| Common Gray Fox | Feral Hog |
| Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat | |
| White-Tailed Deer | |
| Virginia Opossum | |
| Black Rat | |
| Eastern Gray Squirrel | |
| Least Shrew |
Fish
| Biscayne National Park | Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park |
|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | |
| Bluegill | |
| Golden Shiner | |
| Common Carp | |
| Yellow Bullhead | |
| Black Crappie | |
| Brown Bullhead |
Insects
| Biscayne National Park | Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park |
|---|---|
| Honey Bee | Painted Lady |
| Monarch Butterfly | |
| American Painted Lady | |
| Red Admiral | |
| Cabbage White | |
| Honey Bee |
Amphibians
| Biscayne National Park | Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park |
|---|---|
| Bullfrog |
Beautiful Landscapes in Biscayne National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Biscayne National Park and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park are two vastly different parks, each offering its own unique landscapes and natural wonders. Biscayne National Park is located in southern Florida and is known for its clear waters and coral reefs. Visitors can explore the park by boat or kayak and see a variety of marine life such as dolphins, manatees, and sea turtles. The park also offers a variety of snorkeling and diving opportunities, and visitors can explore the park’s many shipwrecks and underwater caves.
On the other hand, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is located on the Big Island of Hawaii and is home to two active volcanoes, Mauna Loa and Kilauea. Visitors can hike through the park and see the results of volcanic activity, including lava flows, steam vents, and volcanic craters. The park also offers the chance to see rare and unique plants and animals found only in Hawaii, such as the Hawaiian honeycreeper and the native silversword plant. The park also offers visitors the opportunity to hike through a lush rainforest and see the beautiful Kīlauea caldera. Both parks are unique and worth visiting, but they offer different experiences.
Things To-Do and Activities in Biscayne National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Biscayne National Park and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park are two very different parks with unique experiences to offer. Biscayne National Park, located in Florida, is known for its beautiful underwater landscapes, crystal clear waters, and diverse marine life. Popular activities at Biscayne National Park include snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing, and boat tours. Visitors can also explore the park’s mangrove forests, sandy beaches, and historic sites.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, located on the Big Island of Hawaii, is known for its active volcanoes, lava fields, and unique volcanic landscapes. Popular activities at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park include hiking, camping, and exploring the park’s many different ecosystems, including rainforests, deserts, and volcanic landscapes. Visitors can also see the active volcano Kilauea, and hike on the park’s many trails, including the famous Kilauea Iki trail. In addition, visitors can also explore the park’s historic sites, including the Jaggar Museum, which is home to a volcano observatory.
In summary, Biscayne National Park is more suitable for water activities, while Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is more suitable for hiking, camping, and exploring volcanic landscapes. Both parks are family-friendly, and offer a wide range of activities to suit different interests and ages.
Best Time to Visit Biscayne National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Biscayne National Park and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park offer vastly different weather experiences for visitors. Biscayne National Park is located in southern Florida and has a subtropical climate with hot and humid summers, and warm and mild winters. The park experiences its highest temperatures and humidity levels between June and September, making it best to visit during the cooler months of October to May. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities such as swimming, snorkeling, fishing, and boat tours during this time of the year.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, on the other hand, is located on the island of Hawaii and has a tropical rainforest climate with moderate temperatures and high rainfall. The park is known for its active volcanoes and visitors can hike through the park to see the volcanic landscapes, steam vents, and lava tubes. The park experiences the most rainfall between November and March, making it best to visit during the drier months of April to October. Visitors can also enjoy stargazing, bird watching, and camping during this time of the year.
In summary, Biscayne National Park is best visited during the cooler months of October to May, while Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is best visited during the drier months of April to October. Both parks offer a variety of activities and a chance to experience unique natural landscapes.
Family Friendliness of Biscayne National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Biscayne National Park and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park are both unique and beautiful places to visit, but they have different characteristics that make them more or less family-friendly depending on what you’re looking for. Biscayne National Park is a great place for families who enjoy water activities like swimming, snorkeling, and boating. The park has a variety of shallow, clear waters that are perfect for exploring, and the park’s visitor center offers a variety of educational programs for children. The park’s beaches are also a great place to relax and watch the sunset. However, it’s a bit of a drive to get to the park and the park itself is relatively small so there may not be a lot to do in the park itself.
On the other hand, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is a great place for families who enjoy hiking and exploring. The park has a variety of hiking trails that range in difficulty, including the easy and popular Kilauea Iki trail, which takes visitors through a volcanic crater and is suitable for kids. The park also offers a variety of ranger-led programs for children, including the Junior Ranger program. The park is also home to the active volcano Kilauea which can be an exciting and unique experience for the family to see. Keep in mind that Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is located in a remote location, so it may be more difficult to get to than Biscayne National Park. It also has a higher elevation and cooler temperatures so bring warm clothing.
Overall, both Biscayne National Park and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park are great places to visit with children, but they offer different experiences. If you’re looking for a family-friendly water adventure, Biscayne National Park is a great choice. If you’re looking for a family-friendly hiking and exploring adventure, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is a great choice.