“Experience the contrast of two natural wonders as we compare Death Valley National Park and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. On one hand, the barren and unforgiving landscapes of Death Valley offer a glimpse into a world where survival is a constant challenge, while on the other hand, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park showcases the raw power of an active volcano, constantly shaping the world with its fiery eruptions. These two parks provide a unique opportunity to witness the beauty and ferocity of nature, and each visit promises a new adventure. So come along as we explore these two iconic destinations and discover what makes them truly one-of-a-kind.”
Hiking Trails in Death Valley National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Death Valley and Hawaii Volcanoes National Parks offer unique hiking experiences. In Death Valley, the trails offer a range from easy walks to tough backcountry hikes. Examples of easy hikes are Artist’s Drive, a paved trail, and Badwater Basin, which leads to the lowest point in North America. For a strenuous challenge, try Telescope Peak, which offers panoramic views of the desert from its highest point. In comparison, Hawaii Volcanoes showcases volcanic landscapes, with trails that vary from easy rainforest walks to challenging hikes through rugged terrain. An easy hike is the Kīlauea Iki Trail, featuring a rainforest and a former volcano crater. The Devastation Trail is another easy option, offering a look at the aftermath of a volcanic eruption. For a strenuous adventure, attempt the Mauna Loa summit, the largest active volcano in the world, requiring a rugged and remote ascent.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Death Valley National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Badwater Basin Salt Flats Trail | 2896.812 | 2.7432 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes Trail | 4506.152 | 62.7888 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Zabriskie Point | 643.736 | 15.8496 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Dante’s View Trail | 2574.944 | 109.728 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Telescope Peak Trail | 19312.08 | 1012.8504 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Golden Canyon Trail to Red Cathedral | 4667.086 | 174.9552 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Golden Canyon and Gower Gulch Loop via Zabriskie Point | 9334.172 | 332.8416 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Mosaic Canyon Trail | 5632.69 | 324.9168 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Death Valley Natural Bridge Road | 6920.162 | 304.8 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Darwin Falls Trail via Old Toll Road | 3057.746 | 68.8848 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
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 Death Valley National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Death Valley NP: arid, desert ecosystem, species adapted to harsh conditions, bighorn sheep, coyotes, kit foxes, reptiles (rattlesnakes), golden eagles, burrowing owls, roadrunners.
Hawaii Volcanoes NP: tropical rainforest, diverse ecosystem, endemic species, nene (Hawaiian geese), Hawaiian honeycreepers, moths, butterflies, diverse plant species, endemic ferns, flowering plants.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Death Valley National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Death Valley 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
| Death Valley National Park | Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | House Mouse |
| Muskrat | Norway Rat |
| Big Brown Bat | ‘Iole |
| Bobcat | Domestic Cattle |
| Little Brown Bat | Feral Hog |
| Deer Mouse | |
| Raccoon | |
| Porcupine | |
| Silver-Haired Bat | |
| Hoary Bat | |
| House Mouse | |
| Mountain Lion | |
| Mule Deer | |
| Gray Fox | |
| Long-Legged Myotis | |
| Long-Eared Myotis | |
| Badger | |
| Californian Myotis | |
| Fringed Myotis | |
| Common Shrew | |
| Mexican Free-Tailed Bat | |
| Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat | |
| Bushy-Tailed Woodrat | |
| Western Harvest Mouse | |
| Western Small-Footed Myotis |
Reptiles
| Death Valley National Park | Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park |
|---|---|
| Gopher Snake | |
| Terrestrial Gartersnake | |
| Ring-Necked Snake | |
| Common Sagebrush Lizard | |
| Common Side-Blotched Lizard | |
| Rubber Boa | |
| Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | |
| Smith������S Black-Headed Snake | |
| Tree Lizard | |
| Eastern Fence Lizard | |
| Glossy Snake | |
| Long-Nosed Snake | |
| Western Fence Lizard |
Insects
| Death Valley National Park | Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | Painted Lady |
| Painted Lady | Monarch Butterfly |
| Monarch Butterfly | American Painted Lady |
| American Lady | Red Admiral |
| Red Admiral | Cabbage White |
| Mourning Cloak | Honey Bee |
| Cabbage White | |
| Silvery Blue | |
| Common Checkered-Skipper | |
| Clouded Sulphur | |
| Honey Bee | |
| Variegated Fritillary | |
| Buckeye | |
| Purplish Copper | |
| Gray Hairstreak |
Fish
| Death Valley National Park | Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park |
|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | |
| Mosquitofish | |
| Goldfish |
Amphibians
| Death Valley National Park | Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park |
|---|---|
| Woodhouse’s Toad | Bullfrog |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Beautiful Landscapes in Death Valley National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Death Valley NP: Badwater Basin (lowest point in N. America), Artist’s Drive, Mesquite Flat sand dunes, 20-Mule Team Canyon, Dante’s View.
Hawaii Volcanoes NP: Kilauea & Mauna Loa (world’s active volcanoes), Halemaumau Crater (caldera & steam vents), Kilauea Iki Trail, Thurston Lava Tube, Papakolea Beach (new land creation).
Things To-Do and Activities in Death Valley National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Death Valley National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park are both popular destinations for nature lovers, but the experiences offered are different. Death Valley is known for its scenic drives, stargazing, and extreme temperatures, with popular activities including exploring historic sites, like the ghost town of Rhyolite, and scenic drives to view unique landscapes like Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America. On the other hand, Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is centered around volcanic activity, with popular activities including viewing the Halema‘uma‘u Crater and visiting the Jaggar Museum to learn about the park’s geological history. Additionally, visitors can take a guided hike through the Thurston Lava Tube and go snorkeling at the Kapoho Tide Pools.
Best Time to Visit Death Valley National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Death Valley NP and Hawai’i Volcanoes NP have vastly different climates. Death Valley is hot & arid with daily highs above 100°F June-September, while Hawai’i Volcanoes is moderate with temperatures ranging from 60s-80s, with higher rainfall & humidity. Winter is the best time to visit Death Valley for milder temperatures, while summer is ideal for Hawai’i Volcanoes with less rainfall & better volcanic activity views.
Family Friendliness of Death Valley National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Death Valley and Hawaii Volcanoes are both unique and diverse national parks, but appeal differently to families with kids. Death Valley has a drier, desert environment with attractions like sand dunes, salt flats, and colorful canyons, but limited hiking trails and intense heat can make it challenging for children. On the other hand, Hawaii Volcanoes offers a lush, tropical landscape with active volcanoes, steam vents, and rainforests to explore, but also has steeper and longer hikes. If traveling with children, Hawaii Volcanoes may be a more suitable option with its wider range of activities and amenities.