Dry Tortugas National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park are two of the most unique and spectacular natural wonders in the United States. Each park offers its own unique experiences and breathtaking scenery that will leave visitors in awe. Whether you are looking for adventure, history, or just a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life, these two parks have something for everyone.
Dry Tortugas National Park is located 70 miles west of Key West, Florida and is famous for its crystal clear waters and pristine sandy beaches. The park is home to Fort Jefferson, one of the largest brick structures in the world and a testament to the ingenuity of 19th-century engineers. Visitors can explore the fort and learn about its rich history or simply relax on the beautiful beaches and soak up the sun.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, located on the Big Island of Hawaii, is a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience. The park is home to two of the world’s most active volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa, and visitors can witness their awe-inspiring power in the form of lava flows, steam vents, and sulfuric vents. The park’s diverse landscape includes tropical rainforests, deserts, and even snow-capped peaks, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
Hiking Trails in Dry Tortugas National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Dry Tortugas National Park and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park are two of the most unique and diverse parks in the United States. Both offer incredible hiking experiences, but in different ways.
Dry Tortugas National Park is located 70 miles west of Key West, Florida, and is only accessible by boat or seaplane. The park is known for its historic fort, crystal clear waters, and abundant marine life. Hiking trails in Dry Tortugas are relatively easy, with most being short and flat. The most popular trail is the Garden Key Trail, which is a 1-mile loop that takes visitors to the historic Fort Jefferson. Another easy trail is the Loggerhead Key Trail, a 1.5-mile loop that offers views of the surrounding waters and wildlife.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, located on the Big Island of Hawaii, is home to two active volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa. The park offers a mix of easy and challenging hikes, with trails ranging from short and easy walks to difficult backcountry treks. The easiest trail is the Kilauea Iki Trail, a 4-mile loop that takes visitors through a volcanic crater, surrounded by lush vegetation. The hardest hike in the park is the Mauna Loa Summit Trail, a grueling 16-mile hike to the summit of the world’s largest active volcano. This hike is not for the faint of heart, but offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Dry Tortugas National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Jefferson Loop | 804.67 | 0.9144 | 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 Dry Tortugas National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Dry Tortugas National Park and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park are two of the most unique and diverse national parks in the United States. These parks offer visitors a chance to see some of the most unique wildlife in the world.
Dry Tortugas National Park is located in the Gulf of Mexico and is known for its large populations of sea turtles, colorful coral reefs, and a variety of bird species such as pelicans, frigate birds, and brown boobies. Visitors can also see spotted eagle rays, barracuda, and even the occasional manatee.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, located on the Big Island of Hawaii, is home to many endemic species of plants and animals, including the Hawaiian goose and the Hawaiian hawk. Visitors can also see the native nēnē goose and the endangered Hawaiian hoary bat. The park is also home to a variety of plant species, including the native ‘ōhi‘a lehua tree and many ferns and mosses.
In addition, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is home to one of the world’s most active volcanoes, Kilauea, which offers visitors a unique opportunity to see the power of nature at work. The park’s diverse landscape includes lava fields, steam vents, and volcanic craters, all of which provide habitats for a variety of plants and animals.
Both Dry Tortugas National Park and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park offer visitors a chance to see wildlife that is unique to their respective locations. Whether you’re interested in sea turtles and coral reefs or endemic birds and plants, these parks are definitely worth a visit.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Dry Tortugas National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Dry Tortugas 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 |
| Red-Tailed Hawk | Sanderling |
| Northern Flicker | Ring-Necked Pheasant |
| Merlin | Chukar |
| Barn Swallow | Ruddy Turnstone |
| Savannah Sparrow | Northern Cardinal |
| Great Blue Heron | California Quail |
| Hermit Thrush | |
| American Kestrel | |
| Song Sparrow | |
| European Starling | |
| Northern Pintail | |
| Green-Winged Teal | |
| American Pipit | |
| Swainson’s Thrush | |
| Killdeer |
Mammals
| Dry Tortugas National Park | Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park |
|---|---|
| House Rat | House Mouse |
| Norway Rat | |
| ‘Iole | |
| Domestic Cattle | |
| Feral Hog |
Amphibians
| Dry Tortugas National Park | Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park |
|---|---|
| Bullfrog |
Insects
| Dry Tortugas National Park | Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park |
|---|---|
| Painted Lady | |
| Monarch Butterfly | |
| American Painted Lady | |
| Red Admiral | |
| Cabbage White | |
| Honey Bee |
Beautiful Landscapes in Dry Tortugas National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Dry Tortugas National Park, located 68 miles west of Key West, Florida, is a remote island chain made up of seven small islands. The most famous landscape in this park is Fort Jefferson, a massive 19th-century fort built on Garden Key, which is now a popular tourist destination. Visitors can explore the fort, go snorkeling, and see an abundance of wildlife, including sea turtles, which gave the park its name.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, located on the Big Island of Hawaii, is home to two of the world’s most active volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa. The park is a stunning display of the power of nature, with steam vents, volcanic craters, and lava flows visible from various scenic overlooks. One of the most famous landscapes in the park is the Kilauea Caldera, which offers breathtaking views of the volcano and the surrounding landscape. Visitors can hike through the park, take a scenic drive, or witness the power of the volcano during a volcanic eruption.
Things To-Do and Activities in Dry Tortugas National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Dry Tortugas National Park, located 70 miles west of Key West, Florida, is known for its historic Fort Jefferson and crystal clear waters for snorkeling and scuba diving. Visitors can also enjoy birdwatching, camping, and kayaking. Snorkeling and diving offer opportunities to see colorful fish, coral formations, shipwrecks, and even sea turtles. Birdwatching is a popular activity in the park, as it is home to over 200 species of birds and a stopover point for migratory birds. Camping is also a popular activity and is allowed on Garden Key, where Fort Jefferson is located, with permits required.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, located on the Big Island of Hawaii, is famous for its active volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa, and its unique landscapes created by volcanic activity. Visitors can explore the park by hiking, camping, and driving through the park. Hiking is a popular activity, with trails taking visitors through lush rainforests, steam vents, and past bubbling lava lakes. The park also offers camping opportunities, with permits required for backcountry camping. The park’s scenic drive takes visitors past steaming craters, volcanic deserts, and through lush rainforests. The park is also a prime location for stargazing, with minimal light pollution providing great views of the night sky.
Best Time to Visit Dry Tortugas National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Dry Tortugas National Park, located in the Florida Keys, has a tropical climate with hot, humid summers and mild, dry winters. The warmest months are June through September, with temperatures routinely reaching 90°F. During the summer months, there is also a higher chance of thunderstorms and heavy rainfall. Winter temperatures are mild, with average highs in the mid 70s°F and low humidity. This is the best time to visit the park if you’re looking for comfortable weather and fewer crowds.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, located on the Big Island of Hawaii, has a tropical rainforest climate with high temperatures and humidity year-round. The park experiences a dry season from May to October, with temperatures ranging from the mid 70s to low 80s°F. During the wet season from November to April, heavy rainfall is common, along with clouds that can obscure views of the park’s volcanic features. Despite the rain, this is the best time to visit if you’re interested in seeing the park’s lush vegetation and abundant wildlife.
Family Friendliness of Dry Tortugas National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Dry Tortugas National Park is a remote island park located in the Gulf of Mexico, while Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is located on the Big Island of Hawaii. Both parks offer unique experiences, but they differ when it comes to family-friendliness.
Dry Tortugas is better suited for families with older children who are interested in history and adventure. The park is only accessible by boat or seaplane, and there are limited facilities on the island. The highlight of the park is Fort Jefferson, a 19th century fort with a rich history and plenty of opportunities for exploration. Visitors can also snorkel in the crystal-clear waters and spot colorful marine life.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, on the other hand, is more kid-friendly with a variety of activities for families of all ages. The park has several hiking trails, including an easy, paved trail through a lush rainforest. The park is also home to the active Kilauea volcano, and visitors can learn about the geology and natural history of the area at the park’s visitor center. The park also offers ranger-led programs and nighttime walks to see the stars and the glow of the volcano.
Overall, Hawaii Volcanoes is a better choice for families with younger children, while Dry Tortugas is better for older children and families seeking a more adventurous experience. Both parks offer unique and memorable experiences, so it really depends on what kind of vacation your family is looking for.