Welcome to the land of fire and ice, where two of Hawaii’s iconic National Parks, Haleakalā and Hawai’i Volcanoes, offer a unique and thrilling experience for visitors. These two parks are not only geological wonders, but also showcase the diverse beauty of the Hawaiian Islands.
Haleakalā, meaning “House of the Sun” in Hawaiian, is a dormant shield volcano that rises 10,023 feet above sea level. This park offers breathtaking views of the sunrise and sunset, and a chance to explore the otherworldly landscape of the summit.
On the other hand, Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is an active volcano, with its most famous attraction, Kīlauea, being one of the world’s most active volcanoes. It’s a place where visitors can witness the raw power of nature, as they hike through the park and see steam vents, sulphur banks, and craters.
In this article, we will take a closer look at these two incredible parks, comparing their unique features, and helping you decide which one is the best fit for your next Hawaiian adventure. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker looking for an active volcano experience, or someone who wants to witness the breathtaking beauty of a sunrise or sunset, you’ll find it all in these two parks. So, buckle up and get ready to explore the land of fire and ice!
Hiking Trails in Haleakalā National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Haleakalā National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park are two of the most popular national parks in Hawaii, both offering unique and beautiful landscapes. When it comes to hiking, both parks have trails for all levels of difficulty, from easy nature walks to challenging backcountry treks.
At Haleakalā, the Sliding Sands Trail is one of the most popular hikes, offering stunning views of the park’s volcanic landscape. This moderate hike is about 11 miles round trip and can take anywhere from 4 to 7 hours to complete. For those looking for a shorter hike, the Halemau’u Trail is a 2.5-mile round trip hike that takes you to the summit of the park’s dormant volcanic crater. The strenuous hike offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, but is not recommended for inexperienced hikers.
At Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, the Kilauea Iki Trail is a popular 4-mile round trip hike that takes you through a volcanic crater. This moderate hike offers an up-close look at the park’s volcanic activity and is a great option for those looking for a shorter and less strenuous hike. For those looking for a more challenging hike, the Mauna Loa Summit Trail is an 18.5-mile round trip hike that takes you to the summit of one of the world’s largest shield volcanoes. This strenuous hike is not recommended for inexperienced hikers and can take anywhere from 8 to 12 hours to complete.
In conclusion, both Haleakalā and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Parks offer a variety of hiking trails for all levels of difficulty. Whether you’re looking for a short, easy hike or a challenging backcountry trek, these parks have something for everyone.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Haleakalā National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pipiwai Trail and Waimoku Falls | 5471.756 | 249.936 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| Sliding Sands Trail | 17702.74 | 851.916 | Very Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Seven Sacred Pools Trail (‘Ohe’o Gulch) | 965.604 | 32.9184 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Halalai’i and Pu’unaue Trail | 20116.75 | 978.7128 | Hard | loop | 5 |
| Halemau’u Haleakala Overlook Trail | 12230.984 | 723.9 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Haleakala Crater Trail | 18024.608 | 930.8592 | Hard | point to point | 5 |
| Pa Ka’oao Trail | 965.604 | 40.8432 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Leleiwi Overlook Trail | 482.802 | 30.7848 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Pa ka’oao Trail (White Hill Trail) | 804.67 | 32.9184 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Silversword Loop Via Halemau’u Trail | 20116.75 | 1105.8144 | Hard | 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 Haleakalā National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Haleakalā National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park are two of the most popular national parks in Hawai’i, each offering unique opportunities to see wildlife. While both parks are home to a diverse array of animals, birds, and plants, there are some key differences between the two.
At Haleakalā National Park, visitors can expect to see a variety of endemic bird species, including the Hawaiian Goose and the Hawaiian Hawk. The park is also home to several species of mammals, such as the Hawaiian Hoary Bat and the Hawaiian Shrew, as well as a number of reptiles and insects. In addition, the park is known for its diverse plant life, including native Hawaiian ohia lehua and koa trees, as well as the rare silversword plant.
At Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, visitors will have the opportunity to see a wider range of wildlife, including both native and introduced species. The park is home to several species of birds, including the Hawaiian Goose, the Hawaiian Crow, and the Hawaiian Hawk, as well as several species of mammals, such as the Hawaiian Hoary Bat and the Hawaiian Shrew. In addition, the park is known for its diverse plant life, including native Hawaiian ohia lehua and koa trees, as well as the rare silversword plant.
In conclusion, both Haleakalā National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park offer unique opportunities to see a variety of wildlife, from endemic bird species to diverse plant life. Whether you’re a bird-watcher, a nature lover, or just looking for a chance to see some of Hawai’i’s unique flora and fauna, both parks are well worth a visit.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Haleakalā National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Haleakalā National Park | Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park |
|---|---|
| Peregrine Falcon | Peregrine Falcon |
| Northern Harrier | Canada Goose |
| Rock Pigeon | Great Blue Heron |
| House Sparrow | Rock Pigeon |
| Northern Mockingbird | House Sparrow |
| Black-Crowned Night-Heron | Northern Mockingbird |
| Barn Owl | Black-Crowned Night-Heron |
| Cattle Egret | Wild Turkey |
| Ring-Necked Pheasant | Barn Owl |
| Chukar | Cattle Egret |
| Ruddy Turnstone | Sanderling |
| Northern Cardinal | Ring-Necked Pheasant |
| California Quail | Chukar |
| Ruddy Turnstone | |
| Northern Cardinal | |
| California Quail |
Mammals
| Haleakalā National Park | Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park |
|---|---|
| House Mouse | House Mouse |
| Norway Rat | Norway Rat |
| Black Rat | ‘Iole |
| Domestic Cattle | Domestic Cattle |
| Feral Hog | Feral Hog |
Amphibians
| Haleakalā National Park | Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park |
|---|---|
| Bullfrog | Bullfrog |
Insects
| Haleakalā National Park | Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park |
|---|---|
| Painted Lady | Painted Lady |
| Monarch Butterfly | Monarch Butterfly |
| American Painted Lady | American Painted Lady |
| Cabbage White | Red Admiral |
| Honey Bee | Cabbage White |
| Honey Bee |
Beautiful Landscapes in Haleakalā National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Haleakalā National Park is located on the Hawaiian Island of Maui and is known for its massive shield volcano and its unique landscapes, including the famous “House of the Sun” or “Silversword Field”. The park offers stunning views from its summit, which stands at over 10,000 feet and provides panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and the neighboring islands. The park is also home to a variety of unique flora and fauna, including the rare silversword plant, which can only be found here.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, located on the Big Island of Hawaii, is famous for its active volcanoes, Kīlauea and Mauna Loa. The park is home to the world’s most active volcano, Kīlauea, which has been continuously erupting since 1983. The park also boasts the world’s largest volcano, Mauna Loa, which rises over 13,000 feet above sea level. Visitors can witness the power of nature as they hike through the park’s volcanic landscapes, including steam vents, sulfur banks, and the Thurston Lava Tube. The park also offers a chance to see the rare Hawaiian rainforest, home to numerous endemic species of plants and animals.
Things To-Do and Activities in Haleakalā National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Haleakalā National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park are two of the most famous national parks in the United States. While both are known for their volcanic landscapes, these parks offer a unique set of experiences and activities for visitors.
At Haleakalā National Park, one of the most popular activities is watching the sunrise from the summit of the volcano. Visitors can also go on scenic drives, bike rides, and horseback rides through the park’s diverse landscape. Additionally, there are several ranger-led programs, including cultural walks and stargazing experiences.
At Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, visitors can view the active Kīlauea volcano, hike through volcanic craters, and explore the park’s lush rainforest. One of the most unique experiences here is the chance to witness the volcanic activity, including steam vents and glowing lava. The park also offers ranger-led walks and talks, as well as a number of scenic drives, including the Crater Rim Drive and the Chain of Craters Road.
Overall, both parks offer a range of activities that cater to the interests of different visitors, from the thrill-seekers to nature enthusiasts. Whether you want to witness an active volcano, take a scenic drive, or go on a leisurely hike, both Haleakalā National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park have something to offer.
Best Time to Visit Haleakalā National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Haleakalā National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park are two of the most popular national parks in Hawai’i. Both are known for their unique geological features and spectacular views. However, the weather in each park can vary greatly depending on the time of year.
Haleakalā National Park is located at a high elevation on the island of Maui, and it can be quite chilly at the summit. The best time to visit is during the warmer months of May through October, when daytime temperatures typically range from the mid 60s to the low 80s. Winter temperatures can drop into the 40s, and there is a higher chance of cloud cover, making it harder to see the views.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, on the other hand, is located on the Big Island of Hawai’i at a lower elevation. It is much warmer year-round, with temperatures typically ranging from the mid 60s to the low 80s. There is also a higher chance of rain, but this often comes in the form of light showers that quickly clear up, making it possible to enjoy the park even in the wetter months. The best time to visit is from April through September, when the weather is driest.
In conclusion, both Haleakalā National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park offer unique and breathtaking experiences, but the weather conditions can greatly impact the best time to visit. It is important to consider the seasonal weather conditions when planning your trip to either park.
Family Friendliness of Haleakalā National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Haleakalā National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park are two of the most popular natural attractions in Hawaii. Both parks offer unique and stunning landscapes and are perfect for families traveling with children. However, there are some differences between the two parks in terms of how family-friendly they are.
Haleakalā National Park is known for its stunning sunrise views from the top of the massive dormant volcano. The park offers several easy hiking trails, including the Sliding Sands Trail, which leads to the summit. The park also has a visitors center with educational exhibits, making it a great place for families to learn about the park’s unique geology and ecology.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is another great option for families. The park is home to the active Kīlauea volcano and offers a range of educational opportunities, including ranger-led hikes and volcanic demonstrations. The park also has a number of easy hikes, including the Kīlauea Iki Trail, which takes visitors through a volcanic crater. Additionally, the park has a campground, making it a great option for families who want to spend several days exploring the park.
In terms of which park is better for families, it really depends on what families are looking for. If families are interested in learning about volcanoes and geology, then Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is the best option. On the other hand, if families are looking for a peaceful and scenic hike, then Haleakalā National Park may be a better choice. Both parks are family-friendly and offer unique experiences, so it’s a matter of personal preference.