Haleakalā National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park are two of the most awe-inspiring national parks in the United States. Each park has its own unique features that make it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. Whether you’re a fan of towering volcanic peaks or towering glaciers, these two parks have something for everyone.
So, what sets these two parks apart? In this article, we’ll explore the similarities and differences between Haleakalā and Kenai Fjords, from their stunning landscapes to their diverse wildlife. You’ll discover which park is the better choice for you, depending on your personal preferences and travel style.
Are you ready for a journey through two of America’s most breathtaking national parks? Then buckle up and get ready for a wild ride as we take a closer look at the breathtaking beauty of Haleakalā and Kenai Fjords!
Hiking Trails in Haleakalā National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park
Haleakalā National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park are two unique and scenic destinations for nature lovers and hikers. Both parks offer a range of hiking trails for visitors of all skill levels.
At Haleakalā, the most popular hike is the Sliding Sands Trail, which takes visitors down into the volcanic crater. This trail can be strenuous, but offers breathtaking views of the diverse landscape and wildlife. For those looking for a more challenging experience, the Halemau’u Trail is a strenuous 8-mile round trip hike that leads to the summit of the park.
In contrast, Kenai Fjords National Park is known for its stunning glaciers and fjords, and the Exit Glacier Trail is one of the park’s easiest and most popular hikes. This trail takes visitors to the base of the Exit Glacier, and is only a 1.2-mile round trip hike. On the other hand, the Harding Icefield Trail is an 8.2-mile round trip hike that leads to the Harding Icefield and is considered one of the hardest hikes in the park. It’s a strenuous hike, but the stunning views of the icefield and glaciers make it well worth the effort.
Overall, both Haleakalā and Kenai Fjords National Parks offer a range of hiking trails for visitors of all skill levels, from easy walks to challenging hikes. Whether you’re looking to take in breathtaking views of volcanic landscapes or glaciers and fjords, these parks are sure to provide an unforgettable outdoor experience.
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 Kenai Fjords National Park
Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Harding Ice Field Trail | 15610.598 | 1161.8976 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
Exit Glacier Trail | 2896.812 | 81.9912 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Haleakalā National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park
Haleakalā National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park are two of the most popular parks in the US. Both are known for their unique and diverse wildlife, but they are different in many ways.
At Haleakalā National Park, visitors will see a variety of unique and endemic wildlife, including the Hawaiian goose, the Nene, the Hawaiian monk seal, and the Hawaiian hoary bat. This park is also home to a diverse range of plant species, including the silversword, a unique and rare type of sunflower.
In contrast, Kenai Fjords National Park is known for its large populations of marine mammals, including sea otters, seals, whales, and sea lions. Visitors can also see a variety of birds, such as puffins, guillemots, and cormorants, and a diverse range of plant species.
So, depending on what you’re looking for, both parks offer a unique and memorable experience. If you want to see a mix of endemic and marine wildlife, Kenai Fjords National Park is a great option. If you’re interested in seeing unique and rare plant species, Haleakalā National Park is a must-visit. Regardless of which park you choose, you’re guaranteed to have an amazing time and see some of the most incredible wildlife in the world.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Haleakalā National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
Haleakalā National Park | Kenai Fjords National Park |
---|---|
Peregrine Falcon | Peregrine Falcon |
Northern Harrier | Northern Harrier |
Rock Pigeon | Sharp-Shinned Hawk |
House Sparrow | Osprey |
Northern Mockingbird | Tree Swallow |
Black-Crowned Night-Heron | Mallard |
Barn Owl | Canada Goose |
Cattle Egret | Lincoln’s Sparrow |
Ring-Necked Pheasant | Ruby-Crowned Kinglet |
Chukar | American Robin |
Ruddy Turnstone | Great Horned Owl |
Northern Cardinal | Red-Tailed Hawk |
California Quail | Northern Flicker |
Merlin | |
Barn Swallow | |
Savannah Sparrow | |
Great Blue Heron | |
Hermit Thrush | |
Bald Eagle | |
Song Sparrow | |
European Starling | |
Northern Pintail | |
American Wigeon | |
Green-Winged Teal | |
American Pipit |
Mammals
Haleakalā National Park | Kenai Fjords National Park |
---|---|
House Mouse | Coyote |
Norway Rat | American Beaver |
Black Rat | Muskrat |
Domestic Cattle | Little Brown Bat |
Feral Hog | Black Bear |
Porcupine | |
Red Fox | |
Mink | |
Black-Tailed Deer | |
Gray Wolf | |
Short-Tailed Weasel | |
California Myotis | |
Snowshoe Hare | |
Northern River Otter | |
Masked Shrew | |
Red Squirrel | |
Montane Shrew | |
Lynx | |
Wolverine | |
American Marten | |
Northern Flying Squirrel | |
Brown Bear | |
Meadow Mouse | |
Moose | |
Pygmy Shrew |
Amphibians
Haleakalā National Park | Kenai Fjords National Park |
---|---|
Bullfrog | Wood Frog |
Insects
Haleakalā National Park | Kenai Fjords National Park |
---|---|
Painted Lady | |
Monarch Butterfly | |
American Painted Lady | |
Cabbage White | |
Honey Bee |
Fish
Haleakalā National Park | Kenai Fjords National Park |
---|---|
Redband Trout | |
Longnose Sucker | |
Burbot | |
Silver Salmon | |
Chinook Salmon | |
Slimy Sculpin | |
Threespine Stickleback | |
Red Salmon | |
Pink Salmon | |
Chum Salmon | |
Dolly Varden |
Beautiful Landscapes in Haleakalā National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park
Haleakalā National Park is located on the island of Maui in Hawaii and features a unique and breathtaking landscape of volcanic craters and cinder cones. The park’s main attraction, the Haleakalā Crater, provides visitors with a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape and is a popular spot for sunrise and sunset viewing. In addition to the crater, the park also boasts a variety of endemic plant and animal species, including the Hawaiian goose and the silversword plant.
Kenai Fjords National Park is located in Alaska and is known for its glaciers and fjords. The park is home to the Harding Icefield, a massive ice field that covers over 700 square miles, and provides visitors with the opportunity to see glaciers up close, including the Exit Glacier. The park also offers scenic boat tours that allow visitors to see the breathtaking fjords, as well as whales, sea lions, and other marine wildlife. Visitors can also hike to scenic overlooks and take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding glaciers and fjords.
Things To-Do and Activities in Haleakalā National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park
Haleakalā National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park are both popular destinations for visitors looking to experience the great outdoors and enjoy breathtaking natural beauty. While both parks offer a variety of activities, they each have their own unique attractions and experiences to offer.
Haleakalā National Park, located in Hawaii, is famous for its stunning sunrises and sunsets, and visitors often flock to the summit to witness these spectacular events. In addition to sunrise and sunset viewing, visitors can enjoy scenic drives and bike rides, stargazing, and wildlife watching. The park is home to a variety of endemic species, including the Hawaiian goose and the Nene, a type of Hawaiian goose, and visitors may spot these species during their visit.
Kenai Fjords National Park, located in Alaska, is a prime destination for visitors interested in glaciers, wildlife, and marine life. Visitors can take boat tours to see glaciers and marine mammals, such as whales and sea lions, up close. The park is also home to a variety of hiking trails, including the Exit Glacier Trail, which provides stunning views of the glacier and surrounding landscapes. Wildlife watching is also a popular activity, with visitors having the chance to spot moose, bears, and other Alaskan wildlife.
In conclusion, both Haleakalā National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park offer unique and wonderful experiences for visitors. Whether you are interested in scenic drives and wildlife watching, or glaciers and marine life, these parks offer something for everyone.
Best Time to Visit Haleakalā National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park
Haleakalā National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park are both popular destinations for tourists, but their weather patterns are vastly different. Haleakalā, located in Maui, Hawaii, experiences a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round. In the summer months, temperatures can reach into the low 90s, while in the winter, they hover in the high 60s. On the other hand, Kenai Fjords, located in Alaska, experiences a subarctic climate with cooler temperatures and more precipitation. In the summer, temperatures can reach into the mid-50s, while in the winter, temperatures drop significantly and can reach below zero.
The seasonal weather patterns at these parks greatly affect when is the best time to visit. At Haleakalā, the best time to visit is in the winter months when temperatures are cooler and the park is less crowded. In the summer months, the park can be crowded and temperatures can be too hot for outdoor activities. At Kenai Fjords, the best time to visit is in the summer months, when temperatures are warmer and there are more opportunities for outdoor activities like whale watching and kayaking. However, visitors should be prepared for rain and clouds as precipitation is more common in the summer months.
Overall, visitors to these two parks should consider the seasonal weather patterns when planning their trip. Whether it’s warm tropical weather or cooler subarctic climate, each park offers unique experiences and opportunities for adventure and exploration.
Family Friendliness of Haleakalā National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park
Haleakalā National Park, on the Hawaiian island of Maui, is known for its volcanic landscapes and has a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, and wildlife watching. The park also offers educational opportunities, such as ranger-led programs and a visitors center.
Kenai Fjords National Park, located in Alaska, is known for its stunning glaciers, wildlife, and natural beauty. The park offers a variety of activities, including boat tours, kayaking, and hiking. There are also ranger-led programs and a visitors center to learn about the park’s ecology and history.
When it comes to family-friendliness, both parks offer opportunities for families to learn and explore the natural world together. However, Haleakalā may be a better option for families with young children, as there are several easy hikes and ranger-led programs that are geared towards children. Kenai Fjords, on the other hand, is more rugged and may not be as suitable for younger children, but it is still a great option for families with older children who are interested in more strenuous outdoor activities.
In conclusion, both Haleakalā National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park are excellent options for families looking to experience the great outdoors. The choice between the two will largely depend on the age and interests of your children, as well as your own preferences.