Discover the wilderness of Hawaii and Virginia with a side by side comparison of two of America’s treasured National Parks: Haleakalā and Shenandoah. With their unique landscapes, diverse wildlife, and endless opportunities for adventure, these parks offer a world of wonder to explore.
Haleakalā, located on the Hawaiian island of Maui, boasts a towering volcanic summit that rises 10,023 feet above sea level. It is home to an array of rare and endemic species, including the Hawaiian goose, known as the Nene. This park is also a stargazer’s paradise, offering some of the clearest night skies in the world.
Shenandoah, located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, spreads across 200,000 acres and offers a scenic drive, over 500 miles of hiking trails and breathtaking views of the rolling hills and valleys. With its rich history and diverse wildlife, this park is a nature lover’s dream come true. Whether you’re a hiker, birdwatcher, or simply looking for a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, Shenandoah has something for everyone.
Hiking Trails in Haleakalā National Park and Shenandoah National Park
Haleakalā National Park is located in Maui, Hawaii and is known for its volcanic landscapes and breathtaking sunrises. The park offers a range of hiking trails, from easy walks to challenging backcountry adventures. One of the easiest hikes is the Sliding Sands trail, which takes you through the colorful volcanic landscape and offers stunning views of the surrounding area. For a more challenging hike, you can tackle the Halemau’u trail, which takes you to the top of the crater and offers breathtaking views of the valley below.
Shenandoah National Park, located in Virginia, is known for its rolling hills, scenic vistas, and diverse wildlife. The park offers over 500 miles of hiking trails, from easy walks to strenuous day hikes. One of the easiest hikes is the Dark Hollow Falls trail, which takes you to a beautiful waterfall and offers a gentle walk through the forest. For a more challenging hike, the Old Rag Mountain trail takes you to the top of the mountain and offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. The hike is strenuous and requires a full day, but it is well worth the effort for the views.
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 Shenandoah National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Old Rag Mountain Loop | 13840.324 | 736.7016 | Hard | loop | 5 |
| White Oak Canyon and Cedar Run Trails Loop | 14484.06 | 722.9856 | Hard | loop | 4.5 |
| Dark Hollow Falls Trail | 2253.076 | 171.9072 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Bearfence Mountain Trail | 1609.34 | 73.7616 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Hawksbill Gap Loop via Appalachian Trail | 4184.284 | 228.9048 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Rose River Trail | 5632.69 | 256.9464 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| White Oak Canyon Trail | 15288.73 | 733.9584 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Stony Man via Appalachian Trail | 2414.01 | 97.8408 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| South River Falls Trail | 7402.964 | 387.7056 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Little Stony Man Loop via Appalachian Trail | 5471.756 | 263.9568 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Haleakalā National Park and Shenandoah National Park
Haleakalā National Park, located on the island of Maui in Hawaii, and Shenandoah National Park in Virginia, offer unique wildlife viewing opportunities.
At Haleakalā, visitors will find exotic species such as the Nene Goose, the Hawaiian Goose, and the Silversword plant. The park also has a thriving population of feral pigs, mouflon sheep, and axis deer. Additionally, the park is home to several species of native Hawaiian birds, including the Hawaiian Hawk and the endangered ‘Akohekohe.
Shenandoah National Park, on the other hand, is known for its diverse range of wildlife, including black bear, white-tailed deer, and wild turkeys. The park is also home to a variety of bird species, including the Peregrine Falcon and the Eastern Bluebird. Visitors can also spot Eastern Box Turtles and Spotted Salamanders in the park’s streams and rivers.
In terms of plant life, Haleakalā boasts a unique ecosystem with native Hawaiian plants such as the Ohia tree and the Hawaiian hibiscus. Shenandoah, on the other hand, is covered in deciduous forests, with species such as the American Beech, Sugar Maple, and Eastern Hemlock.
Overall, both parks offer a unique and diverse array of wildlife and plant life, making them perfect destinations for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re interested in observing exotic species or common North American wildlife, both parks have something to offer.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Haleakalā National Park and Shenandoah National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Haleakalā National Park | Shenandoah 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 | |
| American Kestrel | |
| Bald Eagle | |
| Song Sparrow | |
| European Starling | |
| Northern Pintail | |
| American Wigeon | |
| Green-Winged Teal |
Mammals
| Haleakalā National Park | Shenandoah National Park |
|---|---|
| House Mouse | Coyote |
| Norway Rat | American Beaver |
| Black Rat | Muskrat |
| Domestic Cattle | Big Brown Bat |
| Feral Hog | Bobcat |
| Striped Skunk | |
| Little Brown Bat | |
| Deer Mouse | |
| Raccoon | |
| Black Bear | |
| Silver-Haired Bat | |
| Hoary Bat | |
| Red Fox | |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | |
| House Mouse | |
| Mountain Lion | |
| Gray Fox | |
| River Otter | |
| Masked Shrew | |
| Water Shrew | |
| Red Squirrel | |
| White-Tailed Deer | |
| Virginia Opossum | |
| Marten | |
| Northern Flying Squirrel |
Amphibians
| Haleakalā National Park | Shenandoah National Park |
|---|---|
| Bullfrog | Northern Leopard Frog |
Insects
| Haleakalā National Park | Shenandoah National Park |
|---|---|
| Painted Lady | Orange Sulphur |
| Monarch Butterfly | Painted Lady |
| American Painted Lady | Monarch |
| Cabbage White | American Lady |
| Honey Bee | Red Admiral |
| Mourning Cloak | |
| Cabbage White | |
| Silvery Blue | |
| Common Checkered Skipper | |
| Clouded Sulphur | |
| Variegated Fritillary | |
| Buckeye | |
| Commom Wood Nymph | |
| Gray Hairstreak |
Fish
| Haleakalā National Park | Shenandoah National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | |
| Brook Trout | |
| Brown Trout | |
| Largemouth Bass | |
| Green Sunfish | |
| Bluegill | |
| Common Carp | |
| Mottled Sculpin | |
| Longnose Dace | |
| Yellow Bullhead | |
| Creek Chub | |
| Brown Bullhead | |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Reptiles
| Haleakalā National Park | Shenandoah National Park |
|---|---|
| Black Racer | |
| Ringneck Snake | |
| Common Garter Snake | |
| Common Kingsnake | |
| Milksnake | |
| Eastern Fence Lizard |
Beautiful Landscapes in Haleakalā National Park and Shenandoah National Park
Haleakalā National Park is located in Maui, Hawaii and is known for its massive volcanic crater and otherworldly landscapes. The summit of Haleakalā offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, including the Pacific Ocean and the lush, tropical forests below. This park is ideal for scenic drives, hiking, and stargazing. One of the most famous landscapes in the park is the “House of the Sun,” a nickname given to the summit of Haleakalā due to its unique geological features and the way the sun rises over the crater.
Shenandoah National Park, located in Virginia, is famous for its sweeping vistas and rolling hills. The park is home to the famous Skyline Drive, a scenic byway that runs the length of the park and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The park is also home to numerous waterfalls, including Dark Hollow Falls and Whiteoak Canyon Falls. One of the park’s most famous landscapes is Old Rag Mountain, a popular hiking destination known for its rocky summit and panoramic views.
Things To-Do and Activities in Haleakalā National Park and Shenandoah National Park
Haleakalā National Park and Shenandoah National Park are two highly popular national parks that offer unique natural landscapes and outdoor recreation opportunities. Haleakalā, located in Maui, Hawaii, is known for its stunning sunrises and sunsets, as well as its diverse flora and fauna. Shenandoah, located in Virginia, is known for its rolling hills, scenic drives, and abundant wildlife.
The most popular activities at Haleakalā National Park include scenic drives, stargazing, and wildlife watching. Visitors love to take scenic drives through the park’s diverse landscape, stopping to admire the stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, lush forests, and volcanic landscapes. Stargazing is also a popular activity, as the park’s remote location and lack of light pollution make for ideal conditions to admire the night sky. Wildlife watching is also a popular activity, with visitors often spotting rare species of birds, mammals, and reptiles.
Shenandoah National Park’s most popular activities include scenic drives, wildlife watching, and picnic areas. The park’s famous Skyline Drive provides stunning views of the rolling hills and forests, and is a popular destination for scenic drives. Wildlife watching is also a popular activity, with visitors often spotting deer, black bears, and other species of wildlife. Picnic areas are also a popular destination, offering visitors a chance to relax and enjoy the park’s natural beauty in a scenic and peaceful setting.
Both parks offer a wide range of outdoor recreation opportunities, from scenic drives and wildlife watching to hiking and picnic areas. Whether you are looking for a peaceful escape from the city or an active outdoor adventure, both Haleakalā National Park and Shenandoah National Park are sure to deliver a memorable experience.
Best Time to Visit Haleakalā National Park and Shenandoah National Park
Haleakalā National Park and Shenandoah National Park are both popular destinations for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Both parks offer unique and beautiful landscapes, but the weather can greatly affect the experience of visiting each park.
Haleakalā National Park, located on the island of Maui, Hawaii, has a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round. The park experiences two main seasons: a dry season from April to October and a wet season from November to March. During the dry season, temperatures average in the low 80s while in the wet season, temperatures average in the mid-70s. Visitors in the dry season can expect clear skies, making it the best time to visit for hiking and scenic views. However, the wet season can bring heavy rains and fog, hindering visibility.
Shenandoah National Park, located in Virginia, has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. Spring and fall are mild with temperatures in the 60s and 70s. Summer temperatures can reach into the 80s and 90s, making it the best time to visit for camping and outdoor activities. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing, bringing snow and ice to the park. Winter also brings the park’s famous “leaf peepers,” visitors who come to see the stunning display of fall foliage. The best time to visit for this is late October to early November.
Family Friendliness of Haleakalā National Park and Shenandoah National Park
Haleakalā National Park, located on the Hawaiian Island of Maui, is a breathtaking natural wonder that is perfect for families. With its unique and diverse landscapes, ranging from deserts to forests, families can explore and learn about the unique flora and fauna of the area. For families with older children, the park offers challenging hikes and stunning vistas, while younger children can enjoy the park’s educational programs and ranger-led activities.
Shenandoah National Park, located in Virginia, is also a great destination for families. With its lush forests, rolling hills, and scenic drives, families can explore the great outdoors and enjoy a variety of recreational activities. Younger children can participate in ranger-led programs and educational activities, while older children can hike and explore the park’s many trails. Additionally, families can enjoy scenic drives, picnic areas, and campgrounds that are perfect for a cozy family getaway.
Both parks offer family-friendly experiences, but each has its own unique strengths. For families with younger children, Shenandoah National Park’s educational programs and ranger-led activities may be more appealing. However, for families with older children who are seeking a more challenging outdoor experience, Haleakalā National Park may be the better choice. Overall, both parks are great destinations for families, and the choice between them will depend on your family’s interests and preferences.