Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park vs Hot Springs National Park

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Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park vs Hot Springs National Park

Discover the fiery beauty of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and the soothing warmth of Hot Springs National Park. These two stunning national parks, located on opposite sides of the country, offer unique and memorable experiences for visitors.

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is a geological wonder, showcasing the power of Mother Nature as lava flows into the ocean and creates new land. With its active volcanoes, lush rainforests, and scenic drives, this park is a must-visit for anyone seeking adventure and natural beauty.

Hot Springs National Park, on the other hand, is a serene oasis in the heart of Arkansas. With its natural hot springs, scenic hiking trails, and historic bathhouses, this park provides a relaxing escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Whether you prefer the explosive excitement of a volcanic eruption or the calming warmth of a hot spring, both Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Hot Springs National Park have something for every type of traveler. So grab your hiking shoes and explore these two unique parks for yourself!

Hiking Trails in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Hot Springs National Park

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Hot Springs National Park are two unique parks with different landscapes and hiking trails. Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park boasts a diverse range of volcanic landscapes and is home to the Kilauea and Mauna Loa volcanoes. The easiest hike in the park is the Kilauea Iki Trail, which is a 4-mile round trip hike through a crater created by a volcanic eruption. On the other hand, the most challenging hike in the park is the Mauna Loa Summit, a strenuous 13-mile round trip hike to the summit of the world’s largest active volcano.

Hot Springs National Park is located in Arkansas and features a variety of trails that lead to hot springs and other natural wonders. The easiest hike in the park is the Hot Springs Mountain Tower Trail, a 0.6-mile round trip hike to the top of Hot Springs Mountain for panoramic views of the city. The most challenging hike in the park is the Sugarloaf Trail, a strenuous 7.5-mile round trip hike with steep inclines and rocky terrain. Both parks offer a range of hiking experiences for visitors of all skill levels, from easy nature walks to challenging backcountry treks.

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

Most Popular Hiking Trails in Hot Springs National Park

Name Length Elevation Type Difficulty Visitor Ratings
Sunset Trail 20921.42 722.9856 Hard loop 4
West Mountain Trail 3057.746 107.8992 Moderate loop 4.5
Goat Rock Trail 3862.416 115.824 Moderate out and back 4.5
Gulpha Gorge Trail 1931.208 116.7384 Moderate out and back 4
The Grand Promenade and Side Trails 1931.208 33.8328 Moderate loop 4
Dead Chief Trail 4345.218 121.92 Moderate out and back 4
Hot Springs Mountain Trail 5310.822 204.8256 Easy loop 4
Peak Trail 2092.142 108.8136 Easy out and back 3.5
Sugarloaf Mountain Via Sunset Trail 11426.314 592.836 Moderate out and back 4
Goat Rock via Dead Chief Trail 2092.142 87.7824 Moderate out and back 4.5

Wildlife in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Hot Springs National Park

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Hot Springs National Park are both unique in their own ways and offer unique experiences to visitors.

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is located on the Big Island of Hawaii and is home to two of the world’s most active volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa. Visitors can see diverse wildlife, including the Hawaiian goose, or Nene, which is the state bird of Hawaii, and the Hawaiian hoary bat, which is the only native land mammal of Hawaii. The park also boasts a variety of endemic plant species and lush tropical rainforests.

Hot Springs National Park, located in Arkansas, is known for its natural hot springs, which are the main attractions for visitors. The park is also home to a diverse range of wildlife, including the white-tailed deer, raccoons, and many species of birds, such as the red-tailed hawk and the northern cardinal. Visitors can also see a variety of plant species, including the American holly and the eastern redbud.

While both parks offer unique experiences, the wildlife you’ll see at these parks is quite different. In Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, visitors can see unique endemic species, while Hot Springs National Park is home to a more diverse range of wildlife and plant species that are commonly found in the southeastern United States.

Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Hot Springs National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.

Birds

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park Hot Springs National Park
Peregrine Falcon Peregrine Falcon
Canada Goose Northern Harrier
Great Blue Heron Sharp-Shinned Hawk
Rock Pigeon Osprey
House Sparrow Tree Swallow
Northern Mockingbird Mallard
Black-Crowned Night-Heron Canada Goose
Wild Turkey Lincoln’s Sparrow
Barn Owl Ruby-Crowned Kinglet
Cattle Egret American Robin
Sanderling Great Horned Owl
Ring-Necked Pheasant Red-Tailed Hawk
Chukar Northern Flicker
Ruddy Turnstone Merlin
Northern Cardinal Barn Swallow
California Quail Savannah Sparrow
Great Blue Heron
Hermit Thrush
American Kestrel
Bald Eagle
Song Sparrow
European Starling
Northern Pintail
American Wigeon
Green-Winged Teal

Mammals

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park Hot Springs National Park
House Mouse Coyote
Norway Rat American Beaver
‘Iole 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
Mink
Gray Fox
North American River Otter
Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat
White-Tailed Deer
Virginia Opossum
Eastern Red Bat
White-Footed Mouse
Norway Rat
Eastern Cottontail

Amphibians

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park Hot Springs National Park
Bullfrog Bullfrog

Insects

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park Hot Springs National Park
Painted Lady
Monarch Butterfly
American Painted Lady
Red Admiral
Cabbage White
Honey Bee

Fish

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park Hot Springs National Park
Largemouth Bass
Green Sunfish
Bluegill
Fathead Minnow
Golden Shiner
European Carp
Yellow Bullhead
Graceful Catfish
Black Crappie
Black Bullhead
Mosquitofish
Creek Chub
Brown Bullhead
Goldfish
Smallmouth Bass

Beautiful Landscapes in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Hot Springs National Park

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is located on the Big Island of Hawaii and is home to two of the world’s most active volcanoes: Kilauea and Mauna Loa. Visitors can witness the power of nature as they hike through the park’s volcanic landscapes, including the Kilauea Iki Crater, the Thurston Lava Tube, and the Pu’u Loa Petroglyphs. The park also offers scenic drives and breathtaking overlooks, including the Jaggar Museum and the Volcano House.

Hot Springs National Park, located in Arkansas, is known for its 47 hot springs that have been used for therapeutic purposes for centuries. The park features a scenic drive through the Ouachita Mountains, as well as hiking trails that lead to beautiful waterfalls, such as the Gulpha Gorge Falls, and natural hot springs, like the Buckstaff Bathhouse. Visitors can also explore the historic bathhouses in the park, including the Fordyce Bathhouse, which now serves as the park’s visitor center.

Things To-Do and Activities in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Hot Springs National Park

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Hot Springs National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States, but they offer very different experiences for visitors.

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is known for its active volcanoes and stunning landscapes. Visitors can see the Kilauea and Mauna Loa volcanoes up close, and hike through the volcanic landscapes. There are several scenic drives available, including the Crater Rim Drive and the Chain of Craters Road, which offer breathtaking views of the park’s natural beauty. The park also offers guided walks and ranger-led programs, which provide visitors with a deeper understanding of the park’s cultural and natural history.

Hot Springs National Park, on the other hand, is known for its hot springs and historic bathhouses. The park offers several hot spring pools where visitors can soak and relax, as well as hiking trails that lead to scenic overlooks and waterfalls. The park’s historic bathhouses, such as the Buckstaff Bathhouse and the Quapaw Bathhouse, offer traditional bath treatments and massages. Visitors can also explore the park’s historic district, which features Victorian-style buildings and museums that showcase the park’s rich history.

Both parks offer unique experiences for visitors, but it ultimately comes down to personal preference. Whether you prefer to explore a volcanic landscape or relax in a hot spring, both Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Hot Springs National Park are must-visit destinations for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

Best Time to Visit Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Hot Springs National Park

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Hot Springs National Park are two of the United States’ most popular national parks. While they are located in very different parts of the country and have different climates, both parks are popular destinations for visitors looking to experience the natural beauty of the United States.

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is located on the Big Island of Hawaii and is known for its active volcanoes and lush tropical environment. The park experiences a subtropical climate, with warm, humid conditions year-round. The park is most popular with visitors between April and September, when temperatures are warm and the weather is dry. However, the park’s location near the equator means that it is subject to sudden rain showers, so visitors should be prepared for wet weather at any time of year.

Hot Springs National Park, on the other hand, is located in the Ouachita Mountains of Arkansas and is known for its hot springs and scenic views. The park experiences a humid subtropical climate, with hot, humid summers and mild winters. The park’s hot springs are most popular with visitors during the summer months, when temperatures are warm and the weather is pleasant. However, during the winter, the park can experience cold temperatures and snow, making it a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts.

Overall, both parks offer unique experiences for visitors, and the best time to visit will depend on personal preferences and interests. Those looking for warm, tropical weather and lush vegetation should plan a trip to Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park during the summer months, while those interested in hot springs and winter sports should plan a trip to Hot Springs National Park during the winter.

Family Friendliness of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Hot Springs National Park

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Hot Springs National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the US, and each has its own unique attractions and amenities that make it a great destination for families.

When it comes to family-friendliness, Hot Springs National Park offers a more relaxed and leisurely experience. With its natural hot springs, visitors can soak in the hot water pools and enjoy the scenic views of the surrounding mountains. The park also has several picnic areas, hiking trails, and campgrounds that are perfect for families.

On the other hand, Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park offers a more adventurous and educational experience. The park is home to two of the world’s most active volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa, and visitors can take guided walks and hikes to see these magnificent natural wonders up close. The park also has several educational programs and ranger-led activities that are designed to teach families about the unique geology and culture of the Hawaiian Islands.

So, which park is better to visit if you’re traveling with children? It depends on what type of experience you’re looking for. If you’re looking for a more relaxed and leisurely experience, then Hot Springs National Park is a great choice. But if you’re looking for a more adventurous and educational experience, then Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is the way to go.

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