Aloha! Ever dreamt of experiencing the power of an erupting volcano or the serenity of rolling dunes? Look no further than the National Parks of the United States. Two of the most unique and contrasting parks are the Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and the Indiana Dunes National Park.
On one hand, you have the fiery landscape of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, where the Kīlauea and Mauna Loa volcanoes have been continuously erupting for thousands of years. Imagine hiking through ancient lava flows, seeing steam vents and sulfur banks, and feeling the heat from the Halema‘uma‘u Crater.
On the other hand, Indiana Dunes National Park offers a completely different atmosphere, where sand dunes stretch as far as the eye can see along the southern shore of Lake Michigan. Here, you can explore over 15,000 acres of diverse habitats, from black oak forests to wetlands and prairies, all while enjoying the soothing sound of crashing waves.
Join us as we take a closer look at these two unique National Parks and discover what makes them each truly one-of-a-kind.
Hiking Trails in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Indiana Dunes National Park
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Indiana Dunes National Park are two unique and distinctive national parks that offer a range of outdoor experiences. When it comes to hiking, both parks offer a variety of trails that cater to different levels of difficulty.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park has a number of trails that lead visitors through diverse landscapes, from volcanic craters to lush rainforests. The park offers trails for all skill levels, including the easy and popular Kīlauea Iki Trail, which is a 4-mile loop through a volcanic crater, and the strenuous 11-mile round trip hike to the summit of Mauna Loa.
On the other hand, Indiana Dunes National Park offers a diverse range of hikes through sand dunes, forests, wetlands and along the shores of Lake Michigan. One of the easiest trails is the Pinhook Bog Nature Preserve, a 1.5-mile loop through a unique wetland ecosystem. For more experienced hikers, there’s the challenging and strenuous Cowles Bog Trail, a 3-mile hike through sand dunes and wetlands.
In conclusion, both Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Indiana Dunes National Park offer unique and diverse hiking experiences, with trails for all skill levels. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing stroll or a challenging hike, these parks have something for everyone.
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 Indiana Dunes National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cowles Bog Trail | 6920.162 | 64.9224 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Little Calumet River Trail Loop | 6276.426 | 50.9016 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| West Beach Loop with Scallop Dunes and Long Lake Trail | 5471.756 | 78.9432 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| Dune Succession and West Beach Walk | 4345.218 | 43.8912 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| West Beach Loop | 1770.274 | 28.956 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Miller Woods Trail | 6115.492 | 40.8432 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Dune Ridge Trail | 1448.406 | 26.8224 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| Tolleston Dunes | 5149.888 | 52.7304 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| Beach Trail to Waverly Beach | 1609.34 | 5.7912 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Indiana’s Lake Michigan Shoreline Scenic Drive | 35083.612 | 84.7344 | Moderate | point to point | 3.5 |
Wildlife in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Indiana Dunes National Park
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is a unique environment that is home to a variety of flora and fauna found nowhere else on the planet. Visitors to the park can expect to see a wide range of endemic species, including the Hawaiian hawk, the nene goose, and the silversword plant. The park also offers the opportunity to see active volcanoes, such as Kilauea, which has been continuously erupting since 1983.
In contrast, Indiana Dunes National Park is located on the southern shore of Lake Michigan and is home to a diverse array of wildlife and plants. Visitors to the park can expect to see species such as the white-tailed deer, the great blue heron, and the eastern grey squirrel. The park is also home to a variety of unique habitats, including sand dunes, forests, wetlands, and prairies, each of which supports its own unique array of wildlife.
Both parks offer visitors the opportunity to witness the beauty and diversity of nature, but the type of wildlife and habitats found at each park is quite different. Whether you are a bird-watcher, animal lover, or just enjoy being in the great outdoors, both Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Indiana Dunes National Park are must-visit destinations.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Indiana Dunes National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park | Indiana Dunes 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 | Indiana Dunes 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 | Indiana Dunes National Park |
|---|---|
| Bullfrog | Bullfrog |
Insects
| Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park | Indiana Dunes National Park |
|---|---|
| Painted Lady | |
| Monarch Butterfly | |
| American Painted Lady | |
| Red Admiral | |
| Cabbage White | |
| Honey Bee |
Fish
| Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park | Indiana Dunes 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 Indiana Dunes National Park
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is a unique and fascinating destination with a diverse landscape. The park is famous for its active volcano, Kīlauea, which is one of the most active in the world. Visitors to the park can witness the power of nature as lava flows into the ocean, creating a spectacular show of light and fire. Another famous landscape in the park is the Halemaʻumaʻu Crater, which is a large, steaming volcanic crater that offers breathtaking views.
Indiana Dunes National Park, on the other hand, is known for its lush, rolling sand dunes along the southern shore of Lake Michigan. The park is a popular destination for hiking, swimming, and beach activities, with 15 miles of pristine beaches and over 50 miles of hiking trails. One of the most famous landscapes in the park is the West Beach, which offers panoramic views of the lake and the surrounding dunes. The park also features several wetlands and marshes, which are home to a diverse range of wildlife, including many species of birds and other animals.
Things To-Do and Activities in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Indiana Dunes National Park
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Indiana Dunes National Park are two very different parks that offer unique experiences. At Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, visitors can witness the power of nature as they hike through volcanic landscapes and see the glow of Kilauea’s lava lake. In contrast, Indiana Dunes National Park is a place for beach lovers, as it has over 15 miles of beach on Lake Michigan.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is also a destination for birdwatching, as it is home to many endemic bird species. Visitors can also explore the park’s lush rainforest, and see steam vents and sulfur banks. In addition, the park offers a variety of ranger-led programs, including night walks and campfire talks, that allow visitors to learn more about the park’s geology and history.
Indiana Dunes National Park, on the other hand, is a popular destination for water activities such as swimming, boating, and fishing. Visitors can also take a scenic drive along the park’s scenic roads and take in the views of the dunes and the lake. Additionally, the park has several nature trails that allow visitors to explore the dunes, forests, and wetlands. If you’re looking for a more strenuous workout, the park also has several challenging hikes through the dunes.
Overall, both Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Indiana Dunes National Park offer unique experiences and are great destinations for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking to witness the power of nature or simply enjoy a day at the beach, these parks have something for everyone.
Best Time to Visit Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Indiana Dunes National Park
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Indiana Dunes National Park are two vastly different parks with a lot to offer visitors. The seasonal weather at each park can greatly affect when is the best time to visit.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is located on the Big Island of Hawaii and has a tropical climate. The park has two main seasons, the wet season from November to April and the dry season from May to October. The wet season brings more rainfall, but also more lush greenery and waterfalls. The dry season is drier and sunnier, making it easier for visitors to hike and explore the park. The average temperature at the park ranges from 60-80°F.
Indiana Dunes National Park, located on the southern shore of Lake Michigan, has a temperate climate. The park has four distinct seasons, with hot summers and cold winters. Summer temperatures can reach into the 90s, while winter temperatures can drop below freezing. The park is especially beautiful in the fall when the leaves change color. Spring is also a popular time to visit, with wildflowers blooming throughout the dunes. The best time to visit Indiana Dunes National Park is during the shoulder seasons of spring and fall, when temperatures are mild and there are fewer crowds.
Both parks offer unique experiences and opportunities for visitors to explore and enjoy. The seasonal weather at each park can greatly impact when is the best time to visit, so it’s important to consider the weather when planning a trip to either Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park or Indiana Dunes National Park.
Family Friendliness of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Indiana Dunes National Park
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Indiana Dunes National Park are both family-friendly destinations, each offering unique experiences for visitors of all ages.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is a prime location for families interested in geology and natural history. With active volcanoes and a diverse array of flora and fauna, there is plenty to explore and learn about. Children can participate in ranger-led activities and educational programs that highlight the park’s unique features. However, the park’s remote location and challenging terrain may not be suitable for all families, especially those with very young children.
Indiana Dunes National Park, on the other hand, is a great destination for families who enjoy the great outdoors. With 15,000 acres of sand dunes, forests, wetlands, and prairies, there are plenty of opportunities for hiking, fishing, and beach activities. The park also offers a variety of ranger-led programs and events for children, including nature walks and campfire programs. In addition, the park’s close proximity to major cities like Chicago makes it a convenient and accessible destination for families.
In conclusion, both Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Indiana Dunes National Park offer unique and family-friendly experiences. However, if you are traveling with young children, Indiana Dunes National Park may be the better option due to its accessibility and range of outdoor activities.