Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Isle Royale National Park are two of the most unique and awe-inspiring national parks in the United States. These parks offer visitors an opportunity to experience the raw beauty of nature, with each park providing its own unique set of attractions and experiences. From the active volcanoes of Hawai’i to the rugged wilderness of Isle Royale, these parks are a must-see for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
But which park is right for you? Choosing between these two incredible destinations can be a tough decision, but this article is here to help. Whether you’re looking for an active volcano to explore, or a remote island to hike and camp, this article will guide you through the best options for your next adventure. So get ready to pack your bags, grab your hiking boots, and join us as we compare Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Isle Royale National Park!
Hiking Trails in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Isle Royale National Park
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Isle Royale National Park are two distinct and beautiful parks that offer a variety of hiking trails for visitors. Both parks are known for their natural beauty and unique geological features, but their hiking trails differ in many ways.
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. The park offers a range of hiking trails, from easy walks to strenuous backcountry treks. Some of the easiest hikes include the Crater Rim Trail, which is a 2.5-mile walk around the rim of Kilauea Caldera, and the Volcano House Trail, a short walk to the historic Volcano House. The hardest hike in the park is the Mauna Loa Summit Trail, a challenging 13-mile round-trip hike that takes visitors to the summit of the Mauna Loa volcano.
Isle Royale National Park is located in Lake Superior and is comprised of one large island and several smaller islands. The park offers a range of hiking trails, from easy walks to backcountry treks. Some of the easiest hikes include the Minong Ridge Trail, a 2.5-mile walk to a scenic overlook, and the Rock Harbor Lighthouse Trail, a short walk to the historic lighthouse. The hardest hike in the park is the Greenstone Ridge Trail, a challenging 45-mile trail that takes visitors from one end of the island to the other.
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 Isle Royale National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Greenstone Ridge Trail: Windigo to Tobin Harbor | 63568.93 | 1216.7616 | Hard | point to point | 4 |
| Rainbow Cove Trail | 2253.076 | 21.9456 | Easy | out and back | 5 |
| Malone Bay to Hatchett Lake | 37658.556 | 664.7688 | Moderate | out and back | 0 |
| Ishpeming Trail to Ishpeming Point | 23496.364 | 339.852 | Moderate | out and back | 0 |
Wildlife in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Isle Royale National Park
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Isle Royale National Park are two unique national parks that offer diverse landscapes and wildlife.
At Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, visitors can expect to see a variety of endemic species, such as Nene (Hawaiian Goose), ‘Io (Hawaiian Hawk), and the Hawaiian happy-face spider. The park is also home to several active volcanoes, including Kilauea and Mauna Loa, which offer breathtaking views and the opportunity to witness the power of nature. In addition, the park is surrounded by lush tropical forests, which provide a habitat for a diverse range of plants and animals, including the Hawaiian silversword, a rare and endemic plant species.
In contrast, Isle Royale National Park is located in Lake Superior and is a haven for wildlife, including moose, wolves, and foxes. The park is also a popular destination for birdwatchers, as it is home to over 160 species of birds, including the common loon, boreal owl, and bald eagle. The park’s rugged terrain and dense forests provide a perfect habitat for these species and offer visitors the opportunity to witness the beauty of the wilderness and the delicate balance of nature.
Visitors to both parks can enjoy hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities, but each park offers a unique and unforgettable experience for those who appreciate the beauty of nature and the diversity of wildlife.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Isle Royale National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park | Isle Royale 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 | Isle Royale National Park |
|---|---|
| House Mouse | Coyote |
| Norway Rat | American Beaver |
| ‘Iole | Muskrat |
| Domestic Cattle | Big Brown Bat |
| Feral Hog | Striped Skunk |
| Little Brown Bat | |
| Deer Mouse | |
| Silver-Haired Bat | |
| Hoary Bat | |
| Red Fox | |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | |
| Mink | |
| Gray Wolf | |
| Short-Tailed Weasel | |
| Snowshoe Hare | |
| North American River Otter | |
| Canada Lynx | |
| Marten | |
| Moose | |
| Red Bat | |
| Norway Rat | |
| Southern Red-Backed Vole | |
| Northern Long-Eared Bat |
Amphibians
| Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park | Isle Royale National Park |
|---|---|
| Bullfrog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Wood Frog |
Insects
| Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park | Isle Royale National Park |
|---|---|
| Painted Lady | |
| Monarch Butterfly | |
| American Painted Lady | |
| Red Admiral | |
| Cabbage White | |
| Honey Bee |
Fish
| Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park | Isle Royale National Park |
|---|---|
| Redband Trout | |
| Coaster Brook Trout | |
| Brown Trout | |
| Longnose Sucker | |
| Harvey Lake Fathead Minnow | |
| Golden Shiner | |
| Lake Trout | |
| Northern Pike | |
| Ellpout | |
| Coho Salmon | |
| Chinook Salmon | |
| Mottled Sculpin | |
| Slimy Sculpin | |
| Longnose Dace | |
| Black Crappie | |
| Pink Salmon | |
| Creek Chub |
Beautiful Landscapes in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Isle Royale National Park
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is located on the Big Island of Hawai’i and is one of the most unique parks in the National Park System. The park contains two active volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa, and visitors can witness the creation of new land as lava flows into the ocean. In addition to its volcanic landscape, the park also features lush rainforests, steam vents, and other geological wonders.
Isle Royale National Park is located in Lake Superior and is the largest island in the lake. It is a remote wilderness area with rugged terrain, including forests, lakes, and extensive shoreline. The park is famous for its diverse wildlife, including moose and wolves. Visitors can hike, camp, and explore the island’s natural beauty, as well as take boat tours to see the surrounding islands.
Both parks offer unique and breathtaking landscapes that can’t be found anywhere else. Whether you’re interested in volcanoes, wilderness, or wildlife, both Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Isle Royale National Park offer something for everyone.
Things To-Do and Activities in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Isle Royale National Park
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Isle Royale National Park both offer unique and diverse natural attractions for visitors. Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is known for its live volcanoes, offering visitors the chance to witness Kilauea and Mauna Loa in action. The park also features scenic drives, such as the Crater Rim Drive, and various trails that showcase the lush tropical rainforest and unique volcanic landscapes. In addition, the park offers guided hikes and ranger-led programs that educate visitors about the park’s geology, history, and culture.
Isle Royale National Park is located in Lake Superior and is the largest island in the Great Lakes. The park is popular for its scenic boat tours, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing opportunities. Visitors can also hike the various trails that cross the rugged wilderness, including the Greenstone Ridge Trail which offers stunning views of the island’s rugged terrain and scenic vistas. In addition, the park is known for its diverse wildlife, including moose, wolves, and various bird species, offering visitors the chance to observe these animals in their natural habitat.
Both parks offer unique experiences for visitors and are ideal destinations for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you prefer exploring volcanic landscapes or island wilderness, both parks offer a variety of activities and attractions to suit everyone’s interests.
Best Time to Visit Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Isle Royale National Park
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Isle Royale National Park are two of the most unique and diverse national parks in the United States. Both parks offer unique experiences for visitors, but the seasonal weather patterns are quite different.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, located on the Big Island of Hawaii, has a tropical climate with hot, humid summers and mild, dry winters. The average temperature in the summer is around 80°F (27°C) and can reach up to 90°F (32°C) during the day. The best time to visit the park is during the spring and fall when the weather is dry and mild, with temperatures ranging from 60-80°F (16-27°C).
On the other hand, Isle Royale National Park is located in Lake Superior and has a more temperate, maritime climate. The summer temperatures average around 60-70°F (16-21°C) and can occasionally reach into the 80s (27°C). Winters are cold and snowy, with average temperatures ranging from 20-30°F (-6 to -1°C). The best time to visit the park is during the summer months, when the weather is mild and the park is accessible by ferry.
In conclusion, both parks offer unique experiences, but the seasonal weather patterns are quite different. Visitors to Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park should plan their trip during the spring or fall, while those visiting Isle Royale National Park should plan their trip during the summer months.
Family Friendliness of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Isle Royale National Park
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Isle Royale National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both parks offer unique and breathtaking landscapes, but when it comes to family-friendliness, they are quite different.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is a great destination for families with children of all ages. The park offers a number of educational programs and activities that are designed for kids. Additionally, there are several easy hiking trails with stunning views of the volcanic landscapes, making it a great place for families to explore together. With its warm climate and beautiful beaches, families can also enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, such as swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing.
On the other hand, Isle Royale National Park is not as family-friendly as Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. This remote and rugged park is located in the middle of Lake Superior and is only accessible by boat or seaplane. The park offers limited facilities, and the hiking trails can be challenging, making it a better destination for experienced hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. While the park is still a beautiful and unique destination, it may not be the best choice for families with young children or those looking for a more relaxed vacation experience.