Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park are two of the most breathtaking and unique national parks in the United States. Both parks offer stunning natural beauty, unique wildlife, and endless opportunities for adventure, but they are very different in many ways.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is located on the Big Island of Hawai’i and is home to one of the world’s most active volcanoes, Kilauea. Visitors can witness flowing lava, steam vents, and the creation of new land. It is a truly awe-inspiring experience.
On the other hand, Kenai Fjords National Park is located in Alaska and is home to glaciers, fjords, and a diverse array of wildlife including whales, seals, and sea otters. The park offers opportunities for kayaking, hiking, and wildlife viewing. It is a breathtaking landscape of ice and water.
In this article, we will compare these two national parks and help you decide which one is right for you. Whether you’re interested in exploring the fiery landscape of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park or the icy wilderness of Kenai Fjords National Park, you’re sure to have a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Get ready to pack your bags, and journey into the heart of two of America’s most magnificent national parks.
Hiking Trails in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. While both offer spectacular views and unique landscapes, they also have their distinct differences.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park offers a variety of hikes ranging from easy walks to strenuous backcountry adventures. One of the easiest hikes is the Kilauea Iki Trail, a 4-mile round trip hike that leads to the crater floor of the Kilauea Iki volcano. The trail offers stunning views of the lush rainforest and volcanic landscape. On the other hand, one of the most challenging hikes in the park is the Mauna Loa Summit Trail, a grueling 13-mile hike to the summit of the largest active volcano in the world.
Kenai Fjords National Park is located in Alaska and is known for its stunning glaciers and fjords. Hiking in the park is limited due to the rugged terrain, but there are still plenty of options for visitors. One of the easiest hikes is the Exit Glacier Nature Trail, a 1.8-mile round trip hike that leads to the face of the glacier. The trail offers stunning views of the glacier and the surrounding mountains. For those looking for a more challenging hike, the Harding Icefield Trail is a strenuous 8.2-mile hike that leads to the top of the icefield with stunning views of glaciers, fjords, and mountains.
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 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 Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is located on the Big Island of Hawai’i and is home to two active volcanoes, Mauna Loa and Kīlauea. The park is a unique habitat for a variety of wildlife, including endemic species such as the Hawaiian goose (nēnē) and the Hawaiian hawk (‘io). Visitors may also spot Hawaiian hoary bats, which are the only native land mammals in the state. The park also offers the chance to see a range of plant species, including the rare ‘ōhi‘a lehua tree, which is the state flower of Hawaii.
Kenai Fjords National Park, located in Alaska, is a rugged, coastal wilderness that provides a habitat for a diverse array of wildlife. Visitors to the park can expect to see a variety of marine mammals, including humpback whales, sea otters, and harbor seals. The park is also home to over 40 species of birds, including the bald eagle and the tufted puffin. On land, visitors may see moose, black and brown bears, and Dall’s sheep. In addition to the wildlife, the park offers stunning views of glaciers and fjords, making it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park | Kenai Fjords 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 | |
| Bald Eagle | |
| Song Sparrow | |
| European Starling | |
| Northern Pintail | |
| American Wigeon | |
| Green-Winged Teal | |
| American Pipit |
Mammals
| Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park | Kenai Fjords National Park |
|---|---|
| House Mouse | Coyote |
| Norway Rat | American Beaver |
| ‘Iole | 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
| Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park | Kenai Fjords National Park |
|---|---|
| Bullfrog | Wood Frog |
Insects
| Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park | Kenai Fjords National Park |
|---|---|
| Painted Lady | |
| Monarch Butterfly | |
| American Painted Lady | |
| Red Admiral | |
| Cabbage White | |
| Honey Bee |
Fish
| Hawai’i Volcanoes 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 Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is a stunning destination for those who love to admire natural beauty. The famous landscapes in this park include the Kilauea and Mauna Loa, two of the world’s largest active volcanoes. Visitors can hike through the desert-like landscapes of the Kilauea crater and see steam vents, fissures and other geological features that are unique to this area. In addition to the volcanoes, the park offers scenic drives, including the Crater Rim Drive, which provides breathtaking views of the Kilauea caldera.
On the other hand, Kenai Fjords National Park in Alaska is famous for its stunning fjords and glaciers. The park is home to the Harding Icefield, which is one of the largest ice fields in the United States. Visitors can take boat tours to see the glaciers and wildlife in the area, including whales, sea lions and otters. The park also offers several hiking trails, including the Exit Glacier Trail, which provides visitors with an up-close view of the glacier and its surroundings. The park’s rugged coastline and glaciers provide a stunning backdrop for kayaking and fishing expeditions.
Things To-Do and Activities in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is a popular destination for people who want to experience the unique and dramatic landscapes that the Hawaiian Islands have to offer. The park is one of the active volcanoes in the world, and visitors can witness the power of nature at work and learn about the geological and cultural history of the area. Some popular activities include visiting the Jaggar Museum, which provides information about the park’s volcanic and seismic activity, and taking a scenic drive along Crater Rim Drive. Visitors can also hike to the summit of Kilauea, one of the world’s most active volcanoes.
Kenai Fjords National Park, on the other hand, is a must-visit destination for people who are looking to experience the beauty and majesty of Alaska’s glaciers. The park is known for its stunning fjords and glaciers, and visitors can take a scenic boat tour to see them up close. Wildlife viewing is also a popular activity in Kenai Fjords, with opportunities to see whales, sea otters, and sea lions. Visitors can also explore the park on foot and hike to see the glaciers and fjords from a different perspective. The park offers a range of hikes, from easy walks to challenging backcountry adventures.
Best Time to Visit Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. The seasonal weather in each park greatly impacts the best time of year to visit.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is located on the Big Island of Hawaii and has a tropical climate with warm temperatures throughout the year. The park experiences a rainy season from November to April and a dry season from May to October. During the rainy season, visitors can expect heavy rainfall and misty conditions, making it difficult to see the park’s scenic views. The dry season is the best time to visit, as the weather is sunny and clear with comfortable temperatures.
Kenai Fjords National Park, located in Alaska, has a far different climate than Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. The park experiences a cool and rainy climate, with temperatures ranging from the low 40s to mid-50s during the summer months. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing, making the park inaccessible. The best time to visit the park is during the summer months, when the weather is mild and the glaciers and wildlife are easily accessible.
In conclusion, both Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park offer unique and beautiful natural landscapes, but the best time to visit each park depends on the weather. If you’re looking for warm and sunny weather, the dry season in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is the best time to go. If you’re looking for mild temperatures and the chance to see glaciers and wildlife, the summer months in Kenai Fjords National Park are the best time to visit.
Family Friendliness of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park are two very different national parks. Both are great destinations for families, but each has its own unique features that make it more suitable for certain types of travelers.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is a great option for families who are interested in natural history and geology. The park is home to the active Kilauea volcano, and visitors can see steam vents, walk through lava tubes, and take guided hikes to see the volcanic landscapes. The park also offers several educational programs for children, including a Junior Ranger program and various ranger-led activities.
On the other hand, Kenai Fjords National Park is a great choice for families who are interested in marine life and outdoor activities. The park is located in Alaska and is home to glaciers, fjords, and a variety of wildlife, including whales, sea lions, and sea otters. Visitors can take boat tours to see the glaciers and wildlife, or hike in the park to see the stunning scenery. The park also offers guided kayaking trips, which are a great way for families to get up close and personal with the marine environment.
In conclusion, both Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park are great options for families, but each park is better suited for different types of travelers. If you’re interested in natural history and geology, Hawai’i Volcanoes is the way to go, while if you’re more interested in marine life and outdoor activities, Kenai Fjords is the better choice.