Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park are two of the most unique and diverse national parks in the United States. Both parks offer visitors a chance to experience the raw power of nature and escape the hustle and bustle of daily life. However, the similarities end there, as each park has its own unique features and landscape that sets it apart from the other.
For those seeking adventure and a chance to witness the creation of new land, Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is the place to be. Here, visitors can witness the eruption of one of the world’s most active volcanoes, Kīlauea, and explore a constantly changing landscape created by volcanic activity. On the other hand, Kobuk Valley National Park in Alaska offers a completely different experience. This park is known for its massive sand dunes, created by the winds blowing the sands from the Kobuk River.
So, which park is right for you? If you’re looking for a chance to witness the raw power of nature and escape the hustle and bustle of daily life, both parks are perfect destinations. But, if you’re looking for a specific type of adventure, whether it be hiking through a constantly changing volcanic landscape or wandering through sand dunes as far as the eye can see, each park offers a unique experience.
Hiking Trails in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is located in the Big Island of Hawaii and is home to Kilauea and Mauna Loa, two of the world’s most active volcanoes. The park offers a wide range of hiking trails, from easy walks to strenuous hikes. Some of the easiest hikes include the Kilauea Iki Trail, a 4-mile loop through a volcanic crater, and the Crater Rim Trail, an 11-mile trail that provides breathtaking views of the park’s volcanoes. For those seeking a more challenging experience, the Mauna Loa Summit Trail is a strenuous 23-mile hike that takes you to the top of the world’s largest active volcano.
Kobuk Valley National Park, located in Alaska, is a remote park that is home to the largest sand dunes in North America. The park’s hiking trails range from easy walks to strenuous hikes. Some of the easiest hikes include the Sand Dunes Trail, a 1.5-mile trail that takes you through the park’s stunning sand dunes, and the Little Kobuk River Trail, a 4-mile trail that offers views of the park’s unique landscapes. The park’s hardest hike is the 11-mile backpacking trip to the park’s remote backcountry. This hike takes you through the park’s rugged terrain and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding wilderness. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just looking for a leisurely walk, Kobuk Valley National Park has 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 Kobuk Valley 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 | 4.6 |
Wildlife in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is located on the Big Island of Hawaii and is known for its active volcanoes and diverse landscape. Visitors can expect to see a variety of wildlife, including endemic species such as the Nene goose and the Hawaiian hawk. Additionally, the park is home to many different species of birds, including the colorful apapane and the elusive ʻio. The park’s lush vegetation, such as the ohia lehua and the hapuʻu fern, provides habitat for many different species of insects and other small animals.
Kobuk Valley National Park, located in Alaska, is known for its sand dunes and caribou herds. Visitors will find a unique landscape, with towering sand dunes surrounded by tundra and boreal forest. The park is home to several species of birds, including the common raven, the willow ptarmigan and the rock sandpiper. Additionally, visitors may have the opportunity to see caribou and grizzly bears in their natural habitats. The park’s unique landscape also supports unique plant species, such as the northern Labrador tea and the Arctic blueberry.
In conclusion, both Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park offer visitors the opportunity to see a diversity of wildlife, including birds and plants that are unique to each park’s ecosystem. Whether you’re interested in volcanoes and endemic species, or sand dunes and caribou, these two national parks are sure to provide a memorable wildlife viewing experience.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park | Kobuk Valley 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 | Northern Flicker |
| Chukar | Merlin |
| Ruddy Turnstone | Savannah Sparrow |
| Northern Cardinal | American Kestrel |
| California Quail | Bald Eagle |
| Northern Pintail | |
| American Wigeon | |
| Green-Winged Teal | |
| American Pipit | |
| Swainson’s Thrush | |
| White-Crowned Sparrow | |
| Northern Shoveler | |
| Golden Eagle | |
| Rough-Legged Hawk |
Mammals
| Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park | Kobuk Valley National Park |
|---|---|
| House Mouse | Coyote |
| Norway Rat | American Beaver |
| ‘Iole | Muskrat |
| Domestic Cattle | Black Bear |
| Feral Hog | Porcupine |
| Red Fox | |
| Mink | |
| Wolf | |
| Short-Tailed Weasel | |
| Snowshoe Hare | |
| River Otter | |
| Common Shrew | |
| Red Squirrel | |
| Montane Shrew | |
| Lynx | |
| Wolverine | |
| American Marten | |
| Grizzly Bear | |
| Moose | |
| Least Weasel | |
| Pygmy Shrew | |
| Northern Bog Lemming |
Amphibians
| Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park | Kobuk Valley National Park |
|---|---|
| Bullfrog | Wood Frog |
Insects
| Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park | Kobuk Valley National Park |
|---|---|
| Painted Lady | |
| Monarch Butterfly | |
| American Painted Lady | |
| Red Admiral | |
| Cabbage White | |
| Honey Bee |
Fish
| Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park | Kobuk Valley National Park |
|---|---|
| Longnose Sucker | |
| Lake Trout | |
| Northern Pike | |
| Burbot | |
| Coho Salmon | |
| King Salmon | |
| Slimy Sculpin | |
| Alaskan Stickleback | |
| Pink Salmon | |
| Chum Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Arctic Grayling |
Beautiful Landscapes in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Kobuk Valley 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. The park offers visitors the chance to witness the geological forces that shape the earth, including incredible volcanic landscapes, as well as lush rainforest, steam vents, and scenic coastline. Some of the park’s most famous landscapes include the Halemaʻumaʻu Crater, the Thurston Lava Tube, and the Kilauea Iki Crater.
Kobuk Valley National Park, on the other hand, is located in Alaska and is home to incredible sand dunes that are surrounded by stunning mountain ranges. The sand dunes are formed from sand and silt deposits from the Kobuk River and are the largest dunes in the Arctic Circle. Visitors can explore the dunes on foot, by hiking, or on horseback. The park also features rolling tundra, glaciers, and the Kobuk River, making it a unique and breathtaking destination for nature lovers. Some of the park’s most famous landscapes include the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes, the Little Kobuk Sand Dunes, and the Kobuk River.
Things To-Do and Activities in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park are both stunning wilderness areas with unique geological features, but they offer different experiences to visitors.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is a popular destination for those interested in exploring volcanic landscapes and learning about the geological processes that shape the Earth. Visitors can take guided tours to see the active Kīlauea volcano, hike through lava tubes, and visit the Thomas A. Jaggar Museum to learn about the history of volcanic activity in the area.
In contrast, Kobuk Valley National Park is known for its massive sand dunes and pristine wilderness. The park is home to the largest caribou herd in Alaska, and visitors can take guided tours to see these majestic animals in their natural habitat. The park also offers opportunities for backpacking, fishing, and wildlife viewing.
Whether you are interested in exploring volcanic landscapes or pristine wilderness, both Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park offer unique and memorable experiences to visitors.
Best Time to Visit Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park are two vastly different parks, not only in terms of their geography, but also in terms of their seasonal weather patterns.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is located on the Big Island of Hawaii and is home to two active volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa. The park experiences a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round, but the best time to visit is during the dry season from April to October. During this time, visitors can expect clear skies and limited rainfall.
In contrast, Kobuk Valley National Park is located in Alaska and is known for its stunning sand dunes and the annual migration of caribou. The park experiences a subarctic climate with cold winter temperatures and short, mild summers. The best time to visit is during the summer months from June to August when the weather is mild and the caribou are in the park.
Both parks offer unique experiences and the seasonal weather patterns play a significant role in determining the best time to visit. While Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is best visited during the dry season, Kobuk Valley National Park is best visited during the summer months. Regardless of the time of year, both parks offer breathtaking natural beauty and a chance to experience some of the most unique ecosystems in the world.
Family Friendliness of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park are two very different national parks, but both are great destinations for families. When it comes to family-friendliness, both parks have their own unique features that make them special.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park offers a unique opportunity for families to learn about the Hawaiian culture and the geological wonders of the Hawaiian Islands. The park has many educational programs, such as ranger-led hikes, campfire talks, and junior ranger activities that are perfect for children. There’s also a great visitor center with interactive exhibits, videos, and a bookstore. In addition, there are many easy hikes and scenic drives that can be enjoyed by families with children of all ages.
On the other hand, Kobuk Valley National Park is a remote wilderness area in Alaska that is best for families who love the great outdoors. The park is home to the largest sand dunes in North America, and the park offers opportunities for hiking, backpacking, and fishing. The park also has a campground that offers a unique camping experience for families. However, it’s important to note that the park is remote and requires a long drive from the nearest town, so it may not be the best choice for families with young children or those with limited mobility.
Overall, both Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park are great choices for families, but the best park for families will depend on their individual interests and needs. If you’re interested in learning about the Hawaiian culture and geological wonders, then Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is the best choice. If you’re looking for a remote wilderness experience, then Kobuk Valley National Park is the way to go.