Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Olympic National Park are two of the most diverse and awe-inspiring natural wonders in the United States. Both parks offer breathtaking landscapes, unique ecosystems, and a wealth of outdoor recreational opportunities. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker, a beachcomber, or a wildlife enthusiast, these parks have something for everyone.
But which one is better? That’s a tough question. Both parks are uniquely special in their own ways, and each one offers a unique experience that you won’t find anywhere else. Is it the fiery landscape of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park with its active volcanoes and lava flows that draw you in? Or is it the lush, temperate rainforests of Olympic National Park that call to your adventurous spirit?
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at both of these incredible parks, comparing and contrasting their features, attractions, and activities. By the end of this article, you’ll have a better understanding of what each park has to offer, and which one might be the best fit for your next outdoor adventure.
Hiking Trails in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Olympic National Park
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is known for its active volcanic activity, while Olympic National Park offers a diverse landscape of forests, oceans, and mountains. Both parks offer fantastic hiking opportunities, but the type of hikes available differ greatly.
At Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, the hikes consist of exploring the volcanic terrain, including craters and lava tubes. One of the easy hikes is the Kīlauea Iki Trail, which is a 4-mile round trip hike through a volcanic crater. On the other hand, a more challenging hike is the Mauna Ulu Trail, a 7-mile round trip hike through a lava field.
Olympic National Park, on the other hand, offers a variety of forest and mountain hikes. The easiest hike is the Hall of Mosses Trail, a 0.8-mile loop through a forest of towering trees covered in moss. A more challenging hike is the Hurricane Ridge Trail, a 5.5-mile round trip hike to the top of a mountain with stunning views of the surrounding wilderness.
Both parks offer unique hiking experiences and breathtaking natural beauty. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or a challenging hike, both Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Olympic National Park offer 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 Olympic National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hurricane Hill via Hurricane Ridge | 4988.954 | 242.9256 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Mount Storm King | 6276.426 | 638.8608 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Sol Duc Falls Nature Trail | 2574.944 | 77.724 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Hoh Rain Forest Hall of Moss | 1609.34 | 23.7744 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Marymere Falls Trail | 2735.878 | 90.8304 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Hoh River Trail | 52786.352 | 1558.7472 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| High Divide – Seven Lakes Basin Loop | 30577.46 | 1617.8784 | Hard | loop | 5 |
| Ruby Beach | 2253.076 | 20.7264 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Staircase Rapids Loop | 3379.614 | 64.9224 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Spruce Railroad Trail: Lake Crescent | 18024.608 | 131.9784 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Olympic National Park
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is located on the Big Island of Hawaii and is known for its active volcanoes and unique ecosystem. Some of the wildlife species you can see at the park include the Nene, a state bird of Hawaii, and several species of endemic Hawaiian bats. You may also see the Hawaiian hawk, the Hawaiian goose, and several species of endemic Hawaiian plants.
Olympic National Park, located in Washington state, is a diverse park that includes a temperate rainforest, alpine meadows, and a rugged coastline. Some of the wildlife species you can see at the park include black bears, elk, and eagles. The park is also home to several species of salmon and steelhead. The Hoh Rainforest, one of the park’s most popular attractions, is home to many species of ferns, mosses, and trees, including the Sitka spruce, western hemlock, and Douglas fir.
Both parks offer unique wildlife experiences, but they are very different. If you’re interested in seeing active volcanoes and endemic Hawaiian species, then Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is the place for you. On the other hand, if you’re interested in seeing a diverse range of wildlife and experiencing a temperate rainforest, then Olympic National Park is the place for you.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Olympic National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park | Olympic 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 | Barn Swallow |
| Northern Cardinal | Savannah Sparrow |
| California Quail | Great Blue Heron |
| Hermit Thrush | |
| American Kestrel | |
| Bald Eagle | |
| Song Sparrow | |
| European Starling | |
| Northern Pintail | |
| American Wigeon | |
| Green-Winged Teal | |
| American Pipit |
Mammals
| Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park | Olympic 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 | |
| Raccoon | |
| Black Bear | |
| Porcupine | |
| Silver-Haired Bat | |
| Red Fox | |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | |
| House Mouse | |
| Wolf | |
| Long-Legged Myotis | |
| Long-Eared Myotis | |
| California Myotis | |
| Snowshoe Rabbit | |
| North American River Otter | |
| Fringe-Tailed Myotis | |
| Masked Shrew | |
| Water Shrew | |
| Western Big-Eared Bat | |
| Bushy-Tailed Woodrat |
Amphibians
| Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park | Olympic National Park |
|---|---|
| Bullfrog | Bullfrog |
Insects
| Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park | Olympic National Park |
|---|---|
| Painted Lady | Honey Bee |
| Monarch Butterfly | |
| American Painted Lady | |
| Red Admiral | |
| Cabbage White | |
| Honey Bee |
Fish
| Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park | Olympic National Park |
|---|---|
| Steelhead/Rainbow Trout | |
| Brook Trout | |
| Largemouth Bass | |
| Salish Sucker | |
| Coho Salmon | |
| Chinook Salmon | |
| Longnose Dace | |
| Speckled Dace | |
| Threespine Stickleback | |
| Sockeye Salmon | |
| Pink Salmon | |
| Chum Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Cutthroat Trout |
Reptiles
| Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park | Olympic National Park |
|---|---|
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | |
| Common Garter Snake | |
| Rubber Boa | |
| Western Fence Lizard |
Beautiful Landscapes in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Olympic National Park
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is located on the Big Island of Hawaii and is widely known for its active volcanoes, Kīlauea and Mauna Loa. Visitors can witness the power of nature with volcanic eruptions, steam vents, and the creation of new land. The park also boasts lush rainforests, unique volcanic landscapes, and cultural sites, including the historic Jaggar Museum.
Olympic National Park in Washington State is a diverse landscape with a vast range of environments, including glaciers, temperate rainforests, and alpine meadows. The park is also known for its natural beauty, including the Hoh Rainforest, Hurricane Ridge, and the stunning Sol Duc Falls. Additionally, Olympic National Park is home to diverse wildlife, including the Olympic marmot, black bears, and elk.
Both parks offer a unique and breathtaking experience for visitors. Whether you are interested in exploring a volcanic landscape or a lush rainforest, these parks have something for everyone. With the combination of natural beauty and recreational opportunities, such as hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing, both Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Olympic National Park provide an unforgettable experience.
Things To-Do and Activities in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Olympic National Park
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is a unique national park located on the Big Island of Hawaii. The park is known for its active volcano and diverse landscapes, which include rainforests, deserts, and coastal areas. The most popular activities at this park include exploring the lava tubes, seeing the steam vents, visiting the Jaggar Museum, and witnessing the spectacular sunsets.
Olympic National Park, on the other hand, is located in Washington State and is known for its diverse landscapes, including old-growth forests, rugged coastline, and alpine meadows. The most popular activities at this park include exploring the scenic beaches, hiking through the lush forests, visiting the Sol Duc Falls, and exploring the Olympic Rain Forest.
Both parks offer an array of outdoor recreational activities for visitors to enjoy. At Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, visitors can hike through the diverse landscapes, view the steam vents, and witness the spectacular sunsets. At Olympic National Park, visitors can explore the scenic beaches, hike through the lush forests and visit the Sol Duc Falls. Both parks offer a unique and memorable experience for visitors, whether they are looking for adventure or just want to relax and soak up the natural beauty of the parks.
Best Time to Visit Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Olympic National Park
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Olympic National Park are two vastly different parks with different weather patterns. Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is located on the Big Island of Hawai’i and is known for its tropical climate with high temperatures and high levels of precipitation throughout the year. On the other hand, Olympic National Park is located in Washington State and has a more temperate climate with mild temperatures and high levels of precipitation from October to May.
The best time of year to visit Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is from April to October when temperatures are mild and there is less rainfall. During the winter months, temperatures can drop to the low 60s, and heavy rainfall can make it difficult to explore the park. On the other hand, the best time to visit Olympic National Park is from June to September when temperatures are mild and there is less rainfall. Winter months can be cold, with temperatures dropping below freezing, and heavy snowfall can make it difficult to access some of the park’s popular attractions.
In conclusion, both Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Olympic National Park offer unique experiences, but the weather can greatly affect the best time of year to visit. Those interested in visiting Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park should plan a trip during the drier months of April to October, while those interested in visiting Olympic National Park should plan a trip during the drier months of June to September.
Family Friendliness of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Olympic National Park
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is a fascinating place for families to visit, with its active volcanoes and diverse landscapes. The park offers a range of educational opportunities, including ranger-led hikes and talks, as well as a junior ranger program for children. The park is also home to the Thomas A. Jaggar Museum, which provides hands-on exhibits and interactive displays about volcanic activity and the formation of the Hawaiian Islands.
Olympic National Park, on the other hand, is a great option for families who enjoy the great outdoors. With its lush, old-growth forests, pristine lakes, and rugged coastline, there’s no shortage of opportunities for outdoor adventure and exploration. The park offers many family-friendly hikes, ranger-led activities, and campgrounds, making it a great place for families to spend time together.
Both parks offer unique experiences and opportunities for families to learn and explore, but if you’re traveling with children, Olympic National Park may be the better choice. With its diverse range of outdoor activities and stunning natural surroundings, it provides a perfect setting for families to bond and make memories. Additionally, Olympic National Park is a little more accessible for families, with easier trails and more facilities for families, such as picnic areas and playgrounds.