Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park vs Virgin Islands National Park

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Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park vs Virgin Islands National Park

Discover two of America’s most spectacular and diverse national parks: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Virgin Islands National Park. These two parks offer a wealth of opportunities for adventure, exploration, and relaxation. From the towering mountains of Hawaii to the pristine beaches of the Virgin Islands, these parks are a testament to the natural beauty of the United States.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is home to one of the world’s most active volcanoes, Kilauea. This park is a unique opportunity to witness the power and majesty of Mother Nature in action. With its striking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural history, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is a must-visit for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

Virgin Islands National Park, on the other hand, is a tropical paradise unlike any other. With its crystal-clear waters, pristine beaches, and lush rainforests, this park is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life. Whether you want to hike, swim, snorkel, or simply relax on the beach, Virgin Islands National Park has something for everyone.

Hiking Trails in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Virgin Islands National Park

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, located on the Big Island of Hawaii, is a unique and fascinating park that features active volcanoes and lush, tropical forests. The park is home to several trails, ranging from easy strolls to strenuous hikes. One of the easier trails is the Kilauea Iki Trail, which takes visitors through a volcanic crater filled with steam vents and other geological wonders. For those looking for a more challenging hike, the Mauna Loa Trail offers a strenuous ascent to the summit of the world’s largest shield volcano. This trail spans over 13 miles and takes several days to complete.

In contrast, Virgin Islands National Park, located on the island of St. John, is a tropical paradise with pristine beaches, lush forests, and crystal clear waters. The park boasts several hiking trails, ranging from easy nature walks to challenging hikes. One of the easier trails is the Cinnamon Bay Trail, which takes visitors through lush forests filled with tropical plants and wildlife. For those looking for a more strenuous hike, the Reef Bay Trail offers a challenging ascent to the top of a hill, where visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding islands. This trail is 4 miles long and takes several hours to complete.

Both parks offer a variety of hiking experiences and trails that cater to different skill levels and interests. Whether you’re looking for an easy nature walk or a strenuous hike, both Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Virgin Islands National Park 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 Virgin Islands National Park

Name Length Elevation Type Difficulty Visitor Ratings
Wind Canyon Trail 804.67 16.764 Easy loop 4.5
Caprock Coulee Loop 6115.492 159.7152 Moderate loop 4.5
Painted Canyon Nature Trail 1770.274 78.9432 Easy loop 4
Petrified Forest Trail 16415.268 253.8984 Moderate loop 4
Maah Daah Hey Trail 229009.082 4614.9768 Hard point to point 4.5
Lower Paddock Creek Trail 11587.248 127.7112 Moderate out and back 4.5
Buck Hill Trail 643.736 16.764 Moderate out and back 4.5
Ridgeline Nature Trail 1126.538 33.8328 Moderate out and back 4
Coal Vein Trail 965.604 4.8768 Easy loop 4
Buckhorn Trail 19633.948 324.9168 Hard loop 4.6

Wildlife in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Virgin Islands National Park

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Virgin Islands National Park are two vastly different parks with unique wildlife.

At Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, visitors can witness the unique ecosystem created by active volcanoes. One of the most notable animals is the Hawaiian nene goose, which is the state bird of Hawaii and is only found in the Hawaiian Islands. Visitors may also see Hawaiian hoary bats, Hawaiian hawks, and several species of endemic Hawaiian plants such as ōhiʻa lehua and hapuʻu ferns. The park’s volcanic activity also creates unique habitats for endemic species of insects, such as the colorful, long-tailed Kamehameha butterfly.

On the other hand, Virgin Islands National Park on St. John is home to a diverse array of wildlife in its lush tropical forests and stunning beaches. Visitors can spot a variety of bird species, including the Caribbean parrot, brown pelican, and frigate bird. The park also boasts a thriving reef system, where visitors can see a variety of marine life such as sea turtles, starfish, and colorful tropical fish. On land, visitors may see deer, iguanas, and the elusive mongoose. The park also contains a significant number of endemic plant species, including manzanilla, poisonwood, and sea grape.

Both Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Virgin Islands National Park offer unique wildlife experiences and are must-visit destinations for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Virgin Islands National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.

Birds

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park Virgin Islands 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
American Kestrel
Bald Eagle
Song Sparrow
European Starling
Northern Pintail
American Wigeon
Green-Winged Teal
Swainson’s Thrush

Mammals

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park Virgin Islands 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
Porcupine
Silver-Haired Bat
Hoary Bat
Red Fox
Long-Tailed Weasel
House Mouse
Mountain Lion
Mink
Mule Deer
Gray Wolf
Long-Legged Myotis
Long-Eared Myotis
Badger
Snowshoe Hare
North American River Otter
Masked Shrew

Amphibians

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park Virgin Islands National Park
Bullfrog Northern Leopard Frog
Tiger Salamander
Woodhouse’s Toad
Plains Spadefoot

Insects

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park Virgin Islands National Park
Painted Lady
Monarch Butterfly
American Painted Lady
Red Admiral
Cabbage White
Honey Bee

Reptiles

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park Virgin Islands National Park
Bullsnake
Racer
Rattlesnake
Sagebrush Lizard
Common Garter Snake
Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard

Fish

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park Virgin Islands National Park
Longnose Sucker
Green Sunfish
Bluegill
Flathead Minnow
Golden Shiner
Carp/European Carp
Northern Pike
Burbot
Longnose Dace
Channel Catfish
Black Bullhead
Creek Chub

Beautiful Landscapes in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Virgin Islands 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. Visitors can witness the power of nature as lava flows into the ocean creating new land. The park also offers stunning landscapes such as the Thurston Lava Tube, where you can walk through a cooled lava tube and witness the unique geological formations left behind. In addition, the park has several hiking trails that offer breathtaking views of the lush tropical rainforest and the rolling hills of the island’s interior.

Virgin Islands National Park is located on the island of St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands. This park is known for its pristine beaches, crystal clear waters, and lush green hills. Visitors can enjoy snorkeling and diving in the park’s coral reefs, which are home to a diverse array of marine life, including sea turtles and colorful tropical fish. The park also features several hiking trails that offer panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea and the rolling hills of the island. One of the most popular trails is the Reef Bay Trail, which leads visitors to the Reef Bay Sugar Mill Ruins, a historic sugar plantation that dates back to the 1700s.

Things To-Do and Activities in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Virgin Islands National Park

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Virgin Islands National Park both offer a unique and breathtaking outdoor experience. Both parks are popular destinations for adventure-seekers and nature enthusiasts.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is famous for its active volcano, Kilauea, which attracts millions of visitors each year. Visitors can observe the volcanic activity from a safe distance, take guided hikes, explore the park’s diverse ecosystems, and learn about the cultural significance of the volcano to the Hawaiian people.

Virgin Islands National Park, on the other hand, is known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and abundant marine life. The park offers a variety of water activities, including snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding, as well as hiking and bird watching. Visitors can also explore the historic sugar plantation ruins and learn about the park’s cultural and natural history.

Both parks offer a unique and unforgettable experience, but the activities and experiences differ greatly. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park offers a chance to witness the power of nature and learn about its cultural significance, while Virgin Islands National Park offers a tropical paradise for beach and water activities.

Best Time to Visit Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Virgin Islands National Park

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Virgin Islands National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. These parks have unique and diverse weather patterns that affect the best time of year to visit.

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is located on the Big Island of Hawaii and experiences a tropical climate with an average temperature of 70°F to 80°F. The park is known for its frequent rain showers and high humidity, with the wettest months being November to March and the driest months being April to October. The park is also affected by volcanic activity and can be closed due to volcanic emissions and ash fall.

On the other hand, Virgin Islands National Park is located on the islands of St. John and St. Thomas in the Caribbean and experiences a tropical climate with an average temperature of 80°F to 90°F. The park is known for its warm and sunny weather, with the wettest months being September to November and the driest months being December to August. The park is also vulnerable to hurricanes and tropical storms, which can cause closures and damage in the park.

Therefore, the best time of year to visit Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is April to October when the weather is drier and there is less chance of volcanic activity, while the best time of year to visit Virgin Islands National Park is December to August when the weather is warm and sunny with less chance of hurricanes and tropical storms.

Family Friendliness of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Virgin Islands National Park

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is a great family-friendly destination, with plenty of fun and educational activities for kids of all ages. The park offers a variety of ranger-led programs, such as hikes, campfire talks, and stargazing sessions, that introduce children to the unique geological and cultural features of the park. The park also has a junior ranger program, which encourages kids to explore and learn about the park through hands-on activities.

On the other hand, Virgin Islands National Park is also a great place for families, with its stunning beaches and turquoise waters. The park has numerous snorkeling and swimming opportunities, as well as hiking trails that lead to beautiful vistas and historic ruins. The park also offers ranger-led activities, such as beach walks and nature hikes, that teach kids about the plants, animals, and history of the park.

Both parks are great choices for families, but if you’re traveling with children, Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is probably a better option. The park offers a wider range of activities and educational opportunities, as well as a more diverse landscape that includes not only beaches, but also forests, deserts, and volcanoes. Additionally, the park has a well-developed infrastructure, with ample parking, restrooms, and picnic areas, making it more convenient for families with young children.

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