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.