Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Voyageurs National Park are two of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders in the United States. While both are destinations for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers, they are vastly different in terms of their geology, climate, and natural features.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is home to the world’s most active volcano, Kilauea, which has been continuously erupting since 1983. The park is located on the Big Island of Hawaii and is a unique blend of tropical rainforest and volcanic landscapes. From the steam vents and sulfur banks to the lush rainforest and black sand beaches, the park is a true showcase of nature’s power.
Voyageurs National Park, on the other hand, is located on the border of Minnesota and Canada and is known for its pristine lakes, bays, and forests. This park is a water-based park, with over 40% of its land covered by water. The park is a haven for boaters, kayakers, and fishing enthusiasts, and its pristine beauty makes it a top destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Whether you’re a fan of fiery volcanoes or serene lakes, these two parks are sure to leave you in awe. So, grab your hiking boots, your paddle, or your fishing rod and join us as we compare and contrast these two national parks.
Hiking Trails in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Voyageurs National Park
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Voyageurs National Park are two of the most diverse and beautiful parks in the United States. Both offer a wide range of hiking trails, from easy walks to strenuous hikes.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is a great destination for those who want to experience the unique beauty of a volcanic landscape. The park offers a number of easy hikes, including the Kilauea Iki Trail and the Crater Rim Trail. For those looking for a more challenging hike, the Mauna Ulu Trail is a strenuous hike that takes you to the summit of Mauna Ulu and offers breathtaking views of the park and the surrounding area.
Voyageurs National Park, on the other hand, is known for its pristine wilderness and its network of waterways. The park offers a number of easy hikes, including the Kabetogama Peninsula Trail, which takes you through a beautiful forest and along the shores of Kabetogama Lake. The park also offers more challenging hikes, such as the Ash River Trail, which takes you through the heart of the park and offers stunning views of the surrounding wilderness.
Both parks offer unique and diverse hiking experiences, and whether you are a seasoned hiker or a beginner, you are sure to find a trail that suits your needs. Whether you are looking for an easy walk or a challenging hike, both Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Voyageurs National Park are great destinations for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
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 Voyageurs National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blind Ash Bay Trail | 5793.624 | 117.9576 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Kabetogama Lake Overlook Trail | 643.736 | 17.9832 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Cruiser Lake to Brown Lake and Anderson Bay | 14001.258 | 224.9424 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| Beaver Pond Overlook Trail | 482.802 | 1.8288 | Easy | out and back | 3.5 |
| Kab-Ash Trail | 24461.968 | 406.908 | Easy | out and back | 3 |
| Sullivan Bay Trail | 2092.142 | 27.7368 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Black Bay Beaver Pond Trail | 1931.208 | 22.86 | Easy | out and back | 5 |
Wildlife in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Voyageurs National Park
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Voyageurs National Park are two very different parks located in two very different parts of the United States. These two parks offer a unique experience for those visiting, but one of the most significant differences between the two parks is the wildlife you will see.
At Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, you will see a variety of native wildlife including the Hawaiian Hawk, Nene Goose, and Hawaiian Short-Eared Owl. Additionally, you may also see exotic species like the mongoose, which were introduced to the islands in the late 1800s to control small pests. The park also has an abundance of unique plants, including the native ‘ōhi’a tree and the Hawaiian hibiscus.
Voyageurs National Park, located in northern Minnesota, offers a completely different experience. The park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including beavers, moose, black bears, and the common loon. The park is also home to a wide variety of bird species, including bald eagles, osprey, and the common loon. Additionally, visitors to the park can enjoy the abundance of plant life, including the Northern White Cedar and Balsam Fir.
Whether you’re looking to see exotic wildlife or enjoy the natural beauty of the Northern United States, both Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Voyageurs National Park offer a unique and unforgettable experience.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Voyageurs National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park | Voyageurs 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 | |
| American Kestrel | |
| Bald Eagle | |
| Song Sparrow | |
| European Starling | |
| Northern Pintail | |
| American Wigeon | |
| Green-Winged Teal |
Mammals
| Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park | Voyageurs 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 | |
| Black Bear | |
| Porcupine | |
| Silver-Haired Bat | |
| Hoary Bat | |
| Red Fox | |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | |
| House Mouse | |
| Mountain Lion | |
| Mink | |
| Common Gray Fox | |
| Plains Wolf | |
| American Badger | |
| Ermine | |
| Snowshoe Hare | |
| River Otter | |
| Masked Shrew |
Amphibians
| Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park | Voyageurs National Park |
|---|---|
| Bullfrog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Wood Frog |
Insects
| Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park | Voyageurs National Park |
|---|---|
| Painted Lady | |
| Monarch Butterfly | |
| American Painted Lady | |
| Red Admiral | |
| Cabbage White | |
| Honey Bee |
Fish
| Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park | Voyageurs National Park |
|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | |
| Longnose Sucker | |
| Green Sunfish | |
| Bluegill | |
| Fathead Minnow | |
| Golden Shiner | |
| Lake Trout | |
| Northern Pike | |
| Ellpout | |
| Mottled Sculpin | |
| Slimy Sculpin | |
| Longnose Dace | |
| Black Crappie | |
| Black Bullhead | |
| Creek Chub | |
| Brown Bullhead | |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Beautiful Landscapes in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Voyageurs National Park
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is located on the Big Island of Hawaii and is known for its active volcanoes, Kīlauea and Mauna Loa. The park offers visitors the opportunity to witness the volcanic activity, including the famous Halema’uma’u Crater, which is home to an active lava lake. Another popular attraction is the Thurston Lava Tube, a large underground cave created from flowing lava.
Voyageurs National Park, located in northern Minnesota, is known for its incredible water-based landscapes. The park encompasses over 40 lakes and several interconnected waterways, providing visitors with ample opportunities for boating, fishing, and other water-based activities. Visitors can also explore the park’s forests, hike to overlooks, and view wildlife such as moose, wolves, and bald eagles. The park’s most famous landscape is the Kabetogama Peninsula, a beautiful peninsula jutting out into one of the park’s largest lakes.
Things To-Do and Activities in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Voyageurs National Park
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Voyageurs National Park are two popular national parks in the United States. Both parks offer unique opportunities for visitors to experience nature and participate in outdoor activities.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is known for its active volcanic activity, which draws visitors to witness the power of nature. Popular activities include exploring the park’s many hiking trails, visiting the Jaggar Museum, and taking a scenic drive along Crater Rim Drive. In addition, visitors can also explore the park’s diverse ecosystems, including rainforests, deserts, and volcanic landscapes.
Voyageurs National Park, located in northern Minnesota, offers a different kind of natural experience. The park is known for its extensive network of waterways and offers visitors the opportunity to explore the park by boat. Canoeing, kayaking, and fishing are popular activities in the park, and visitors can also enjoy scenic boat tours along the park’s many lakes and waterways. The park’s scenic beauty and serene wilderness also make it a popular destination for camping and hiking.
Both Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Voyageurs National Park offer visitors unique and memorable experiences in nature. Whether you prefer to explore an active volcano or paddle through tranquil waters, these parks have something for everyone.
Best Time to Visit Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Voyageurs National Park
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is located in the Big Island of Hawaii and features two of the world’s most active volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa. The park experiences a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round. The best time to visit is between April and September, as this is the driest period. During the wet season, from October to March, heavy rain and high humidity can make hiking and exploring challenging.
In contrast, Voyageurs National Park in Minnesota is located in a temperate climate zone. The park experiences four distinct seasons, with winter being very cold and snowy, while summer is warm and sunny. The ideal time to visit is during the summer months, from June to August, when temperatures are warm and the park’s many lakes and waterways are accessible by boat. Winter can be extremely harsh, with temperatures dropping well below freezing, making outdoor activities difficult and potentially dangerous.
Both parks offer unique and incredible experiences, but the seasonal weather patterns must be taken into consideration when planning a visit. For those seeking outdoor adventure in a tropical climate, Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is the ideal destination. However, for those who prefer a temperate climate and the charm of the four seasons, Voyageurs National Park is the perfect choice.
Family Friendliness of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Voyageurs National Park
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is a unique and exciting place to visit. It is a great place to explore the natural wonders of the Hawaiian Islands, including the active Kīlauea Volcano. The park offers a wide range of educational programs and activities for families, including ranger-led walks, talks, and presentations. With its stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife, it is an excellent place to take kids to learn about geology, biology, and Hawaiian culture.
Voyageurs National Park, located in northern Minnesota, is another family-friendly park. It is known for its beautiful lakes and waterways, which are perfect for boating and fishing. The park also offers a variety of educational programs and activities, including ranger-led canoe trips, nature walks, and evening campfire programs. With its peaceful wilderness and abundant wildlife, it provides a great opportunity for families to bond and explore the great outdoors together.
In terms of which park is better for families, it really depends on what kind of experience you are looking for. If you are interested in exploring volcanoes, learning about Hawaiian culture, and experiencing unique landscapes, then Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is the way to go. On the other hand, if you are looking for a more peaceful, water-based adventure, then Voyageurs National Park is the place for you. Both parks are great options for families, and each provides a unique and unforgettable experience.