Discover two of America’s most unique and captivating national parks – Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and White Sands National Park. Both parks offer unique and diverse landscapes that are truly a feast for the eyes. If you’re looking for an adventure that combines natural beauty with geological wonders, then these two parks are for you.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is an active volcanic wonderland that is truly unlike anything else on earth. With its billowing steam vents, red-hot lava flows, and the towering shield volcanoes, this park is a must-see for anyone who loves natural beauty.
White Sands National Park, on the other hand, is a desert oasis that boasts the largest gypsum sand dune field in the world. Its bright white dunes stretch as far as the eye can see, creating a stark contrast against the blue skies above. It’s a surreal and otherworldly experience that you won’t soon forget.
So, which park will you choose – the fiery landscapes of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park or the stark white beauty of White Sands National Park? Read on to find out more about these two amazing parks and what they have to offer.
Hiking Trails in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and White Sands National Park
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and White Sands National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States, but they offer vastly different experiences to visitors. While Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is known for its active volcanoes and lush rainforest, White Sands National Park is known for its vast white sand dunes that stretch as far as the eye can see.
Hiking trails at Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park range from easy walks to challenging day hikes. Some of the easiest hikes include the Kilauea Iki Trail and the Devastation Trail, both of which are easy walks that offer stunning views of the park’s volcanic features. For those looking for a more challenging hike, the Mauna Loa Summit Trail is a strenuous hike that takes several days to complete and offers breathtaking views of the park’s volcanic landscapes.
At White Sands National Park, hiking trails are limited to the park’s white sand dunes. These trails offer a unique experience, as the soft white sand makes for a challenging hike. The easiest hike is the Interdune Boardwalk, which is a short, accessible trail that offers views of the park’s dunes. For those looking for a more strenuous hike, the Alkali Flat Trail is a strenuous hike that takes visitors deep into the heart of the park’s dunes.
In conclusion, both Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and White Sands National Park offer a variety of hiking experiences, ranging from easy walks to challenging day hikes. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or a strenuous hike, these parks have something to offer 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 White Sands 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 | 6 |
Wildlife in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and White Sands National Park
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is located on the Big Island of Hawaii and is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including endemic species found nowhere else in the world. Visitors to the park are likely to see Hawaiian hoary bats, ‘io (Hawaiian hawk), nene (Hawaiian goose), and numerous species of native birds. The park is also home to several species of endemic plants, including the ohia lehua tree, which is the state flower of Hawaii.
White Sands National Park, located in New Mexico, is known for its stunning white sand dunes that stretch for miles. Despite its desert-like appearance, the park is home to a variety of wildlife, including the black-tailed jackrabbit, pronghorn antelope, and roadrunners. Visitors to the park may also see various species of reptiles, including the desert tortoise and rattlesnakes, as well as a variety of bird species, such as the greater roadrunner, Gambel’s quail, and the black-throated sparrow.
Both parks offer unique and diverse wildlife experiences, but they differ in the type of species that can be seen. At Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, the focus is on endemic species, while at White Sands National Park, the focus is on desert-dwelling animals and birds. Regardless of the species, both parks offer a chance to observe and appreciate the beauty and diversity of wildlife in their natural habitats.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and White Sands National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park | White Sands 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 | White Sands 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 | White Sands National Park |
|---|---|
| Bullfrog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Wood Frog |
Insects
| Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park | White Sands National Park |
|---|---|
| Painted Lady | |
| Monarch Butterfly | |
| American Painted Lady | |
| Red Admiral | |
| Cabbage White | |
| Honey Bee |
Fish
| Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park | White Sands 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 White Sands National Park
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is famous for its active volcano, Kilauea. Visitors can witness the power of nature as they watch the volcano’s eruption from a safe distance. The park also offers scenic drives, hiking trails, and scenic vistas that provide breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes. One popular trail leads to the summit of Kilauea, offering panoramic views of the volcano and the surrounding landscape.
White Sands National Park, located in New Mexico, is famous for its vast expanse of white sand dunes. These dunes, formed from gypsum crystals, are a unique and beautiful natural feature that visitors can explore on foot or by sledding down the dunes. The park also offers scenic drives, hiking trails, and picnic areas that offer stunning views of the surrounding desert landscape. One popular trail leads to the top of the highest dune, offering panoramic views of the surrounding desert and mountains.
Things To-Do and Activities in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and White Sands National Park
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and White Sands National Park both offer unique and stunning landscapes for visitors to explore and enjoy.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is best known for its active volcanoes, Kīlauea and Mauna Loa. The park offers a variety of experiences, including scenic drives, camping and hiking, and ranger-led programs. Visitors can also see the results of volcanic activity, such as the Thurston Lava Tube and the Jaggar Museum.
White Sands National Park, on the other hand, is a desert environment and is known for its massive white sand dunes that can be explored by hiking, sand sledding, and even camping. Visitors can also take scenic drives, like the Dunes Drive, which offers stunning views of the dunes and surrounding mountains. Ranger-led programs and full-moon hikes are also popular activities within the park.
Both parks offer unique and beautiful landscapes, but the activities offered vary greatly. While Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is best known for its volcanic activity and hiking, White Sands National Park is most popular for its sand dunes and desert environment. Regardless of what you prefer, both parks offer a variety of experiences for visitors to enjoy.
Best Time to Visit Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and White Sands National Park
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and White Sands National Park are both unique and beautiful destinations, but they differ greatly in terms of seasonal weather.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is located on the Big Island of Hawaii and experiences a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round. There is little variation in temperature, with average daily temperatures ranging from 60 to 90°F. However, the park can experience heavy rainfall, especially during the months of November to April. This weather can affect visibility and accessibility to certain areas of the park, making it best to visit during the drier months of May to October.
White Sands National Park, located in New Mexico, experiences a desert climate with hot summers and cool winters. Temperatures during the summer months can exceed 100°F, making it important to plan accordingly and bring plenty of water. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing, but the park is open year-round. The best time to visit White Sands National Park is during the spring and fall months when temperatures are mild and comfortable.
Both parks offer unique and stunning landscapes, but it is important to consider the seasonal weather when planning your visit. Whether you prefer to explore a tropical rainforest or a stunning desert, both Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and White Sands National Park are perfect destinations for nature lovers.
Family Friendliness of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and White Sands National Park
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and White Sands National Park are two popular destinations for families looking for an outdoor adventure. In terms of accessibility for children, both parks are accommodating, but there are some differences to consider.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park offers a range of educational and interactive programs for children, including ranger-led hikes and junior ranger activities. The park also provides easy access to the stunning Kilauea volcanic crater, which is sure to impress kids and adults alike. However, the park is located on the Big Island of Hawai’i, which is a significant distance from other popular tourist destinations, making it a more isolated family vacation option.
White Sands National Park, on the other hand, is located in New Mexico and is closer to other popular tourist destinations. It is also a unique landscape unlike anything else in the country, with its vast sea of white sand dunes that kids can explore and play on. The park offers ranger-led programs and provides a family-friendly atmosphere, making it a great option for families looking for a fun and educational outdoor experience.
In terms of family-friendliness, both parks have a lot to offer, but for families who are looking for a more accessible and convenient option, White Sands National Park may be the better choice.