Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Wind Cave National Park are two of America’s most treasured natural wonders. These parks offer breathtaking views, unique geological formations and abundant wildlife. Whether you’re an avid adventurer or simply looking for a peaceful escape, these parks are sure to leave you in awe.
Imagine standing on the rim of an active volcano, watching as molten lava cascades down its slopes. Or, imagine exploring underground caves with intricate rock formations and sparkling gems. At Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Wind Cave National Park, these experiences are just the beginning of the many amazing things these parks have to offer!
So, which park is right for you? In this article, we will compare the two parks and help you decide which one is the best fit for your next outdoor adventure. Get ready to discover the unique wonders of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Wind Cave National Park, and find out why they’re both must-visit destinations.
Hiking Trails in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Wind Cave National Park
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Wind Cave National Park both offer unique and diverse hiking opportunities for visitors. The former is located on the Big Island of Hawaii and features hikes through volcanic landscapes, lush rainforests and desert-like areas. The park’s most popular trail, Kilauea Iki, is a 4-mile hike that takes visitors through the crater of an ancient volcanic eruption. The trail offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape and is considered a moderate hike.
Wind Cave National Park, located in South Dakota, offers a completely different hiking experience. The park is home to a vast network of underground caves, and visitors can hike above ground on trails that wind through rolling hills and prairies. The park’s easiest hike, the Rankin Ridge Loop Trail, is a 1-mile loop that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The park’s most challenging hike, the Wind Cave Canyon Trail, is a 6-mile hike that takes visitors through the rugged terrain of Wind Cave Canyon. The trail is considered strenuous and is not recommended for inexperienced hikers.
In conclusion, both Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Wind Cave National Park offer visitors unique and diverse hiking opportunities. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely hike or a challenging outdoor adventure, 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 Wind Cave National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rankin Ridge Interpretive Trail | 1609.34 | 72.8472 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Wind Cave Canyon Trail | 6115.492 | 64.9224 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Lookout Point Trail and Centennial Trail Loop | 8368.568 | 156.972 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| Cold Brook Canyon Trail | 4506.152 | 60.96 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| East Bison Flats Trail | 16254.334 | 445.9224 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Boland Ridge Trail | 7724.832 | 248.7168 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Centennial Trail: Highway 87 to Highlander Rd | 13035.654 | 286.8168 | Moderate | point to point | 4.5 |
| Elk Mountain Interpretive Trail | 4023.35 | 99.9744 | Easy | out and back | 3.5 |
| Prairie Vista Loop | 1609.34 | 31.6992 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Highland Creek Trail to Centennial Trail Loop | 21887.024 | 443.7888 | Hard | loop | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Wind Cave National Park
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is located on the Big Island of Hawaii and is home to a variety of unique wildlife species. Visitors can expect to see animals such as the Hawaiian goose (nene), Hawaiian monk seal, and the Hawaiian hoary bat. In addition, the park is also home to several endemic bird species including the apapane and the iiwi. The park is also home to several species of native plants, including the ōhi’a lehua tree and the Hawaiian hibiscus.
On the other hand, Wind Cave National Park in South Dakota is known for its diverse wildlife population. The park is home to a variety of mammals such as bison, pronghorns, and coyotes. Bird-watchers can also expect to see species such as the American goldfinch and the mountain bluebird. The park is also home to several species of reptiles, including the rattlesnake and the bull snake. Visitors can also see a variety of unique plants, including the prickly pear cactus and the yucca.
While both parks offer unique wildlife experiences, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is known for its unique and endemic species, while Wind Cave National Park offers a more diverse array of wildlife, including both native and migratory species. Regardless of which park you choose, both offer opportunities to see and learn about the unique wildlife that call these parks home.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Wind Cave National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park | Wind Cave 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 | Wind Cave 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 | |
| Weasels | |
| House Mouse | |
| Mountain Lion | |
| Mink | |
| Mule Deer | |
| Wolf | |
| Long-Legged Myotis | |
| Long-Eared Myotis | |
| Badger | |
| Ermine | |
| Fringed Myotis |
Amphibians
| Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park | Wind Cave National Park |
|---|---|
| Bullfrog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Tiger Salamander | |
| Woodhouses Toad | |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Insects
| Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park | Wind Cave National Park |
|---|---|
| Painted Lady | Orange Sulfer |
| Monarch Butterfly | Painted Lady |
| American Painted Lady | Monarch Butterfly |
| Red Admiral | American Painted Lady |
| Cabbage White | Red Admiral |
| Honey Bee | Mourningcloak |
| Cabbage White | |
| Common Checkered-Skipper | |
| Clouded Sulphur | |
| Variegated Fritillary |
Reptiles
| Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park | Wind Cave National Park |
|---|---|
| Bull Snake | |
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | |
| Racer | |
| Western Rattlesnake | |
| Common Garter Snake | |
| Milksnake |
Fish
| Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park | Wind Cave National Park |
|---|---|
| Brook Trout | |
| Fathead Minnow | |
| Long Nose Dace | |
| Black Bullhead | |
| Creek Chub |
Beautiful Landscapes in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Wind Cave National Park
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is located on the Big Island of Hawai’i and is home to one of the most active volcanoes in the world, Kīlauea. Visitors can walk through a volcanic desert, see steam vents and sulfur banks, and hike through a lush rainforest. One of the park’s most famous landscapes is the Halema’uma’u Crater, which offers breathtaking views of the glowing caldera at night. Another popular spot is the Thurston Lava Tube, a cave formed by a river of lava.
Wind Cave National Park, located in South Dakota, is known for its unique geological formations and underground wonders. The park’s main attraction is the Wind Cave, one of the longest and most complex caves in the world. The cave’s passages are filled with delicate and intricate boxwork, a rare and beautiful formation made of thin calcite fins. Above ground, visitors can explore rolling prairies and see bison, elk, and pronghorn antelope. The park also contains the Pinnacles Overlook, offering views of the unique rock spires and formations in the area.
Things To-Do and Activities in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Wind Cave National Park
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Wind Cave National Park offer vastly different experiences to visitors. At Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, visitors can view active volcanoes and experience the unique geological beauty of the area. The park is home to the Kilauea and Mauna Loa volcanoes, which offer stunning views and opportunities for hiking and exploration. Visitors can also explore the park’s many cinder cones, steam vents and lava tubes.
At Wind Cave National Park, visitors can explore one of the world’s longest and most complex caves. The cave is home to a rare formation known as boxwork, as well as numerous other unique formations. Visitors can take ranger-led tours of the cave, which include a variety of options, from easy walks to strenuous crawls. Above ground, the park offers opportunities for hiking and wildlife viewing, including bison, pronghorns, and elk.
In addition to these popular activities, both parks offer camping options, ranger-led programs, and scenic drives. Whether you are interested in geology or wildlife, both Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Wind Cave National Park offer something for everyone.
Best Time to Visit Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Wind Cave National Park
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Wind Cave National Park are two unique destinations, with different seasonal weather patterns that can impact the best time of year to visit.
Hawai’i Volcanoes is located in the tropical rainforest region of the Big Island of Hawaii, and the weather is warm and humid year-round with daytime temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to low 80s. The park experiences heavy rainfall, especially between November and April, which can make hiking and exploring the park’s volcanic landscapes challenging. However, the park’s lush vegetation and dramatic waterfalls are particularly stunning during this time.
In contrast, Wind Cave National Park is located in the Black Hills of South Dakota and experiences four distinct seasons. Summer temperatures can reach into the 90s, while winter temperatures can drop below freezing. The park is known for its unique cave formations, which are best viewed during the cooler months when the humidity is lower and the caves are less crowded. Hiking and exploring the park’s grasslands and forested areas are best during the summer months, when the weather is mild and the wildflowers are in bloom.
Both Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Wind Cave National Park offer unique and diverse environments, and the best time to visit will depend on your interests and what you hope to experience. If you’re interested in exploring the volcanic landscapes and lush vegetation of Hawai’i Volcanoes, the best time to visit is between May and October, when the weather is drier and more favorable for outdoor activities. If you’re interested in visiting Wind Cave National Park, the best time to visit is between spring and fall, when the weather is mild and the caves are accessible.
Family Friendliness of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Wind Cave National Park
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Wind Cave National Park are two of America’s most stunning natural wonders. Both parks offer unique experiences, but when it comes to family-friendliness, they differ greatly.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is a great choice for families who want to experience the beauty of an active volcano. The park offers many educational and interactive programs for children, including ranger-led hikes, campfire talks, and junior ranger activities. The park also has several picnic areas, making it easy for families to enjoy a day trip.
Wind Cave National Park, on the other hand, is not as well-suited for families with young children, as the cave tours can be quite strenuous. The park does offer ranger-led walks and talks, but they may not be as engaging for children as those offered at Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. The park is better suited for families with older children or teenagers who are interested in exploring the underground cave system.
In conclusion, if you’re traveling with young children, Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is the better choice. For families with older children or teenagers, Wind Cave National Park can provide a unique and exciting experience. Regardless of the park you choose, both Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Wind Cave National Park offer breathtaking natural beauty and opportunities for learning and adventure.