Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Yellowstone National Park are two of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders in the United States. Both parks are home to some of the world’s most active and dramatic geological features, from the explosive power of volcanic eruptions to the thundering roar of geysers. But which of these two parks is the ultimate destination for adventure-seekers and nature enthusiasts?
In this article, we will take you on a journey to compare and contrast these two amazing parks, highlighting the unique features and experiences that each one has to offer. Get ready to be transported to the fiery depths of the earth and the rolling hills of the American West, as we explore the wonders of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Yellowstone National Park. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor, you won’t want to miss this exciting tale of two of America’s greatest national parks.
Hiking Trails in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Yellowstone National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both parks have a vast array of hiking trails, ranging from easy walks to strenuous hikes.
One of the easiest hikes at Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is the Kīlauea Iki Trail, a 4-mile loop that takes visitors through a volcanic crater and past several steam vents. This trail is perfect for those who want to see the park’s volcanic features without too much physical effort. On the other hand, the Mauna Loa Summit Trail is one of the most challenging hikes in the park. This 13-mile round trip hike takes visitors to the summit of the world’s largest active volcano, Mauna Loa.
At Yellowstone National Park, the easiest hike is the boardwalk trail to the famous geyser, Old Faithful. This trail is less than a mile long and takes visitors past several other geysers and hot springs. For a more strenuous hike, the Mount Washburn Trail is a 6-mile round trip hike to the summit of Mount Washburn, offering panoramic views of the park.
In conclusion, both Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Yellowstone National Park have a diverse range of hiking trails, from easy walks to strenuous hikes. Whether you are looking for a relaxing walk or a challenging hike, these parks 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 Yellowstone National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mystic Falls, Fairy Creek and Little Firehole Loop | 5632.69 | 184.7088 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Grand Prismatic Hot Spring | 2574.944 | 60.96 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Upper Geyser Basin and Old Faithful Observation Point Loop | 7242.03 | 73.7616 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Canyon Rim North Trail to Inspiration Point | 12713.786 | 349.9104 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| West Thumb Geyser Basin Trail | 1609.34 | 17.9832 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Mammoth Hot Springs Area Trail | 5632.69 | 170.9928 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Artists Paintpots Trail | 1609.34 | 30.7848 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Avalanche Peak Trail | 7402.964 | 614.7816 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Old Faithful Geyser Loop Trail | 1126.538 | 4.8768 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Upper Falls, Lower Falls and Crystal Falls Trail | 6115.492 | 140.8176 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Yellowstone National Park are two iconic national parks in the United States. Both parks offer unique wildlife experiences to visitors.
At Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, visitors can see unique and endemic Hawaiian species such as the nēnē (Hawaiian goose), Hawaiian hawk, and ‘ōhi‘a lehua tree. The park is also home to several species of endemic Hawaiian birds, including the ‘apapane, ‘amakihi, and ‘i‘iwi.
Yellowstone National Park, on the other hand, is famous for its large mammals such as grizzly bears, wolves, elk, bison, and pronghorns. The park is also home to a diverse range of bird species, including bald eagles, ospreys, and trumpeter swans.
When it comes to plant life, both parks offer stunning displays of natural beauty. At Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, visitors can see lush forests of ‘ōhi‘a lehua trees and other native Hawaiian flora. Yellowstone National Park boasts a variety of plant life, including aspen and willow forests, and hot springs and geysers that are home to unique and rare species of bacteria.
In conclusion, both Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Yellowstone National Park offer unique and unforgettable wildlife experiences. Whether you’re interested in Hawaiian endemic species or large mammals like grizzly bears and elk, both parks will not disappoint.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Yellowstone National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park | Yellowstone 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 | Yellowstone 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 | |
| Mule Deer | |
| Wolf | |
| Long-Legged Myotis | |
| Long-Eared Myotis | |
| Badger | |
| Short Tailed Weasel | |
| California Myotis |
Amphibians
| Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park | Yellowstone National Park |
|---|---|
| Bullfrog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Bullfrog | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Insects
| Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park | Yellowstone National Park |
|---|---|
| Painted Lady | Orange Sulphur |
| Monarch Butterfly | Painted Lady |
| American Painted Lady | Monarch |
| Red Admiral | American Painted Lady |
| Cabbage White | Red Admiral |
| Honey Bee | Mourning Cloak |
| Silvery Blue | |
| Common Checkered Skipper | |
| Common Sulphur | |
| Variegated Fritillary | |
| Commom Wood Nymph | |
| Purplish Copper | |
| Anise Swallowtail |
Fish
| Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park | Yellowstone National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | |
| Brook Trout | |
| Brown Trout | |
| Longnose Sucker | |
| Lake Trout | |
| Mottled Sculpin | |
| Longnose Dace | |
| Speckled Dace | |
| Arctic Grayling |
Reptiles
| Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park | Yellowstone National Park |
|---|---|
| Racer | |
| Greater Short-Horned Lizard | |
| Rubber Boa |
Beautiful Landscapes in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park spans over 330,000 acres on the Big Island of Hawaii and is known for its two active volcanoes, Kīlauea and Mauna Loa. The famous landscapes in the park include the Kīlauea Caldera, steam vents, and the Thurston Lava Tube. Visitors can hike through the volcanic landscape and see the results of the volcanic activity, including the black sand beaches and lava fields.
Yellowstone National Park is located in Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, and is known for its geothermal features like geysers, hot springs, and mudpots. The most famous landscape in the park is the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, which is a 20-mile-long canyon that has been carved by the Yellowstone River. The park is also home to the Old Faithful geyser, which erupts every 90 minutes, and the Yellowstone Falls, which is a 308-foot waterfall. Visitors can also see herds of bison, elk, and other wildlife that roam the park.
Things To-Do and Activities in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Yellowstone National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both are known for their unique geological features and breathtaking landscapes. However, there are some key differences between the two parks in terms of popular activities.
At Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, visitors can explore the volcanic landscapes, including the active Kilauea volcano, and witness the amazing power of nature. The park also offers scenic drives, such as the Crater Rim Drive, which takes visitors on a journey through the volcanic landscapes. In addition, there are also several cultural sites, such as the Hawaiian petroglyphs, to explore.
In contrast, Yellowstone National Park is known for its geothermal features, including geysers and hot springs. Visitors can take a scenic drive or hike to see these features up close. Yellowstone also offers a variety of wildlife viewing opportunities, including bison, elk, and grizzly bears. In addition, visitors can also enjoy scenic drives, such as the Old Faithful-Mammoth Hot Springs loop, or take a dip in one of the park’s many hot springs.
Both Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Yellowstone National Park offer a unique and unforgettable experience for visitors. Whether exploring the volcanic landscapes of Hawai’i or the geothermal features of Yellowstone, both parks offer a chance to witness the incredible power of nature and appreciate its beauty.
Best Time to Visit Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Yellowstone National Park are two of the most famous parks in the United States. They are both unique in their own way, and the weather conditions in these parks can vary greatly. In this article, we will compare the seasonal weather in these two parks and how it affects the best time of year to visit.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is located on the Big Island of Hawaii and has a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round. The park experiences two seasons: the dry season from May to October, and the wet season from November to April. During the dry season, temperatures are warm with clear skies and little rain, making it an ideal time to visit the park. However, during the wet season, the park can receive a lot of rain and it can be difficult to explore the park.
Yellowstone National Park, on the other hand, has a much more varied climate. The park is located in the mountains and experiences four distinct seasons: spring, summer, fall, and winter. During the summer months, temperatures can reach over 80°F, and the park is a popular destination for visitors. However, during the winter months, the park is covered in snow and temperatures can reach below freezing, making it difficult to explore the park. The best time to visit Yellowstone National Park is during the spring and fall when temperatures are mild and the park is lush with vegetation.
Family Friendliness of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Yellowstone National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States, and both are great for families. However, if you are traveling with children and trying to decide which park to visit, there are a few key differences to consider.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is known for its stunning landscapes and unique geological features, including live volcanic activity. The park offers numerous educational and interactive programs for children, such as junior ranger activities and guided hikes. The park’s location on the Big Island of Hawaii also means that there are plenty of opportunities for families to enjoy the beach, go snorkeling, and participate in other outdoor activities.
Yellowstone National Park, on the other hand, is a vast wilderness area that spans across three states. The park is famous for its geothermal features, including geysers and hot springs, as well as its diverse wildlife, including bears, wolves, and bison. Yellowstone offers a variety of ranger-led programs and activities for families, including campfire talks, wildlife watching, and scenic drives. However, because of the park’s size and remote location, it may be more challenging to navigate and find activities that are suitable for young children.
Ultimately, both parks offer unique and memorable experiences for families, but Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park may be the better choice if you are traveling with young children, given its range of educational and interactive programs and its proximity to other outdoor activities.