Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Yosemite National Park are two of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders in the United States. Both parks boast stunning scenery, diverse wildlife and a rich cultural history. But which one is the better choice for your next adventure?
In this comparison, we’ll take a deeper dive into the unique features of each park and help you decide which one is the right fit for your next outdoor excursion. From the fiery lava flows of Kīlauea to the towering granite peaks of Yosemite, each park offers its own distinct brand of beauty.
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker, a nature photographer or simply looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, these two parks will leave you in awe. So pack your bags, grab your camera and get ready for an unforgettable experience as we take a closer look at the amazing wonders of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Yosemite National Park.
Hiking Trails in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Yosemite National Park
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Yosemite National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States, attracting millions of visitors every year. Both parks offer a unique and diverse landscape, with unique hiking trails that offer a great outdoor experience.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park has many hiking trails that go through volcanic landscapes, lush rainforests, and beautiful coastlines. Some of the easiest trails include the Kīlauea Iki Trail and the Crater Rim Trail, both of which offer great views of the park’s landscapes. The hardest hike in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is probably the Mauna Loa Summit Trail, a strenuous hike that covers over 13 miles and takes you to the summit of the largest volcano in the world.
Yosemite National Park is renowned for its stunning granite cliffs, towering waterfalls, and diverse wildlife. Some of the easiest hikes at Yosemite include the Mirror Lake Trail, which offers great views of Half Dome and Mount Watkins, and the Lower Yosemite Falls Trail, which is a short and easy hike to the base of Yosemite Falls. The hardest hike in Yosemite National Park is probably the Half Dome Trail, which is a strenuous hike that covers over 14 miles and takes you to the summit of Half Dome, one of the most iconic landmarks in the park.
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 Yosemite National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vernal and Nevada Falls via the Mist Trail | 10299.776 | 667.8168 | Moderate | loop | 5 |
| Upper Yosemite Falls Trail | 11587.248 | 967.74 | Very Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Half Dome Trail | 23818.232 | 1573.9872 | Very Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Lower Yosemite Falls Trail | 1609.34 | 15.8496 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Clouds Rest Trail via Tenaya Lake | 19794.882 | 948.8424 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Four Mile Trail | 12070.05 | 998.8296 | Very Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Sentinel Dome Trail | 3379.614 | 138.9888 | Easy | out and back | 5 |
| Glacier Point Trail | 965.604 | 71.9328 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Vernal Falls | 5954.558 | 406.908 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| Mirror Lake via Valley Loop Trail | 9012.304 | 101.8032 | Easy | loop | 4 |
Wildlife in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Yosemite National Park
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is located on the Big Island of Hawaii and is home to an array of unique and diverse wildlife. The park is home to many endemic species of birds, including the endangered Hawaiian Goose or Nene, as well as the Hawaii Amakihi, I’iwi, and Apapane. Visitors may also see a variety of mammals, such as the Hawaiian Hoary Bat and the Hawaiian Short-Eared Owl. The park is also home to a number of native Hawaiian plant species, including the Ohia Lehua, which is the state flower of Hawaii.
On the other hand, Yosemite National Park in California is renowned for its diverse wildlife, including black bears, deer, and coyotes. The park is also home to many species of birds, including the American Dipper, the Mountain Bluebird, and the Western Tanager. Yosemite is also home to a number of plant species, including the Giant Sequoia, which is the largest tree species in the world. Additionally, visitors may also see a variety of reptiles and amphibians, such as the Yellow- Bellied Marmot, the Western Rattlesnake, and the Yosemite Toad.
In conclusion, both Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Yosemite National Park offer visitors a chance to see a diverse range of wildlife and plant species. While both parks are unique in their own way, the wildlife that can be seen at each park is truly remarkable and a testament to the beauty and diversity of the natural world.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Yosemite National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park | Yosemite 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 | Yosemite National Park |
|---|---|
| House Mouse | Coyote |
| Norway Rat | American Beaver |
| ‘Iole | Big Brown Bat |
| Domestic Cattle | Bobcat |
| Feral Hog | Striped Skunk |
| Little Brown Bat | |
| Deer Mouse | |
| Raccoon | |
| Black Bear | |
| Porcupine | |
| Silver-Haired Bat | |
| Hoary Bat | |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | |
| House Mouse | |
| Mountain Lion | |
| Mule Deer | |
| Gray Fox | |
| Wolf | |
| Long-Legged Myotis | |
| Long-Eared Myotis | |
| Badger | |
| Ermine | |
| California Myotis | |
| River Otter | |
| Fringed Myotis |
Amphibians
| Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park | Yosemite National Park |
|---|---|
| Bullfrog |
Insects
| Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park | Yosemite National Park |
|---|---|
| Painted Lady | |
| Monarch Butterfly | |
| American Painted Lady | |
| Red Admiral | |
| Cabbage White | |
| Honey Bee |
Fish
| Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park | Yosemite National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | |
| Brook Trout | |
| Brown Trout | |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Reptiles
| Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park | Yosemite National Park |
|---|---|
| Ring-Necked Snake | |
| Sagebrush Lizard | |
| Northern Rubber Boa | |
| Western Skink | |
| Western Fence Lizard |
Beautiful Landscapes in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Yosemite National Park
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is located on the island of Hawaii and is home to one of the most active volcanoes in the world, Kilauea. A visit to this park offers the chance to see the power of nature at work, including the Kilauea Iki Crater and the Thurston Lava Tube. There are also scenic drives through the park, such as the Crater Rim Drive, that offer views of the surrounding landscapes.
Yosemite National Park, located in California, is known for its iconic granite cliffs and valleys, including Yosemite Valley, El Capitan, and Half Dome. The park is also home to several waterfalls, including Yosemite Falls, which is one of the tallest in North America. Visitors can explore the park by hiking, rock climbing, and taking scenic drives, including the famous Tioga Road.
Both parks offer unique natural wonders and breathtaking landscapes. Yosemite is famous for its towering granite cliffs and stunning waterfalls, while Hawai’i Volcanoes is a must-see for those interested in geology and the power of volcanic activity. Whether you’re looking for a scenic drive, a challenging hike, or just a chance to escape into nature, both parks have something for everyone.
Things To-Do and Activities in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Yosemite National Park
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Yosemite National Park are two of the most stunning and popular national parks in the United States. Both parks offer a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. However, each park is unique and offers different experiences.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is most famous for its active volcanoes and is a must-visit for anyone interested in geology and volcanic activity. Visitors can take guided tours to see the molten lava up close, watch steam vents and sulfur dioxide gas vents, and learn about the park’s history and geology.
Yosemite National Park, on the other hand, is known for its towering cliffs and majestic waterfalls. Rock climbing, camping, and wildlife viewing are popular activities in the park. Visitors can take scenic drives to famous landmarks like Yosemite Valley and Mariposa Grove, or simply relax and enjoy the park’s breathtaking scenery.
Both parks are perfect destinations for visitors who love outdoor activities and natural beauty. However, Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is more focused on geological features and volcanic activity, while Yosemite National Park is more famous for its cliffs, waterfalls, and wildlife. Regardless of what kind of outdoor adventures you’re looking for, both parks are sure to impress.
Best Time to Visit Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Yosemite National Park
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Yosemite National Park are both natural wonders, but they each have unique weather patterns that visitors should be aware of when planning a trip.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is located on the Big Island of Hawaii and experiences a tropical climate. The park is typically warm and rainy year-round, with temperatures ranging from 60°F to 80°F. The wettest months are November through April, when heavy rain and high humidity can make hiking difficult. The best time to visit the park is from May to October, when the weather is drier and more favorable for outdoor activities.
In contrast, Yosemite National Park is located in California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains and has a Mediterranean climate. Summer temperatures range from 50°F to 80°F, while winter temperatures can drop below freezing. The park is also subject to heavy snowfall in the winter, which can make access to certain areas difficult. The best time to visit Yosemite is from May to September, when the weather is warm and the park’s famous waterfalls are at their peak flow.
Overall, considering the seasonal weather patterns at both parks, visitors should plan accordingly and be prepared for a range of conditions. While both parks offer breathtaking landscapes and unique attractions, the time of year to visit will greatly impact the overall experience.
Family Friendliness of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Yosemite National Park
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Yosemite National Park are two of the most famous national parks in the United States, each offering a unique and unforgettable experience. Both parks are ideal for families, but they differ in the type of family-friendly activities they offer.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is a great option for families who are interested in learning about the history, culture, and geology of the Hawaiian Islands. The park offers a variety of educational programs, including ranger-led hikes, guided tours, and interactive exhibits. Children can also explore the park’s lava tubes, hike through the rainforest, and watch as Kilauea Volcano erupts.
On the other hand, Yosemite National Park is known for its stunning landscapes, including the iconic Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, and El Capitan. It offers a variety of outdoor activities for families, including hiking, rock climbing, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing. The park also has several family-friendly campsites, picnic areas, and a Junior Ranger Program.
In conclusion, both Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Yosemite National Park are great choices for families looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life and experience the beauty of nature. However, if you’re traveling with children and want to focus on learning and exploring, Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park may be the better option. On the other hand, if you’re looking for more outdoor activities, Yosemite National Park may be the better choice.