Established in 1916, Hawaii Volcanoes NP is one of the older and by far one of the most important national parks in the United States. Definitely the highlight of a trip to Hawaii Volcanoes NP is a trip to Kilauea Volcano, which began erupting in January of 1983 and continues erupting to this day. There is no place else that you can watch the flow of lava stream from the top of a volcano, wind its way through the park until it ultimately crashes and comes to a halt in the Pacific Ocean. It is an unforgettable experience.

Hiking out to where you can see erupting volcano is definitely one of the most unique walks you will ever take in your life. Dried and hardened molten lava makes up the floor of the ground that you will walk across. Once upon a time in the not too distant past the land you will be walking across was a lake of fire, unreachable by humans. This walk is just one of the many unique experiences you will find here at Kilauea Volcano in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

All of Hawaii Volcanoes NP is a fascinating experience. Here you will find the results of 70 million years of volcanism, migration and evolution. Everything combines here at Hawaii Volcanoes NP to make a park that is unique, colorful, beautiful and extraordinary. For birdwatchers it is a real treat as Hawaii is home to many beautiful birds, including the state bird: the Nene Goose.

Over half of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is designated as wilderness, so you will find plenty of natural beauty to explore here. There are miles and miles of great hiking trails on display. Some trails take you up towards Kilauea Summit. Trails along the Chain of Craters, including the 14 mile roundtrip Napau trail allow you to trudge across pahoehoe lava flows, through lush rain forests and much more of the beautiful landscape of the Big Island of Hawaii.

To learn more about the rich natural beauty and history of Hawaii Volcanoes NP you will definitely want to check out the Visitor's Center as well as the Thomas A. Jagger Museum. Both of these locations give information about the park, lessons on the science and nature of the area, give plenty of knowledge about volcanoes in general and the Hawaii volcanoes in particular. The Visitor's Center is also the place to go to learn about the hiking trails and campgrounds here in the park to make your stay as exciting and memorable as possible.

There are two separate campgrounds here in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: Namakanipaio and Kulanaokuaiki. If you are a backpacking fanatic you will also find plenty of great backpacking opportunities here. All overnight backpackers must register with the park first though before heading out on their exciting volcanic adventures.

Hawaii Volcanoes NP is one of the most extraordinary and fantastic national parks in the United States. From the lush Hawaiin rain forests to the still erupting volcano this is an experience unique throughout North America and the world. Whoever you are, whatever your interests may be, you definitely owe it to yourself to come and visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. It is truly the experience of a lifetime.