Hawaii is one of the most beautiful places on earth, and its national parks are a testament to the natural beauty of the islands. With eight national parks spread across the state, Hawaii offers a variety of unique landscapes, from volcanoes to tropical rainforests to coral reefs. In this guide, we'll take a look at each of Hawaii's national parks and what makes them special.
- Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Located on the Big Island of Hawaii, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is one of the state's most popular national parks. It's home to two active volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa, and visitors can witness the raw power of these volcanoes up close.
One of the park's most popular attractions is the Kilauea Visitor Center, which provides information on the park's history, geology, and current volcanic activity. The park also offers hiking trails that take visitors through the lava fields and forests, past volcanic craters and steam vents, and to the park's stunning waterfalls.
- Haleakala National Park
Haleakala National Park is located on the island of Maui and is home to the world's largest dormant volcano. Visitors can witness the sunrise over the crater from the Haleakala Visitor Center, which is located at an elevation of over 9,000 feet.
The park is also home to a number of hiking trails that take visitors through the unique landscapes of the volcano. The Halemau'u Trail is a popular option, taking hikers through a stunning forest of native Hawaiian plants and past the park's famous Silversword plants.
- Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park
Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park is located on the Big Island and is a unique historical site that offers a glimpse into Hawaii's past. The park was once a place of refuge for those who broke the law or violated the kapu (sacred laws) of the Hawaiian culture.
Visitors can explore the park's ancient temples, sacred heiau (places of worship), and reconstructed thatched buildings. The park also has a great beach for swimming and snorkeling, and visitors can spot sea turtles and other marine life in the clear waters.
- Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park
Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park is located on the Kona coast of the Big Island and is another historical site that offers a glimpse into Hawaii's past. The park is home to a number of ancient fishponds, as well as historic heiau (temples) and petroglyphs.
Visitors can explore the park's hiking trails, which take them through the park's lush vegetation and offer stunning views of the ocean. The park is also a great spot for fishing and snorkeling, and visitors can spot sea turtles and other marine life in the clear waters.
- Pu'ukohola Heiau National Historic Site
Pu'ukohola Heiau National Historic Site is located on the Big Island and is a sacred site that was built in the late 18th century by King Kamehameha I. The site is home to a large stone heiau (temple) and was built to fulfill a prophecy that predicted Kamehameha's rise to power.
Visitors can explore the park's interpretive exhibits, which provide information on the history of the site and the Hawaiian culture. The park also offers a number of hiking trails that take visitors through the surrounding area, which is home to a variety of native plants and wildlife.
- Kalaupapa National Historical Park
Kalaupapa National Historical Park is located on the island of Molokai and is a unique park that is rich in history and natural beauty. The park was established to preserve the cultural and historical significance of the Kalaupapa Peninsula, which was once a place of exile for those suffering from Hansen's disease (leprosy).
Visitors to the park can take a guided tour of the Kalaupapa Peninsula, where they will learn about the history of the area and its residents. The tour takes visitors down a steep trail that descends over 1,600 feet to the peninsula, where they can see the historic buildings and churches that were once used as a leper colony.
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In addition to the historical significance of the park, Kalaupapa National Historical Park is also home to a diverse range of plant and animal species, including several endemic species that are found nowhere else in the world. Visitors can explore the park's hiking trails, which take them through the lush vegetation of the peninsula and offer stunning views of the surrounding ocean.
7. Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park and Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park
Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park and Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park are just two examples of the national parks in Hawaii that offer a glimpse into the state's rich cultural heritage. These parks are home to ancient temples, sacred heiau, and reconstructed thatched buildings that give visitors a sense of what life was like in Hawaii in the past.
Visitors to these parks can explore the ancient structures and learn about the traditions and customs of the Hawaiian people. In addition to the cultural attractions, both parks offer great beaches for swimming and snorkeling, and visitors can spot sea turtles and other marine life in the clear waters.
Hawaii's national parks offer visitors the chance to explore the state's unique landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and diverse range of plant and animal species. From the active volcanoes of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to the cultural attractions of Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park and Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park, Hawaii's national parks have something for everyone. Whether you're interested in history, nature, or simply experiencing the beauty of the islands, Hawaii's national parks are a must-see for any visitor to the state.
