Image:  Wikimedia

12 Surprising Secrets of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park!

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is a stunning, unique park on the Big Island, home to active volcanoes .

Marquesas Polynesians

The Marquesas Polynesians were the first to settle the Hawaiian Islands between 1000-1200 AD, shaping the region’s culture forever.

Image:  Wikimedia

Caste System

Ancient Hawaiian society followed a strict caste system, with rulers known as Aliʻi at the top, controlling land, power, and resources.

Image:  Wikimedia

Buffalo Soldiers

Buffalo Soldiers once served in what is now the park, part of six all-Black regiments created post-Civil War to serve on the frontier.

Image:  Wikimedia

Mark Twain & Kilauea

Mark Twain visited Kilauea’s erupting summit 50 years before the park was established, documenting his awe-inspiring experience.

Image:  Wikimedia

Historic Landmark

The Volcano House has been welcoming visitors since 1846, starting as a simple thatched shelter and now a historic retreat.

Image:  Wikimedia

Largest Volcano

Mauna Loa is the world’s largest active volcano. Its name means “long mountain,” and it erupted in 2022 after 38 years of dormancy.

Image:  Wikimedia

Island Giants

The park is home to Hawaii’s two most active volcanoes Kīlauea & Mauna Loa with others like Kohala, Mauna Kea and Hualālai.

Image:  Wikimedia

UNESCO Heritage

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park a UNESCO site honors Native Hawaiians' sacred bond with volcanoes vital to their heritage.

Biosphere Reserve

UNESCO designated the park a Biosphere Reserve in 1980 due to its incredible geological, ecological, and cultural significance

Image:  Wikimedia

Petroglyphs

The park has 23,000 ancient petroglyphs, many visible from a special boardwalk, offering a glimpse into Hawaii’s past civilizations.

Image:  Wikimedia

Lava Tubes

Lava tubes are underground tunnels formed by flowing lava. Once drained they transform into caverns that demonstrate the force of volcanic activity.

Image:  Wikimedia

Easy Park Drive

Crater Rim Drive and Chain of Craters Road, which lead to trails, lava fields and prehistoric petroglyphs are two ways that visitors can explore the park.

Image:  Wikimedia