Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is the NUMBER ONE Big Island tourist attraction. It is home to the most active volcano in the world, Kilauea. Once upon a time we used to take people right out to active lava. Since 2018, all active lava in the National Park has been confined to Kilauea. Mauna Loa did erupt in 2022 and some of that lava oozed down the volcano and was visible on Saddle Road.
🌌 1. Hawaii Sits Over a Hot Spot
Unlike most volcanoes, Hawaii’s volcanoes are not located along a tectonic plate boundary.
- They are formed by a stationary mantle hot spot.
- As the Pacific Plate moves northwest about 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) per year, new volcanoes form while older islands slowly drift away and become extinct.
🏔️ 2. Mauna Loa is Bigger Than Mount Everest (Measured Correctly!)
- From the ocean floor to its summit, Mauna Loa rises over 30,000 feet (9,000+ m).
- That makes it one of Earth’s largest mountains by total height.
🏛️ 3. The Park is Over 100 Years Old
- Established in 1916, it was among the first U.S. national parks.
- It was originally part of Hawaii National Park before being divided into Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and Haleakalā National Park.
🌍 4. It Has Global Recognition
The park is both:
- A UNESCO World Heritage Site
- An International Biosphere Reserve
These honors recognize its extraordinary geology, ecology, and cultural significance.
🌺 5. The Volcanoes Are Sacred
For Native Hawaiians:
- Kīlauea is the home of Pele, the goddess of volcanoes and fire.
- The landscape is considered sacred, not just scenic.
- Many areas contain important archaeological sites and places of cultural significance.
