Nature

Well-known for its volcanic and geological significance, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is also one of the most fascinating biological landscapes in the world. Located more than 2,000 miles from the nearest continental land mass, the Hawaiian Archipelago is the most geographically isolated group of islands on Earth. Hawaiian plants and animals began to evolve over 70 million years ago in nearly complete isolation and over 90% of the native terrestrial flora and fauna in Hawaiʻi are found only in the Hawaiian islands. This level of endemism surpasses all other places on Earth— even the Galapagos Islands.

Despite their protected status, the park's treasure trove of species faces decimating threats. Declining habitat outside park boundaries, invasive plants, bird malaria, wildfires, feral cats and pigs, and introduced goats, sheep, rats, mongoose, ants, and wasps are all taking a toll on this wondrous place.

 
Young ʻamaʻu fern
Plants

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is home to plants found nowhere else in the world

A red iʻiwi bird sitting in a tree
Animals

Animal life on the world's most remote island chain

Aerial photo of a steaming volcanic crater
Volcanoes

Two of the most active and dynamic volcanoes on Earth

Molten lava spraying out of a fissure
Eruptions

Learn about some of the previous eruptions of Kīlauea and Mauna Loa

Sun rays from behind a lava formation
Other Geological Features

A treasure trove of volcanic phenomena

 

 
Palm trees in front of cliffs
Voices of Science

A new podcast series takes listeners on an acoustic voyage through Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

Close up of ʻōhiʻa lehua flowers
Rapid ‘Ōhi‘a Death

Please help prevent the spread of this terrible disease

Last updated: January 22, 2021

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

P.O. Box 52
Hawaii National Park, HI 96718

Phone:

808 985-6011

Contact Us