Volcanoes in Hawaii | Go Hawaii

Volcanoes

Photo by NPS Photo-Janice Wei

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Volcanoes in Hawaiʻi

Hawaiʻi emerged from the sea millions of years ago, forged by the power of volcanoes. Over time, volcanoes have formed some of our most iconic landscapes. Today, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park on the island of Hawaiʻi is one of the few places in the world where visitors can come face to face with an active volcano—a truly unforgettable experience. 

Hawaiʻi’s main volcanoes are “shield” volcanoes, which produce lava flows that form gently sloping, shield-like mountains. A good example is Maunaloa, the most massive mountain on earth, deceptively covering half of Hawaiʻi Island. Standing with this sleeping giant beneath your feet will give you a greater respect for earth’s ever-changing landscapes.


Hawaiʻi’s Active Volcanoes

Two of the world's most active volcanoes - Kīlauea and Maunaloa - can be found on Hawaiʻi Island. Other volcanoes on Hawaiʻi Island include: Maunakea, Hualālai, and Kohala. Other landmark volcanoes in the State include:  Lēʻahi (Lēʻahi Head), Oʻahu and Haleakalā, Maui.

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

Discover 150 miles of hiking trails through volcanic craters, scalded deserts and rainforests, as well as petroglyphs, a walk-in lava tube and one of the most active volcanoes on earth, Kīlauea, which has been erupting since 1983. 

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