Well-known for its volcanic significance, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is also one of the most fascinating biologic 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. Stretching from the summit of Mauna Loa at 13,677 feet to sea level, the park protects a wide diversity of ecosystems and habitat for numerous native species including carnivorous caterpillars, happy face spiders and colorful Hawaiian honeycreepers.



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. Plants Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is home to plants found nowhere else in the world Animals Animal life on the world's most remote island chain Volcanoes Two of the most active and dynamic volcanoes on Earth Geological Features A treasure trove of volcanic phenomena Eruptions As two of the most active volcanoes on the planet, Kīlauea and Mauna Loa have erupted frequently throughout history. Learn about some of the most stunning recent events. Voices of Science A new podcast series takes listeners on an acoustic voyage through Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park Rapid ‘Ōhi‘a Death Please help prevent the spread of this terrible disease On The Brink of Extinction Paradise in peril