National Parks

Hawaii's National Parks

Location: Maui.

Known for: Sunrise at the summit of Haleakala volcano, the lunar landscape of the crater below.

Biggest crowds: High season is June through August and Christmas through Spring Break.

Accessibility: You can see a lot from your car. Leleiwi Overlook, part way up the mountain, offers an awesome view of the crater.

Why kids like it: It's a strange, alien place.

What hikers say: Make sure to take a hike down into the crater.

Best for:
Geological Greats, Volcanoes

Location: Big Island of Hawaii

Known for: Kilauea and Mauna Loa, the youngest and most rambunctious of Hawaiin volcanoes.

Biggest crowds: December through April.

Accessibility: Crater Rim Drive at Kilauea, which is car-friendly, encircles the volcano's massive caldera. There are plenty of hikes too.

Why kids like it: You'll be able to take them up-close and personal with flowing lava.

What hikers say: Hiking trails are plentiful and have good views; you'll seldom be able to predict exactly where the lava will be, though.

Best for:
Geological Greats, Volcanoes

Visit the Travel Talk forums for help on planning your trip

Best way to view Kilauea lava?
21 responses; most recent on 09/26/2009 at 07:47 PM
How is the lava viewing lately on Big Island?
2 responses; most recent on 06/10/2009 at 12:35 PM
Memorial Day Weekend: Avoid Road to Hana and Haleakala?
3 responses; most recent on 05/19/2009 at 01:49 PM

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