National Parks
Comparing Hawaii's National Parks
Haleakala National Park
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
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
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
