On August 1, 1916, Hawaii Volcanoes was established as the nation's 13th national park. At first, the park consisted of only the summits of Kilauea and Mauna Loa on Hawaii and Haleakala on Maui. Eventually, Kilauea Caldera was added to the park, followed by the forests of Mauna Loa, the Ka'u Desert (the site of ancient warrior footprints set in ash), the rain forest of Ola'a, and the Kalapana archaeological area of the Puna/Ka'u Historic District. In 1961, Haleakala was established as a separate national park.
In 1980, UNESCO named Hawaii Volcanoes National Park an International Biosphere Reserve due to its outstanding scenic and scientific values. The park was recognized for its important volcanic sites (including two of the world's most active volcanoes); its volcanic island ecosystem, which preserves one of the largest significant ecosystems on the Hawaiian Islands; and its cultural and historic sites. In 1982, UNESCO named the park a World Heritage Site, recognizing its outstanding natural, historical, and cultural values.
Today Hawaii Volcanoes National Park displays the results of 70 million years of volcanism, migration, and evolution. Created to preserve the natural setting of Kilauea and Mauna Loa, the park is also a refuge for the islands native plants and animals and a link to its human past.
Field Ecology Guide to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Information on ecological zones and plant species of the park.
Geology Fieldnotes
The National Park Services offers information on park geology. Includes numerous links to other resources on volcanoes.
Hawaii Center for Volcanology
Brings together experts from around the state of Hawaii for the study of volcanology.
Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center
Provides research and technical assistance relating to the conservation and restoration of indigenous biological resources of the State of Hawaii and other lands under U.S. jurisdiction in the Pacific Basin.
Volcano World
Provides extensive information on the world's volcanoes.
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