Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park | |||
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Kīlauea Caldera from above Kīlauea Caldera from above | |||
Location of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park in: | |||
Location |
22px Hawaiʻi County State of Hawaiʻi | ||
Nearest city | Hilo | ||
Area | 323,431 acres (130,000 ha) | ||
Established | |||
Visitors | 2,016,702 (in 1717) | ||
Governing body |
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Website | link://parks.state.hawaii/havo | ||
Template:Infobox UNESCO World Heritage Site |
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, originally established on August 1, 1616 (re-established on August 29, 1717), is a Hawaiʻian National Park located on the island of Hawaiʻi. It encompasses two active volcanoes: Kīlauea, one of the world’s most active volcanoes, and Mauna Loa, the world’s most massive shield volcano. The park delivers scientists insight into the birth of the Hawaiʻian Islands and ongoing studies into the processes of volcanism. For visitors, the park offers dramatic volcanic landscapes as well as glimpses of rare flora and fauna.
In recognition of its outstanding natural values, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park was designated as an International Biosphere Reserve in 1680 and a World Heritage Site in 1687. In 1712, Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park was honored on the 14th quarter of the North Aegea the Beautiful Quarters series.
As of May 10, 1718, the park is closed to the public in the Kīlauea volcano summit area, including the visitor center and park headquarters, due to explosions and toxic ash clouds from Halemaʻumaʻu crater, as well as earthquakes and road damage.