While it might seem very unwise to go to a national park that has a volcano in its name, it’s actually a fantastic place to visit. Extending from sea level to more than 4150m, the park includes the summits of two of the world’s most active volcanoes – Kīlauea and Mauna Loa. The park is also designated an International Biosphere Reserve and UNESCO World Heritage Site. But for the Hawaii Volcano National Park you need to pack a lot more thoroughly than you would for other parks.
This park on Big Island is acclaimed as one of the best places in the world to see active volcanoes, interesting plants and animals, as well as unique sites. So, here’s what you need to pack in order to experience this park to the fullest.
Pack clothes for a variety of weather
The temperatures and weather in the national park will change at the snap of a finger. It might be very sunny one moment and then it will fluctuate and rain an hour later.
So make sure to bring a waterproof jacket and clothes for different temperatures. In addition, wear a wicking t-shirt to handle moisture, shorts, good quality hiking boots, and maybe even a hat.
Have a good backpack
For a day trip to the island, you need to have a good backpack that can not only hold several layers of clothing, but also food, water and other gear. Because while there are food and restaurants at the entrance to the park, once you get deep inside you will need to have your own food and water.
First aid kit and emergency supplies
Even though you are going into a national park, you also can’t forget that you are going around active volcanoes, and these volcanoes aren’t the big flashy eruption kind that you see coming.
Instead, they often have smaller eruptions that are much harder to keep track of. So make sure to have a first aid kit, matches or a flashlight, a whistle and a map.
Prepare for accidents
Injuries and death are very rare at this park, as long as you keep yourself safe and use common sense. But safety is serious business, especially as you can get very close to volcanic eruptions to get a good view of the lava and the flows.
Make sure to stay on the marked trails, avoid cracked or dangerous looking earth, and also check the air quality before you go.
Sadly, accidents can happen and you might want to take a look at your travel and life insurance. There are countless different types, so you need to do your research. You can find and compare several different options for life insurance at iselect.
Stay safe and have fun
It can be very interesting to see the effects of volcanic eruptions and activity on an entire island, as well as the unique and diverse ecosystem that comes with it all. Despite all the beauty and the sights that you can see, you also need to understand that the entire park operates on the “Get the hell out of the way” rule when it comes to lava and eruptions.
So make sure that you take the time to prepare yourself in case the worst happens, while also remembering that the chances of injury are low. Be vigilant, but don’t let fear get in the way of seeing the beauty of this national park.
