HAWAII

BEST AREAS FOR WILDERNESS CAMPING

HAWAII VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK229,117 acres. Located on the island of Hawaii, this notable National Park is the home of two volcanic mountains, 13,667-foot Mauna Loa and 4,077-foot Kilauea, which have periodic mild eruptions and active lava flows. The base of the island lies no less than 18,000 feet below the ocean’s surface.

Scenery here includes craters, lava shields, steam vents, cinder cones, tubes (tunnels or caves), and some desert, along with rain forest as well as grassy areas. Flora and fauna here are diverse, and there’s an especially varied birdlife.

Activities: Hiking and backpacking are available on many miles of trails, including the rugged 18-mile Mauna Loa Trail, which climbs 6,600 feet to the summit of Mauna Loa.

Difficulty ranges from easy to very strenuous. Some trails are open to horseback riding. Visitors are asked to stay on trails. Hunting is prohibited in the park.

Camping Regulations: Shelters, tent sites, and cabins are found at several locations along the trails. Backcountry campers must pre-register at the visitor center and obtain permits, which are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Maximum stay is seven days, and group size is limited to 12. Campfires are restricted to designated sites. Dogs are not allowed. Campers must check out in person or by phone before leaving the park. Cold weather is possible at any time of year.

For Further Information: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, P.O. Box 52, Hawaii, HI 96718; (808)967-7311.

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