Did you know that the National Park Service (NPS) is celebrating its birthday this weekend? That’s right, NPS turns 108 on August 25th! 

Founded on August 25, 1916, NPS was created to “preserve unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the National Park System for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations.” Since then, the National Park Service has grown to include over 400 national parks. While each park is unique and exciting in its own way, we happen to think Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is the most magical! 

Hawai’i was still a territory when Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park was established as a National Park in 1916. But Native Hawaiians have been living on, honoring, and studying the volcanoes of Hawai’i Island for hundreds of years. And the moʻolelo (stories), mele (songs), and kaʻao (legends) celebrating Pele, the volcano goddess and creator of the Hawaiian Islands and volcanic landscapes, have been passed down from generation to generation, becoming part of the very cultural fabric of Hawaiʻi. Over the years, the landscape of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and the surrounding area has been shaped not only by Pele but by the cultural practitioners, adventurers, advocates, philanthropists, artists, scientists, residents, and visitors to the park.

Covering an entire 323,431 acres, Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is home to two of the world’s most active volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa. And each visit to the park presents a chance to step back in time to when volcanoes created more than 80% of the earth’s surface. Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is also home to many Native Hawaiian forest birds, the largest dragonfly in the United States, endangered sea turtles, ʻōhiʻa trees, the giant hāpu’u tree fern, and other species found nowhere else on the planet but Hawai’i. Cultural sites abound throughout the park and over 31,000 historical objects bring the past to life in the Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park’s museum.

This weekend, in celebration of the National Park Service’s birthday, we’re reflecting on some of our most memorable experiences at Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and why the park is so special to us. 

“Our special experience was seeing a silver moonbow during an evening hike through Kilauea Iki on a moonlit night. You never forget moments like that!” shares Tutu Lorna.

Ready to visit Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and experience the magic yourself? Located in the heart of Volcano Village, Volcano Heritage Cottages are only five minutes from the park. Book your stay at Tutu’s Place or the Ola’a House today and find out why, out of 400 National Parks, Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is our favorite!