Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Country
United States of America (USA)
Inscribed in
1987
Criterion
(viii)
The conservation outlook for this site has been assessed as "good" in the latest assessment cycle. Explore the Conservation Outlook Assessment for the site below. You have the option to access the summary, or the detailed assessment.
This site contains two of the most active volcanoes in the world, Mauna Loa (4,170 m high) and Kilauea (1,250 m high), both of which tower over the Pacific Ocean. Volcanic eruptions have created a constantly changing landscape, and the lava flows reveal surprising geological formations. Rare birds and endemic species can be found there, as well as forests of giant ferns. © UNESCO
Summary
2025 Conservation Outlook
Finalised on
11 Oct 2025
Good
Current state and trend of VALUES
Good
Overall THREATS
Overall PROTECTION and MANAGEMENT
Full assessment
Description of values
Two of the world’s most active and best understood volcanoes
Criterion
(viii)
This World Heritage site is a unique example of significant island building through ongoing volcanic processes. It represents the most recent activity in the continuing process of the geologic origin and change of the Hawaiian Archipelago. The park and the World Heritage site contain significant parts of two of the world's most active and best understood volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa. Kilauea was in continuous eruption from January 1983 to August 2018, and is reasonably accessible to Park visitors year round. The volcano entered a period of intermittent activity after 2018. Notably, eruptions occurred in June and September 2024, and most recently, on December 23, 2024, when lava fountains reached up to 80 meters (260 feet) high. Eruptions are continuing episodically, as reported on the National Park Service website. Mauna Loa erupted briefly during March-April 1984, simultaneously with the ongoing activity at Kilauea. Both volcanoes are intensively studied by scientists of the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory U.S. Geological Survey (Dept. of Interior), and are arguably the most studied volcanoes in the world (World Heritage Committee, 2018).
Exceptional volcanic landscape
Criterion
(viii)
Active volcanoes are not uncommon features for national parks, though Hawaii Volcanoes presents remarkably vivid exposure to volcanic features. Through the process of shield-building volcanism, the Park's landscape is one of relatively constant, dynamic change. Visitors to the Park are afforded close and relatively free access (contingent upon safety of viewing conditions) to lava flows, active volcanic vents, and an array of features resulting from very recent activity. The National Park is a primary destination for visitors who come to Hawaii Island. Social surveys of Park visitors indicate that the majority of visitors come to the Park to see active volcanism or recent volcanic landscape features.
Intact endemic plant and animal communities
The National Park encompasses native forest ecosystems that span an unusually steep climatic gradient, from wet mid-elevation forest, to mesic forest and shrubland, to semi-arid and arid shrub and desert, and sub-alpine and alpine vegetation types. Some intact insect and bird populations persist, and are recovering in some areas due to invasive alien species control measures carried out by National Park managers.
Native marine coastal animals
Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park is home to a variety of native marine and coastal animals that thrive in its unique volcanic and coastal ecosystems. The National Park shoreline extends for approximately 45 km along the rugged and mostly intact southern coast of Hawaii Island. Native green sea turtles, the Green turtle (Chelonia mydas, EN) and the Hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata, CR) occur in near shore waters; the Hawksbill turtle come ashore to most of the small sandy beaches to nest, where sites are protected from predatory mongooses and feral cats. The Hawaiian monk seal (Neomonachus schauinslandi, EN), one of the most endangered seal species in the world with only about 1,500 individuals remaining, often seen resting on remote beaches.
Marine and pelagic birds
Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park is home to a variety of marine and pelagic birds that thrive along its rugged coastlines and offshore waters. These birds depend on the ocean for food and often nest in coastal or rocky areas. Several species of shore birds and pelagic birds feed and reproduce in National Park lands. Significantly, the pelagic Hawaiian petrel (Pterodroma sandwichensis, EN) and the Newell’s shearwater (Puffinus newelli, CR) reproduce in nests situated in high elevation burrows (Mauna Loa), where they are threatened by feral cats and mongooses, and as well by obstructions in lowland areas, such as fences and utility lines and by distractions from outdoor night lighting in populated areas. Other pelagic and shore birds, such as Black noddy (Anous minutus, LC) and White-tailed Tropicbird (Phaethon lepturus, LC) maintain nests in shoreline and inland cracks and crevices, as in Kilauea Caldera.
Assessment information
The current threats to the park’s geological values for which it is inscribed on the World Heritage list are very low. However, the cumulative threats to the park’s biological values are high. Invasive alien plants and animals constitute the most serious threats to the Park’s biodiversity values. The dominant alien plants are flammable grasses, which compound the threat by serving as the source of destructive wildfires, which inhibit recovery of emerging native species. These grasses are not controlled in any measurable standard, and therefore pose a long term threat to the recovery of native Park ecosystems. Invasive shrubs and trees in mesic and wet forest areas pose equally serious threats and are not easily controllable. Alien animals, ungulates particularly, have caused extensive damage to natural vegetation, but are mostly eliminated or substantially reduced throughout the Park. Alien predators remain widely distributed, but can be controlled in selected small areas where sensitive species can receive a measurable level of protection. Helicopters are intrusive, noisy, and significantly disturb the perception of the unique landscape of the park. The recently identified fungal disease of ʻōhiʻa trees across the Island of Hawai'i, including within the World Heritage site, is a concern for the protection of the biological values.
Invasive Non-Native/ Alien Species, Pathogens
(Invasive alien species)
Other invasive species names
fountain grass (Pennisetum alopecuroides), Himalayan ginger (Hedychium gardnerianum), Faya (Morella faya ), strawberry guava (Psidium cattleianum), Asian Sword Fern (Nephrolepis brownii), and Banana Poka (Passiflora mollissima), goats (Capra hircus).
Inside site
, Extent of threat not known
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park faces significant ecological challenges due to the introduction of non-native plants, animals, and pathogens. These invasive species disrupt native ecosystems, outcompete indigenous species, and alter natural processes. Native plant ecosystem are especially impacted by introduced non-native grasses and plants such as fountain grass (Pennisetum alopecuroides), Himalayan ginger (Hedychium gardnerianum), Faya (Morella faya), strawberry guava (Psidium cattleianum), Asian Sword Fern (Nephrolepis brownii), and Banana Poka (Passiflora mollissima) while native animals are impacted by such feral ungulates as goats (Capra hircus) and pigs (Sus scrofa) and other invasive mammals such as cats (Felis catus), predators of native birds and insects, mongooses (Herpestes javanicus) that were introduced to control rats but became a major predator of native birds and reptiles) and rats (Rattus spp.) that prey on native bird eggs, seeds, and invertebrates (NPS, 2021). Recent invasion of Mouflon sheep (Ovis gmelini musimon) have impacted upper elevation areas, which are semi-arid and sensitive to ungulate grazing stresses.
Recent arrival from Puerto Rico is the Coqui frog (Eleutherodactylus coqui), a nuisance and insectivore known to compete with native birds for food and to deplete native insects and arachnids.
Pathogens, notably avian malaria and avian pox, transmitted by alien mosquitoes, have devastated native bird populations. The virus Papaloma infects green sea turtles. However, the current extent of this threat is unknown. Although the threat from invasive alien species in high for the other important biodiversity values of the site they do not pose a significant threat to the site's OUV.
Recent arrival from Puerto Rico is the Coqui frog (Eleutherodactylus coqui), a nuisance and insectivore known to compete with native birds for food and to deplete native insects and arachnids.
Pathogens, notably avian malaria and avian pox, transmitted by alien mosquitoes, have devastated native bird populations. The virus Papaloma infects green sea turtles. However, the current extent of this threat is unknown. Although the threat from invasive alien species in high for the other important biodiversity values of the site they do not pose a significant threat to the site's OUV.
Fire & Fire Management
(Wildfire)
Inside site
, Localised(<5%)
Outside site
Lowland grasses are particularly prone to wildfire, which not only perpetuate the introduced grasses, but reduce emerging native grasses, shrubs, and lowland/dryland forest trees. Wildfire is reportedly happening a lot more on the island than ever before and the synergy with non-native plants is a threat (IUCN Consultation, 2020). In October 2024, a wildfire ignited near Nāpau Crater within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and affected approximately 78 acres in a remote section of the park's East Rift Zone (Big Island Video News, 2024a). This incident underscores the ongoing challenges of managing wildfires in areas with recent volcanic activity and highlights the importance of monitoring and preparedness within the park.
Recreational Activities
(Commercial helicopter tours)
Inside site
, Widespread(15-50%)
Helicopter tours are a popular way for visitors to experience Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park from the air, providing breathtaking views of volcanic craters, lava flows, and lush landscapes. However, these tours also come with environmental, cultural, and visitor experience concerns. Helicopters fly thousands of visitors over the Park every year, including to remote areas where lava flows are not easily accessible (Peterson et al., 2022). Helicopters are intrusive, noisy, and significantly distract visitors who are on the ground, often enjoying features that require a measure of tranquility and focused attention. Commercial tours may contribute toward the benefit of the Park through a fee system agreed upon by the operators and the Park, but they also reduce the Park experience for those who are below them. They also intrude on the tranquility and privacy of neighboring landowners. Managing air tours is difficult because of vague and competing jurisdictional authority among Federal, State, and local agencies. The National Park Service (NPS) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) completed an Air Tour Management Plan for Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park December 20, 2023. The plan provides for the continuation of air tours at reduced levels over the park and within a half-mile of its boundary to protect natural and cultural resources, wilderness, the integrity of Native Hawaiian sacred sites and ceremonial areas, and visitor experiences. Specifically, the plan authorizes up to 1,548 air tours per year on three specific routes within the plan's boundary. This is a significant reduction from existing levels of more than 11,300 flights per year (NPS, 2023). Helicopters generate significant noise, which can disturb native birds, such as the endangered Hawaiian hawk (Buteo solitarius) and the Hawaiian petrel (Pterodroma sandwichensis), which rely on quiet environments for nesting. Studies suggest that repeated helicopter noise may alter animal behavior, potentially affecting feeding and breeding patterns as well as changing temporal characteristics of songbird vocalizations (Karen, 2019). However, this new plan faces resistance from residents who value the economic benefits of the tours, as well as from tour operators who argue that it is unsafe for pilots, restricts access for visitors with mobility issues, and places financial strain on air tour businesses (Leonard, 2024).
Pathogens
(Pathogens)
Other invasive species names
“Rapid ‘Ōhi‘a Death” (ROD)
Inside site
, Localised(<5%)
Outside site
A fungal disease “Rapid ‘Ōhi‘a Death” (ROD) has recently been detected in the lower elevations inside the National Park (NPS, 2017), which also falls within the property boundaries. ROD has been identified to be killing ʻōhiʻa (Metrosideros polymorpha), by clogging the tree’s vascular system and depriving the canopy of water. NPS has described the ʻōhiʻa as a keystone species in Hawaiian forests, and therefore “ROD has the potential to cause major ecosystem disturbances that will negatively impact watershed, cultural traditions, natural resources and quality of life” (NPS, 2017). NPS has put up warning signs and instructions for visitors on preventing the spread of ROD. As of 2019, aerial surveys indicated that more than 175,000 acres of forest on Hawaiʻi Island exhibited symptoms of ROD. The more aggressive pathogen, C. lukuohia, accounts for approximately 90% of detections on Hawaiʻi Island (College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, University of Hawaii, n.d.). In response to the ongoing threat, federal legislation has been introduced to enhance research and control efforts. The Continued Rapid Ohia Death Response Act of 2023 mandates collaboration between the Department of the Interior, the Department of Agriculture, and the State of Hawaiʻi to address and manage the spread of ROD.
A 2019 Natural Resource Condition Assessment conducted on behalf of the National Park Service validated this threat, and recognized that ROD is a continuing threat to the park.
A 2019 Natural Resource Condition Assessment conducted on behalf of the National Park Service validated this threat, and recognized that ROD is a continuing threat to the park.
Garbage & Solid Waste
(Microplastic pollution on beaches and waters )
Inside site
, Scattered(5-15%)
Outside site
Microplastic accumulation pollution is increasingly pervasive in the marine environment, and has adversely affected beaches in the Pacific including the island of Hawaii and coastal beach portions of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (Vanderzyl et. al. 2019). In recent years, efforts to understand and mitigate microplastic pollution in Hawaii have increased. For example, the From Shore to the Abyss program, launched in 2022 as a collaboration between the National Geographic Society and Ocean Exploration Trust, has conducted three back‐to‐back expeditions to sample, analyze, and map microplastic and anthropogenic microfiber pollution in surface waters and the atmosphere, providing valuable data to guide future conservation strategies (Miller et al., 2024; Ocean Exploration Trust, 2022). While Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park experiences relatively lower levels of microplastic pollution compared to other Hawaiian sites, the presence of microplastics even in these remote areas underscores the pervasive nature of this environmental issue. Ongoing research and conservation efforts are crucial to understanding the sources and impacts of microplastic pollution and to developing effective strategies to protect Hawaii's unique ecosystems.
The potential threats to the park’s geological values are very low. However, the threats to the park’s biological values are high overall. Growth of settlements around the park appears to be unavoidable, and hence it is important to ensure that any impacts on park and area resources be mitigated with wise community planning. This must be a collaborative endeavour among the National Park administration and the local communities. Addressing climate change, which is the key concern for the future of the site, will require a global collaborative approach, but credible recording of the changes of temperature and precipitation and their impacts on the natural system will add to the accumulative documentation of the site. US national parks are facing challenges from government changes which impact staff numbers and funding for operational and management needs, further enhanced by increasing climate change impacts. This creates uncertainty regarding the medium-term impact on sustainable finance for essential management activities.
Residential Areas
(Human population growth in surrounding settlements)
Outside site
Neighbouring settlements are only partially developed. When fully occupied, the human population within the threshold of the park might be around 25,000 inhabitants. The impacts from a population of this size might result in the loss of the landscape gradient that now buffers the natural forest canopy, the lesser settlement density, noise, night time lighting outdoors, and traffic patterns from the more settled, urban, and commercial areas further from the park.
Changes in Temperature Regimes
(Drought and warming climate)
Inside site
, Throughout(>50%)
Outside site
Increasing drought and higher temperatures have the potential to cause trees and shrubs in the park’s landscape to die and yield to more tolerant plant communities, especially in subalpine, alpine, and leeward areas. Reduced wildlife populations, range, and reproductive capacity presumably is a consequence. The potential for wildfire is increased, and along with this potential is the loss of certain native plant and animal species. A 2022 study titled "A Century of Drought in Hawai'i: Geospatial Analysis and Synthesis" highlighted that droughts have resulted in over $80 million in agricultural relief since 1996 and have heightened wildfire risks, especially during El Niño years (Frazier, et al., 2022). However, although climate change impacts will be significant for the other biodiversity values of the site, the volcanic landscape will not be severely affected.
Geological Events
(Rapid pace of geological change)
Inside site
, Throughout(>50%)
Outside site
The landscape is subject to frequent earthquakes and attendant rockfalls. Steep escarpments formed during the 2018 eruption are places of active erosion, as is the entire coastal segment. Whilst these can be considered active geological processes and therefore an integral part of the values of the site, they also simultaneously represent potential threats to how the site is studied and understood through the threat they pose to built infrastructure etc. In December 2024, Kīlauea resumed eruptive activity within its summit caldera, Halemaʻumaʻu crater. The eruption featured vigorous lava fountains reaching heights of up to 400 feet (125 meters). As of February 20, 2025, the eruption paused, with expectations of a new episode within 1-5 days (Speck, 2025). In November 2022, Mauna Loa erupted for the first time since 1984, impacting areas within the park. The eruption produced lava flows that altered the landscape, including the closure of certain park areas due to safety concerns (NPS, 2023c). These eruptions have led to the creation of new lava flows, the formation of volcanic features, and the destruction of existing trails and infrastructure. The introduction of new lava can destroy habitats, while ash and gas emissions can affect air quality and vegetation.
Removing/Reducing Human Management
(Changes in staff capacity and funding)
Inside site
, Throughout(>50%)
Outside site
US national parks are facing challenges from government changes which impact staff numbers and funding for operational and management needs, further enhanced by increasing climate change impacts (e.g. Matza, 2025; Rosenblat, 2025). This creates uncertainty regarding the medium-term impact on sustainable finance for essential management activities. Moreover, the proposed eviction of the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, a critical facility for monitoring volcanic activity, further jeopardizes public safety and scientific research (Beckett, 2025). These developments threaten the ecological integrity and operational capacity of the park.
Involvement of stakeholders and rightsholders, including indigenous peoples and local communities, in decision-making processes
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park actively involves Native Hawaiian communities in its decision-making processes to honor and preserve cultural traditions and sacred landscapes. The park consults with Native Hawaiian organizations and cultural practitioners to ensure that management practices align with traditional values and ecological knowledge (NPS, 2024a). This collaboration supports Native Hawaiian practices and integrates Indigenous perspectives into resource management, fostering a shared stewardship of the land. The National Park/WHS enjoys broad support in the Hawaiian community because of its support for local customs and promotion and interpretation of Hawaiian history, traditional dance, music, language, crafts, etc. The park has a designated Cultural Resources Management program (NPS, 2023d; U.S. Army Garrison – Pōhakuloa, 2018), which identifies, records, and protects Hawaiian cultural sites and objects.
Legal framework
Enabling legislation, National Park Service management policies, and promulgation of rules that protect resources and providing access are well established and are being implemented. Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park operates under a comprehensive legal framework that includes federal, state, and international protections to preserve its ecological, geological, and cultural significance. Established in 1916 under the National Park Service Organic Act, the park is governed by NPS regulations (36 CFR), the Wilderness Act, and the Endangered Species Act, ensuring protection of native species and landscapes. It is also recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site (1987) and an International Biosphere Reserve (1980), reinforcing global conservation commitments. Additionally, the park adheres to Hawaiʻi state laws on cultural heritage and environmental management while working with Native Hawaiian organizations to integrate traditional stewardship practices into resource management.
Governance arrangements
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is managed by the National Park Service (NPS) under the U.S. Department of the Interior, with a superintendent overseeing its operations, conservation efforts, and visitor services. Governance involves collaboration with federal agencies like the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) for volcanic monitoring and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for disaster response and assistance. The park actively engages with Native Hawaiian organizations to integrate Indigenous knowledge, protect cultural sites, and support traditional practices, following BEST PRACTICES GUIDE For Federal Agencies Regarding Tribal and Native Hawaiian Sacred Sites (bia.gov, 2023). Research institutions and universities partner with the park to study volcanology, ecology, and climate change, while local tourism stakeholders and non-profits, such as the Friends of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, contribute to conservation and education initiatives. Given the park’s dynamic volcanic landscape, governance also includes structured emergency management plans to ensure public safety and environmental resilience. For instance, the park, in collaboration with other agencies such as the Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense Agency (HCCDA) representing the County of Hawaiʻi and the U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (USGS-HVO), developed the Island of Hawaiʻi Interagency Operations Plan for Volcanic Eruptions to address volcanic unrest and eruption response coordination on the Island of Hawaiʻi (USGS, 2024).
Integration into local, regional and national planning systems (including sea/landscape connectivity)
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is integrated into a network of regional, state, and national frameworks that guide its conservation, visitor management, and climate resilience efforts. As a unit of the National Park Service (NPS), the park follows federal policies and management strategies outlined in General Management Plan, Foundation Document, and Cultural Resource Management Plans. The national park works closely with other land and water management agencies on the island of Hawai‘i to protect resources within the larger landscape. In particular, the park is a member of the Three Mountain Alliance (TMA), the largest watershed partnership in the state. TMA is a watershed partnership that was formed in 2007 and encompasses 1,116,300 acres, or 45%, of Hawaiʻi Island.
The National Park is sometimes perceived as operating independently from Hawai'i County and State land planning systems. For instance, the park is not a member of the Hawaii Invasive Species Council which is an inter-departmental collaboration comprised of the Departments of Land & Natural Resources (DLNR), Agriculture (DOA), Health (DOH), Transportation (DOT), Business, Economic Development & Tourism (DBEDT), and the University of Hawaii (UH). Of particular concern is a lack of communication with threshold communities, which are developing local long term plans and seek greater input and cooperation from the Park administration. Similarly, the Park administration is not seen as being interested in County-level land use planning matters, despite the County’s critical role in establishing land use zones and managing growth in private lands around the Park.
The National Park is sometimes perceived as operating independently from Hawai'i County and State land planning systems. For instance, the park is not a member of the Hawaii Invasive Species Council which is an inter-departmental collaboration comprised of the Departments of Land & Natural Resources (DLNR), Agriculture (DOA), Health (DOH), Transportation (DOT), Business, Economic Development & Tourism (DBEDT), and the University of Hawaii (UH). Of particular concern is a lack of communication with threshold communities, which are developing local long term plans and seek greater input and cooperation from the Park administration. Similarly, the Park administration is not seen as being interested in County-level land use planning matters, despite the County’s critical role in establishing land use zones and managing growth in private lands around the Park.
Boundaries
Park boundaries are surveyed, secure, and marked. The National Park boundary was expanded in 2004 to include Kahuku Ranch, making the Park 56% larger (NPS, 2008). In 2022, the park further expanded with the addition of 16,451 acres at Pōhue Bay. This area is home to significant Hawaiian cultural sites, including ancient trails, petroglyphs, and remnants of coastal villages. It also provides critical habitat for endangered species such as the Hawaiian hawksbill turtle and the Hawaiian monk seal (NPS, 2022a). However, the boundary of the World Heritage property has remained unchanged since its inscription in 1987, and is therefore significantly smaller than the National Park.
Overlapping international designations
The Hawaiian Islands Biosphere Reserve is a UNESCO biosphere reserve in the Hawaiian Islands, created in 1980. It comprises Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the island of Hawaii, and Haleakala National Park on the island of Maui, with a total area of 995.45 square kilometres. The extent to which management across the designations is effective is data deficient.
Implementation of World Heritage Committee decisions and recommendations
Not applicable
Climate action
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park's Climate Action Plan (NPS, 2007) and participation in the Climate Friendly Parks Program demonstrate a proactive approach to addressing climate change through various strategies and initiatives. The park has committed to reducing its environmental footprint by implementing sustainable practices and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This is outlined in the park's General Management Plan under the section "Climate Change and Sustainability", which includes energy conservation measures, the adoption of renewable energy sources, and waste reduction initiatives.As part of the Climate Friendly Parks Program, the park works closely with the National Park Service (NPS) and other stakeholders to set specific goals for sustainability, improving efficiency in park operations, such as transitioning to energy-efficient vehicles and upgrading park infrastructure to be more energy-efficient. In addition to reducing its carbon footprint, the park is involved in research and adaptation efforts to understand and mitigate the impacts of climate change on its natural resources. For example, the park collaborated with the Pacific Islands Climate Adaptation Science Center to assess how climate change might affect local ecosystems and the distribution of native plants (Pacific Islands Climate Adaptation Science Center, 2014). The park’s climate action efforts also include restoration projects, such as in the Kahuku Unit, where native forests are being restored to enhance carbon sequestration and build resilience to future climate impacts (Housman, 2024).
Management plan and overall management system
The Park locally borders important protected areas that are managed by the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources. The Park is a partner in a regional land management group, known as the Three Mountain Alliance (TMA). TMA managers collaborate in several alien species control programs, wildfire assessment and management, and present a unified persona in dealings with related agencies and land management entities. U.S. Geological Survey scientists are resident in the Park, or work frequently in the Park, resulting in strong synergies with NPS management in areas of resource evaluation, protection, public safety and priority research. Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park operates under a comprehensive General Management Plan (GMP) that provides long-term guidance for preserving the park's natural and cultural resources while facilitating visitor enjoyment. The current GMP, approved in 2016, outlines strategies for resource protection, visitor experience enhancement, and facility development over a 15 to 20-year period. The park's management system emphasizes adaptive strategies to address evolving challenges. This includes the development of specific plans such as the Air Tour Management Plan, completed in December 2023, which aims to balance the continuation of air tours with the protection of natural and cultural resources, wilderness areas, and visitor experiences. Additionally, the park engages in site-specific planning efforts, such as the Kahuku Unit Site Management Plan, to balance resource protection with visitor access and recreation (Big Island Video News, 2024b). These initiatives involve public input to ensure that management decisions reflect community values and the park's conservation objectives.
Law enforcement
Law enforcement in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is managed by the park's Law Enforcement Rangers, who ensure public safety, resource protection, and enforcement of federal regulations within the park’s boundaries. In addition, these rangers also work with other park employees, local police department, and other agencies such as the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory to protect and manage Park values and, especially, to keep park visitors safe on two of the world’s most active volcanoes.
Sustainable finance
The park is funded through US Government allocations and a mix of partnerships with federal and state programs, non-government organizations, private, and businesses programs. The park’s base budget is subject to changes and is therefore not secure in the long term.
In 2022, there is an estimated $202 M in Deferred Maintenance and Repairs (DM&R) associated with the inventory above. The park also has an estimated $12 Min Annual Routine Maintenance requirements. Asset condition will further deteriorate if the Annual Routine Maintenance is not addressed (NPS, 2022b). However, the park is set to receive over $45 million in federal funding through the Great American Outdoors Act for various improvement projects between the 2023 and 2025 fiscal years (Tribune Herald, 2024). There are also efforts to extent the Great American Outdoors Act for several more years, however, Congressional action is uncertain. US national parks are facing challenges from government changes which impact staff numbers and funding for operational and management needs, further enhanced by increasing climate change impacts (e.g. Matza, 2025; Rosenblat, 2025). This creates uncertainty regarding the medium-term impact on sustainable finance for essential management activities.
In 2022, there is an estimated $202 M in Deferred Maintenance and Repairs (DM&R) associated with the inventory above. The park also has an estimated $12 Min Annual Routine Maintenance requirements. Asset condition will further deteriorate if the Annual Routine Maintenance is not addressed (NPS, 2022b). However, the park is set to receive over $45 million in federal funding through the Great American Outdoors Act for various improvement projects between the 2023 and 2025 fiscal years (Tribune Herald, 2024). There are also efforts to extent the Great American Outdoors Act for several more years, however, Congressional action is uncertain. US national parks are facing challenges from government changes which impact staff numbers and funding for operational and management needs, further enhanced by increasing climate change impacts (e.g. Matza, 2025; Rosenblat, 2025). This creates uncertainty regarding the medium-term impact on sustainable finance for essential management activities.
Staff capacity, training and development
In 2023, the park was staffed with 79 full-time permanent employees (NPS, 2024b). Park staff are reasonably trained. Although staffing levels seem insufficient for times of high visitation and for ongoing maintenance needs of the park (IUCN Consultation, 2020), the park does make excellent use of volunteers to augment capacity where possible.
Education and interpretation programmes
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park offers a variety of educational and interpretive programs designed to enhance visitor understanding of its unique geological features, diverse ecosystems, and rich cultural heritage. Major educational programs include 1) the Youth Ranger Internship Program, which provides education and career preparation to local youth; 2) Ranger-led curriculum-based programs for school groups; 3) Earth, Sea, Sky Program with funding from the National Park Foundation and through the park and its partners- Imiloa Astronomy Center and NOAA’s Mokupāpapa Discovery Center, and 4) Hawai‘i Volcanoes Institute educational programs in partnership with Friends of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Popular interpretive programs include The Interpretation Programs Office Assistant and Institute-on-Demand private tours.
Tourism and visitation management
Although visitors are managed effectively, some perceive excessive visitor safety policies. Examples are area closures without fully explaining the existing hazards and risks, restrictions on access to popular areas, and unilateral cancellations or threats to cancel established and popular events. Concern remains over crowding of popular areas in the park, traffic control, helicopter tours and large tour busses, which often disturb tranquil areas. Between 2017 and 2019, visitation to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park dropped from 2,016,702, in 2017, to 1,116,891 in 2018, and rising slightly to 1,368,376 in 2019. The primary reasons for the drop in visitation can be attributed to two main events, the 2018 eruption of Kilauea and the 2018-2019 Federal Government shutdown and the 2020 pandemic. Considering that Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is listed for criterion viii, highlighting “active volcanic processes”, the 2018 eruption and the natural processes that accompanied the eruption, are seen as adding to the geological value and associated scientific interest in the site. At the same time, the eruption did cause significant damage to park buildings and infrastructure. The 2018 eruption and summit collapse continued from May to August with intense seismic activity, small explosions, and collapse of the caldera floor in the summit region and lava flows in lower Puna outside the park. Activity centered on both the Kilauea summit caldera at Halemaumau – within the park boundaries – and along the Lower East Rift zone – both within and outside the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park boundaries. The 2018 activity caused the park to be closed to visitation for 134 days or 37% of the visitor year. Visitor decline during and following the 2018 eruption is estimated to have caused $99.4 million loss to the local communities surrounding Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (Associate Press, 2019). In addition to park closures, the 2018 activity resulted in damage to park buildings, roads, trails, and other infrastructure. The most notable damage was to the Reginald T. Okamura building occupied by the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory and the Thomas Jaggar Museum building overlooking Kilauea caldera where damage was sufficiently severe to result in the indefinite closure of these buildings. The Jaggar Museum and overlook was one of the most highly visited features of the Park. Other key features of high visitation include Thurston Lava Tube (Nahuku) which remained closed for more than a year following the 2018 activity. In the buffer zone adjacent to the lower East Rift Zone of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, approximately 700 homes were destroyed by lava flows (Associate Press, 2019). In 2023, 1,620,294 people visited the park, reflecting a nearly 2.5% increase from 2022 (NPS, 2024c), though still slightly below the 2017 visitation peak of 2,016,702. While these high level statistics are helpful, more data is needed, however, concerning how visitor behavior and use of particular areas of the park may have changed in recent years.
Sustainable use
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park balances conservation with sustainable visitor use to protect its unique ecosystems, cultural heritage, and geological features while allowing for recreation, education, and scientific research. Sustainable management focuses on reducing environmental impacts, supporting local communities, and preserving cultural resources. The Park’s operations are secure, with exceptions when multitudes of visitors arrive to see unusual lava displays. Such events are not common.
Monitoring
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park engages in a variety of monitoring programs and projects to preserve its unique ecosystems and geological features. Long-term monitoring is an important component of the natural resources management program. The National Park Service's Pacific Island Network Inventory & Monitoring Program conducts comprehensive inventories to assess the status of natural resources and develops monitoring techniques to detect ecological changes (IUCN Consultation, 2020). The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO), operated by the U.S. Geological Survey, monitors earthquakes and active volcanoes in Hawaiʻi, assesses volcanic hazards, and issues warnings. In addition, the park tests and reports all contaminants based on the long-term Water Quality Monitoring as required by the Environmental Protection Agency and State Department of Health. Recent monitoring results show the park's water system meets or exceeds the federal and state drinking water standards (NPS, 2023b). Other monitoring projects include the Hawaiʻi Island Hawksbill Project, a long-term ongoing monitoring project that started in 1989 to protect nesting hawksbill sea turtles (Hawai’i Island Hawksbill Project, 2025), and the Nēnē Monitoring Program funded in 2023 through license plate sales to evaluate monitoring strategies related to the state bird, Hawaiian goose (Branta sandvicensis). More could be done with increased and stable funding.
Research
Applied research in the park is a long-standing tradition. The active volcanoes of Kilauea and Mauna Loa are among the longest studied volcanoes of the planet (Poland et al., 2014). Since 1911, these geological studies and monitoring efforts have been made from the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory located on the rim of Kilauea caldera and operated by the U.S. Geological Survey (Tilling et., 2011). The park’s resources management programs are always based on applied research. Increased and stable funding is a perennial concern. The park regularly promotes its status as a designated WHS. The park is also a designated International Biosphere Reserve. Both designations could do much to improve the park’s level of funding and attractiveness as a center for applied research in the fields of alien species control and ecosystem restoration. In addition, there is scientific research supporting space exploration that is ongoing on Hawaii. This is seen as compatible with and supporting the geological values for which the site is listed (Koren, 2018). Previous studies have assessed the potential effects of climate change on vegetation (Pacific Islands Climate Adaptation Science Center, 2014). More recently, Lynn et al. (2024) published a paper in the journal "nature communications" on forecasting the timing of volcanic eruptions and Oxley (2024) conducted an overview of two fire risk species, which can be used for effective invasive vegetation management.
Effectiveness of management system and governance in addressing threats outside the site
External threats consist mostly of introduced plants and animals, which are either carried into the park by visitors or are delivered incidentally by birds, carried by wind, or by other natural means. Most of the boundary is fenced to keep out ungulates (pigs, goats, Mouflon sheep, and most recently Axis deer). Such fences, however, are not effective against small animals, reptiles, and birds, spores and seeds. Research and management of pathogens, biological control of invasive alien species, more effective predator control, invertebrate attractants and toxins, etc. are needed but limited by lack of funding. Management of the geological values of the site is considered effective as there are few threats stemming from outside the site boundaries with the potential to significantly affect these key attributes.
Effectiveness of management system and governance in addressing threats inside the site
The management system and governance of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park have proven effective in addressing key threats within the site, including invasive species, habitat degradation, and volcanic hazards. The park operates under the National Park Service’s General Management Plan, which provides a strategic framework for conservation, visitor management, and emergency response. Collaborative governance plays a crucial role, with partnerships involving the U.S. Geological Survey’s Hawaiian Volcano Observatory and Native Hawaiian organizations ensuring a well-coordinated approach to environmental and cultural resource protection. Active programs such as invasive species control, wildfire prevention, and climate adaptation initiatives help mitigate ecological threats, while the park’s participation in the Climate Friendly Parks Program enhances sustainability efforts. Additionally, ongoing restoration projects in areas like the Kahuku Unit demonstrate a commitment to long-term ecological resilience. Despite challenges, the integration of scientific research, Indigenous stewardship, and adaptive management strategies continues to strengthen the park’s ability to preserve its unique landscapes and biodiversity while balancing conservation with visitor access.
Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park is effectively managed through a combination of conservation policies, scientific research, and cultural stewardship to protect its unique geological, ecological, and cultural resources. The park has undertaken several recent initiatives to protect and restore its ecosystems. Following the 2018 eruption, the park has prioritized infrastructure recovery and habitat restoration, repairing damaged facilities and stabilizing affected landscapes to support ecological recovery. Invasive alien species control remains a critical focus, targeting feral pigs, goats, and invasive plants that threaten native biodiversity. Additionally, intensive vegetation management within Special Ecological Areas (SEAs) helps safeguard critical habitats for native species. Conservation efforts have led to increased monitoring and protection of the endangered Hawaiian hawksbill turtle, or honu‘ea (Eretmochelys imbricata), while nēnē populations have shown signs of recovery due to predator control, habitat restoration, and public awareness initiatives. In addition, the Pōhue Bay acquisition further demonstrates the park’s commitment to protecting critical habitats and endangered species. The park’s tradition of applied research and science-based management has proven effective in restoring natural ecosystems in selected areas. However, greater efforts are needed to expand these practices to regions where ecosystem degradation is more widespread. A systematic evaluation of hazards and risks, conducted in partnership with NPS and USGS experts, can aid in better communicating area closures to both visitors and residents. While recognizing the park’s ongoing progress, additional funding and stronger integration into local, regional, and national planning systems are essential to enhancing its ability to mitigate external threats. Strengthening these efforts will help ensure the long-term sustainability of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park as both a World Heritage Site and a Biosphere Reserve.
Good practice examples
Removal of feral goats and pigs through unit fencing and applied hunting;
Ecosystem restoration of selected areas through strategic exotic plant removal by uprooting, and/or suppression with herbicides;
Restoration of population of endangered native goose, sea turtle, pelagic birds through strategic predator control and protection of nesting sites;
Restoration of selected native, rare (some Endangered) plants by strategic out planting and husbandry;
Suppression of selected alien species by releasing biological control agents;
Commitment to applied research and long term monitoring;
Restoration of fire damaged dryland ʻōhiʻa woodlands by replacing damaged native species components with fire-adapted native species. Park management is keenly aware of, and is closely tracking, the recently identified fungal disease ("Rapid ‘Ōhi‘a Death") attacking ʻōhiʻa trees; park visitors are informed about this potential serious threat and the steps they can take to help prevent the spread of the disease;
The National Park Service (NPS) has sought public input on the Kahuku Unit, acquired in 2003, to help shape a site management plan;
In collaboration with other agencies such as the Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense Agency (HCCDA) and the U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (USGS-HVO), the park developed the Island of Hawaiʻi Interagency Operations Plan for Volcanic Eruptions to address volcanic unrest and eruption response coordination on the Island of Hawaiʻi (USGS, 2024).
Ecosystem restoration of selected areas through strategic exotic plant removal by uprooting, and/or suppression with herbicides;
Restoration of population of endangered native goose, sea turtle, pelagic birds through strategic predator control and protection of nesting sites;
Restoration of selected native, rare (some Endangered) plants by strategic out planting and husbandry;
Suppression of selected alien species by releasing biological control agents;
Commitment to applied research and long term monitoring;
Restoration of fire damaged dryland ʻōhiʻa woodlands by replacing damaged native species components with fire-adapted native species. Park management is keenly aware of, and is closely tracking, the recently identified fungal disease ("Rapid ‘Ōhi‘a Death") attacking ʻōhiʻa trees; park visitors are informed about this potential serious threat and the steps they can take to help prevent the spread of the disease;
The National Park Service (NPS) has sought public input on the Kahuku Unit, acquired in 2003, to help shape a site management plan;
In collaboration with other agencies such as the Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense Agency (HCCDA) and the U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (USGS-HVO), the park developed the Island of Hawaiʻi Interagency Operations Plan for Volcanic Eruptions to address volcanic unrest and eruption response coordination on the Island of Hawaiʻi (USGS, 2024).
Two of the world’s most active and best understood volcanoes
Good
Trend
Stable
Mauna Loa and Kilauea volcanoes are the highly visible and accepted icons of this site. The value of these features can be diminished by excessive access, but this is highly unlikely, given the effective management practices of the National Park Service.
Exceptional volcanic landscape
Good
Trend
Stable
The site is well established, with a primary purpose of protecting the landscape of shield volcanoes and their lava flows, caves, and associated landforms and small features and facilitating scientific access to monitor and study volcanic processes.
Assessment of the current state and trend of World Heritage values
Stable
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is fortunate in being well established with a tradition of mostly sound management and with traditions of excellent applied research, resources management, and interpretation of cultural values. Mauna Loa and Kilauea volcanoes are the highly visible and accepted icons of this site. The value of these features can be diminished by excessive access, but this is highly unlikely, given the effective management practices of the National Park Service.
Assessment of the current state and trend of other important biodiversity values
High Concern
Data Deficient
Certain alien shrub and tree species are coming under control in special areas which are partially intact or have the potential for recovery if the aliens are removed. Ungulates have come under control to a large extent Park wide, very few goats can now be found within the park due to control efforts, but alien grasses persist. Control programs have been effective where cat and mongoose predators threaten turtle nesting and pelagic bird nesting sites. Coqui frogs are eliminated usually as they appear, only through a targeted specially funded program, and by volunteers in parts of neighboring communities.
Hawksbill sea turtles are protected seasonally in nesting sites, and green sea turtles as well are protected in basking sites through a volunteer program and with limited special funds. Quite recently Hawaiian monk seals have appeared on Park beaches to rest, and they are given similar protection whenever they are seen. According to Hawai’i Island Hawksbill Project, only 10 to 25 female hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) nest in Hawaiʻi each year, whereas 400 to 800 green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) nest annually, highlighting the rarity of hawksbills in the region (Hawai’i Island Hawksbill Project, n.d). Conservation efforts have led to increased monitoring and protection of the endangered Hawaiian hawksbill turtle, or honu‘ea (Eretmochelys imbricata), while nēnē populations have shown signs of recovery due to predator control, habitat restoration, and public awareness initiatives. Notably, the nēnē was federally down-listed from endangered to threatened in 2019, with the population increasing to 3,252 in that year and 3,862 in 2022 (Smith, 2022). Nesting sites for petrels and, shearwaters are protected by trapping predatory rats, mongooses, and feral cats in nesting territory. Habitat for shore and wetland birds is very limited in the Park, but common in nearby shore areas. Continued research and management of invasive species control and protection and restoration of threatened native plants and animals remains an urgent need for Park management. Programs in this area would advance further when Park administrators fully understand the fragility of certain populations and allocate a greater share of the Park’s budget toward these programs.
Hawksbill sea turtles are protected seasonally in nesting sites, and green sea turtles as well are protected in basking sites through a volunteer program and with limited special funds. Quite recently Hawaiian monk seals have appeared on Park beaches to rest, and they are given similar protection whenever they are seen. According to Hawai’i Island Hawksbill Project, only 10 to 25 female hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) nest in Hawaiʻi each year, whereas 400 to 800 green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) nest annually, highlighting the rarity of hawksbills in the region (Hawai’i Island Hawksbill Project, n.d). Conservation efforts have led to increased monitoring and protection of the endangered Hawaiian hawksbill turtle, or honu‘ea (Eretmochelys imbricata), while nēnē populations have shown signs of recovery due to predator control, habitat restoration, and public awareness initiatives. Notably, the nēnē was federally down-listed from endangered to threatened in 2019, with the population increasing to 3,252 in that year and 3,862 in 2022 (Smith, 2022). Nesting sites for petrels and, shearwaters are protected by trapping predatory rats, mongooses, and feral cats in nesting territory. Habitat for shore and wetland birds is very limited in the Park, but common in nearby shore areas. Continued research and management of invasive species control and protection and restoration of threatened native plants and animals remains an urgent need for Park management. Programs in this area would advance further when Park administrators fully understand the fragility of certain populations and allocate a greater share of the Park’s budget toward these programs.
Additional information
Wilderness and iconic features,
Sacred natural sites or landscapes
The park contains spectacular designated wilderness areas, including the volcanically active East Rift, characterized by volcanic landforms and mid-elevation forests; the Kaʻū Desert, featuring dryland dunes, shrublands, and short-stature forests; the coastal historic zone, home to ancient Hawaiian village sites; and the Mauna Loa lava landscape, an alpine environment shaped by lava flows. A significant addition to the park in 2003, the Kahuku Ranch extension encompasses the southwest Mauna Loa Rift Zone, showcasing dramatic volcanic landforms, native upland forests, and well-preserved archaeological sites. In 2022, the park was further expanded through the acquisition of the 16,451-acre Pōhue Bay property, which includes pristine white sand beaches, critical nesting habitats for endangered species, and significant Hawaiian cultural sites. These additions enhance the park's ecological diversity and cultural heritage.
Wilderness and iconic features
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park encompasses vast wilderness areas that showcase the island’s dynamic volcanic landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and deep cultural heritage. The park’s designated wilderness includes the volcanically active East Rift Zone, where lava flows from Kīlauea shape the ever-changing terrain, and the Kaʻū Desert, a stark yet beautiful expanse of wind-sculpted dunes, barren lava fields, and dryland vegetation. The Mauna Loa summit region offers an alpine wilderness of rugged lava flows, cinder cones, and vast open expanses, creating a unique high-elevation ecosystem.
The park is featured by a number of iconic features, including the Halemaʻumaʻu Crater, the legendary home of Pele, the Hawaiian volcano goddess, located within Kīlauea’s summit caldera. The Thurston Lava Tube (Nāhuku) is another highlight, allowing visitors to walk through a subterranean tunnel formed by an ancient lava flow. The Chain of Craters Road winds through dramatic coastal landscapes, where lava meets the ocean, forming black sand beaches and new land. Additionally, the Pōhue Bay and Kahuku Unit, acquired in 2022 and 2003 respectively, add to the park’s rich biodiversity, featuring native forests, undisturbed archaeological sites, and protected marine habitats.
These wilderness areas and iconic features make Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park a globally significant site for geological study, ecological conservation, and cultural preservation, offering an unparalleled glimpse into the forces that continue to shape the Hawaiian Islands.Hawaiian people occupied mostly shore and lowland areas, and developed ingenious harvest systems for both sea and inland resources. The National Park has located and recorded many sites, some of which have been overrun by recent lava flows from Kilauea Volcano. Hawaiian occupation of upland areas was not common or intense, except reverence for and occasional ceremonial visits to Kilauea Volcano. Certain quarry sites and gathering areas are known, some of which are recorded. The importance of the Kilauea Volcano to Hawaiian people (as well as others) cannot be overstated.
The park is featured by a number of iconic features, including the Halemaʻumaʻu Crater, the legendary home of Pele, the Hawaiian volcano goddess, located within Kīlauea’s summit caldera. The Thurston Lava Tube (Nāhuku) is another highlight, allowing visitors to walk through a subterranean tunnel formed by an ancient lava flow. The Chain of Craters Road winds through dramatic coastal landscapes, where lava meets the ocean, forming black sand beaches and new land. Additionally, the Pōhue Bay and Kahuku Unit, acquired in 2022 and 2003 respectively, add to the park’s rich biodiversity, featuring native forests, undisturbed archaeological sites, and protected marine habitats.
These wilderness areas and iconic features make Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park a globally significant site for geological study, ecological conservation, and cultural preservation, offering an unparalleled glimpse into the forces that continue to shape the Hawaiian Islands.Hawaiian people occupied mostly shore and lowland areas, and developed ingenious harvest systems for both sea and inland resources. The National Park has located and recorded many sites, some of which have been overrun by recent lava flows from Kilauea Volcano. Hawaiian occupation of upland areas was not common or intense, except reverence for and occasional ceremonial visits to Kilauea Volcano. Certain quarry sites and gathering areas are known, some of which are recorded. The importance of the Kilauea Volcano to Hawaiian people (as well as others) cannot be overstated.
History and tradition
The indigenous Hawaiian culture is dynamic, and is undergoing a renaissance. The National Park, in a significant way, promotes this through intimate encouragement with Hawaiian elders, cultural and educational groups, focused hiring of Hawaiians to Park staff, interpretation of language, music, dance and other art forms to Park visitors, and restoration of historic and pre-Contact sites and features, and especially educating local and non-resident visitors of the cultural significance of the Kilauea Volcano. Park authorities permit limited traditional harvesting of native plants that are important in cultural practices. The Park has a designated Cultural Resources Management program, which identifies, records, and protects Hawaiian cultural sites and objects. Stable, long term funding would improve the outlook for continued survey, inventory, protection, and preservation.
Benefits of WHS designation extend beyond the National Park into the threshold communities and to the surrounding lands, especially those with protected status. This Park is situated in an unusually qualified location to display progressive regional land management, exemplary cooperation with neighboring land managers, and to demonstrate the unique benefits of encouraging a threshold community to establish a non-destructive, sustainable imprint on the local environment.
| № | Organization | Brief description of Active Projects | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The park, Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense Agency (HCCDA), U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (USGS-HVO) | In collaboration with other agencies such as the Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense Agency (HCCDA) and the U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (USGS-HVO), the Island of Hawaiʻi Interagency Operations Plan for Volcanic Eruptions was developed to address volcanic unrest and eruption response coordination on the Island of Hawaiʻi (USGS, 2024). |
https://www.usgs.gov/media/files/island-hawaii-interagency-operations-plan-volcanic-eruptions
|
| 2 | The park | Starting February 17, 2025, the Kīlauea Visitor Center will close for renovations to better accommodate the approximately 1.5 million annual visitors. The project is expected to take up to two years, during which the park will remain open 24 hours a day. |
https://www.travelweekly.com/Hawaii-Travel/Hawaii-Volcanoes-National-Park-prepares-for-renovation?utm_source=chatgpt.com
|
| 3 | National Park Service, each participating national park including Hawaii Volcanoes National Park | The Inventory and Monitoring Program (I&M) is a major component of the National Park Service's strategy to improve park management through greater reliance on scientific information. The Pacific Island Network (PACN) is one of 32 National Park Service Inventory & Monitoring networks of national parks linked by geography and shared natural resource characteristics. |
https://www.nps.gov/im/pacn/havo.htm
|
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