Park Comparison
Gates Of The Arctic & Preserve vs Hawaiʻi Volcanoes
Two iconic parks, different strengths. Here's how they stack up.
Updated
The Quick Take
Gates Of The Arctic & Preserve
Six million acres where caribou migrations follow ancient routes and the Brooks Range rises through valleys most will never reach.
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes
Two active volcanoes shape terrain from tide pools to alpine desert. Walk across recent lava flows and through rainforests on ancient rock.
At a Glance
The Crowd Picture
Gates Of The Arctic & Preserve sees less than half the visitors Hawaiʻi Volcanoes gets, which translates to a noticeably different crowd experience on trails and at viewpoints.
Gates Of The Arctic & Preserve
Gates Of The Arctic & Preserve welcomes 11,907 visitors annually across 20,685 square miles — about 1 visitors per square mile. Congestion is low, peaking in July. With only 1 comfortable months, visitors concentrate into a short window.
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes welcomes 1.4M visitors annually across 520.5 square miles — about 2,754 visitors per square mile. Congestion is high, peaking in December. A long comfortable season helps spread crowds across 12 months.
Gates Of The Arctic & Preserve is dramatically less congested than Hawaiʻi Volcanoes — you'll feel the difference on every trail.
When to Go
Click any month to see how conditions compare side-by-side.
Trails & Activities
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park has more trail mileage for exploration.
Gates Of The Arctic & Preserve Top Activities
- hiking 10/10
- backpacking 10/10
- photography 10/10
- kayaking canoeing 9/10
- stargazing 9/10
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes Top Activities
- photography 10/10
- hiking 9/10
- scenic driving 9/10
- ranger programs 8/10
- backpacking 7/10
Camping
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park offers significantly more camping options.
The Bottom Line
Choose Gates Of The Arctic & Preserve if you...
- Want to experience Brooks Range
- Are looking for world-class backpacking
- Are an adventure seeker looking for thrills
- Want fewer crowds and more solitude
Choose Hawaiʻi Volcanoes if you...
- Want to experience Kīlauea Caldera
- Are looking for world-class scenic driving
- Are an international visitor on a first US park trip
- Want more trail options (232 miles vs 0)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Gates Of The Arctic & Preserve or Hawaiʻi Volcanoes?
It depends on what you're looking for. Gates Of The Arctic & Preserve is known for Brooks Range, while Hawaiʻi Volcanoes is known for Kīlauea Caldera. Gates Of The Arctic & Preserve is less crowded, making it the better pick if solitude matters to you.
Is Gates Of The Arctic & Preserve or Hawaiʻi Volcanoes more crowded?
Gates Of The Arctic & Preserve has a congestion index of 1/10 and receives 11,907 visitors per year. Hawaiʻi Volcanoes scores 5.7/10 with 1.4M annual visitors. Gates Of The Arctic & Preserve is the quieter option.
When is the best time to visit Gates Of The Arctic & Preserve vs Hawaiʻi Volcanoes?
The best month to visit Gates Of The Arctic & Preserve is July, while Hawaiʻi Volcanoes is best visited in April. The different peak seasons mean you could visit one in spring and the other in fall.