Park Comparison
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes vs National Park of American Samoa
Two iconic parks, different strengths. Here's how they stack up.
Updated
The Quick Take
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes
Two active volcanoes shape terrain from tide pools to alpine desert. Walk across recent lava flows and through rainforests on ancient rock.
National Park of American Samoa
The only national park south of the equator protects volcanic peaks, coral reefs, and villages across three South Pacific islands.
At a Glance
The Crowd Picture
National Park of American Samoa sees less than half the visitors Hawaiʻi Volcanoes gets, which translates to a noticeably different crowd experience on trails and at viewpoints.
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.
National Park of American Samoa
National Park of American Samoa welcomes 22,567 visitors annually across 21.1 square miles — about 1,070 visitors per square mile. Congestion is low, peaking in April.
National Park of American Samoa 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.
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes Top Activities
- photography 10/10
- hiking 9/10
- scenic driving 9/10
- ranger programs 8/10
- backpacking 7/10
National Park of American Samoa Top Activities
- swimming 9/10
- photography 9/10
- kayaking canoeing 8/10
- wildlife viewing 8/10
- bird watching 8/10
Camping
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park offers significantly more camping options.
The Bottom Line
Choose Hawaiʻi Volcanoes if you...
- Want to experience Kīlauea Caldera
- Are looking for world-class hiking
- Are a first-time national park visitor
- Want more trail options (232 miles vs 28)
Choose National Park of American Samoa if you...
- Want to experience Pola Island
- Are looking for world-class swimming
- Want fewer crowds and more solitude
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes or National Park of American Samoa?
It depends on what you're looking for. Hawaiʻi Volcanoes is known for Kīlauea Caldera, while National Park of American Samoa is known for Pola Island. National Park of American Samoa is less crowded, making it the better pick if solitude matters to you.
Is Hawaiʻi Volcanoes or National Park of American Samoa more crowded?
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes has a congestion index of 5.7/10 and receives 1.4M visitors per year. National Park of American Samoa scores 1.2/10 with 22,567 annual visitors. National Park of American Samoa is the quieter option.
When is the best time to visit Hawaiʻi Volcanoes vs National Park of American Samoa?
The best month to visit Hawaiʻi Volcanoes is April, while National Park of American Samoa is best visited in February. The different peak seasons mean you could visit one in spring and the other in fall.
Which has better hiking, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes or National Park of American Samoa?
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes has 232 trail miles and National Park of American Samoa has 28. Hawaiʻi Volcanoes offers significantly more trail variety.