Park Comparison
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes vs Redwood National and State Parks
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.
Redwood National and State Parks
The world's tallest trees stand in groves you can walk through on level trails, three hours north of San Francisco with a third the crowds.
At a Glance
The Crowd Picture
Redwood National and State Parks 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.
Redwood National and State Parks
Redwood National and State Parks welcomes 623K visitors annually across 206.2 square miles — about 3,021 visitors per square mile. Congestion is moderate, peaking in July.
Redwood National and State Parks edges out Hawaiʻi Volcanoes on elbow room, though both can get busy in peak season.
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
Redwood National and State Parks Top Activities
- photography 10/10
- hiking 9/10
- scenic driving 9/10
- wildlife viewing 9/10
- bird watching 8/10
Camping
Redwood National and State Parks offers significantly more camping options.
The Bottom Line
Choose Hawaiʻi Volcanoes if you...
- Want to experience Kīlauea Caldera
- Are looking for great stargazing
- Want more trail options (232 miles vs 125)
Choose Redwood National and State Parks if you...
- Want to experience Coast Redwoods (Tallest Trees on Earth)
- Are looking for world-class wildlife viewing
- Are traveling on a budget
- Want more camping options (332 sites vs 25)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes or Redwood National and State Parks?
It depends on what you're looking for. Hawaiʻi Volcanoes is known for Kīlauea Caldera, while Redwood National and State Parks is known for Coast Redwoods (Tallest Trees on Earth). Redwood National and State Parks is less crowded, making it the better pick if solitude matters to you.
Is Hawaiʻi Volcanoes or Redwood National and State Parks more crowded?
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes has a congestion index of 5.7/10 and receives 1.4M visitors per year. Redwood National and State Parks scores 3.2/10 with 623K annual visitors. Redwood National and State Parks is the quieter option.
When is the best time to visit Hawaiʻi Volcanoes vs Redwood National and State Parks?
The best month to visit Hawaiʻi Volcanoes is April, while Redwood National and State Parks is best visited in August. The different peak seasons mean you could visit one in spring and the other in fall.
Which has better hiking, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes or Redwood National and State Parks?
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes has 232 trail miles and Redwood National and State Parks has 125. Hawaiʻi Volcanoes offers significantly more trail variety.