World Heritage Sites on Hawaii Island

Information about sites on the Big Island of Hawaii that have been officially designated as UNESCO world heritage sites by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). See also other types of Big Island Attractions, information about Big Island Travel, and our guides to other Islands of Hawaii.

UNESCO SITE NAME: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
UNESCO SITE ID: #409
YEAR DESIGNATED: 1987
SIZE: About 87,940 ha

DESCRIPTION:
Contains two of the most active volcanoes in the world, Mauna Loa (4,170 meters high) and Kilauea (1,250 meters 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.

STATEMENT OF SIGNIFIGANCE:
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park contains Mauna Loa and Kilauea, two of the world’s most active and accessible volcanoes where ongoing geological processes are easily observed. This property serves as an excellent example of island building through volcanic processes. Through the process of shield-building volcanism, the park's landscape is one of relatively constant, dynamic change.

CRITERION:
This property 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 contains significant parts of two of the world's most active and best understood volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa. The volcano Mauna Loa, measured from the ocean floor, is the greatest volcanic mass on earth.

Resources

UNESCO "Hawaii Volcanoes National Park WHS" Listing

---

Other Attractions on the Big Island

Hawaii Island Travel Guide

All of the Islands of Hawaii

Hawaii for Visitors

---