Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is a federally protected land with two of the world’s top volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa. The area is maintained due to its natural landscapes and distinct ecosystem. The park has numerous attractions for visitors, including the Volcano Art Center and the Thomas A. Jagger Museum. The area was worshiped as the sacred home of Pele by ancient Hawaiians, and it became a major tourist attraction in the late 1800s. The national park was signed into law as House Resolution 9525 on August 1, 1916, becoming the first federally protected territory outside the continental United States.
Located on the Big Island of Hawaii in the United States, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is federally protected land with two of the world’s top volcanoes: Kilauea and Mauna Loa. While both are active, the latter is known as the largest in the entire world. The area is maintained due to its natural landscapes and distinct ecosystem unlike anywhere else on the planet. In addition to being protected by the United States government, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park has the distinction of being a World Heritage Site, defended by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.
The area of land that collapsed into Kilauea volcano, known as the caldera, was worshiped as the sacred home of Pele by ancient Hawaiians. According to traditional mythology, Pele is the volcano goddess who controls fire and lightning. Prior to European contact, Hawaiians offered gifts to the goddess in an attempt to appease her power.
Known as a beautiful attraction by early missionaries, the area that became Hawaii Volcanoes National Park was identified in Western culture in 1823 by William Ellis and Asa Thurston. They were immediately exposed to a rash, which caused fear and awe in their relationships. Within two decades, the region has grown into a major tourist attraction. Hotels were built in the late 1800s, prompting a movement to protect the lands from further development. Interest in establishing a park was fought against by ranchers in the area, who earned money from the exploitation of the fertile volcanic lands.
The grandson of an early missionary, Lorrin A. Thurston, owned the Honolulu Advertiser. Using his paper’s influence, Thurston was able to convince Interior Secretary James Garfield and congressional delegates of the importance of preserving Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. With the support of Governor Walter Frear, the national park was signed into law as House Resolution 9525 on August 1, 1916. It became the first federally protected territory outside the continental United States.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park has numerous attractions for visitors from all over the world. When a person first arrives at the entrance, they are greeted by the Visitor Center, which provides information and details about the park and its services. Visitors can visit the Volcano Art Center and the Thomas A. Jagger Museum, featuring a variety of artwork and historical artifacts on the Big Island.
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