The Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, open seven days a week and 24 hours a day, continues to offer a few youth programs to help teach kids about the Earth and natural historical lands of Hawai'i.
Kids can either do one of three online activities to earn a Junior Ranger sticker or if they are fourth graders, participate in the "Every Kid Outdoors" program where a child and their family can gain access to the parks, lands and water for free with a pass for an entire year.
"Choose from several programs for families with children up to the age of 12 who can earn a collectible Junior Ranger Badge from Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park," the Hawai'i Valcanoes National Park kid's section of the website said.
Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park was established in 1916. The park is located on the main Hawai'ian Island, on the southeastern side. While most programs and guided tours are currently not operational under continuing COVID-19 restrictions, individual and family visits to the park are still allowed.
"The mission of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park is to protect, conserve and study the volcanic landscapes and associated natural and cultural resources and processes, and to facilitate safe public access to active volcanism, diverse geographic settings, and wilderness for public education and enjoyment," a Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park factsheet stated.
According to the factsheet, Hawai'i volcanoes are 13,677 feet above sea level and include the world's most active volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa. Kilauea's last eruption was as recent as 2018. Biologically, the island has seven ecological zones including the "coast, lowland, mid-elevation woodland, rain forest, upland forest, subalpine and alpine" the fact sheet said.
Additionally, the cultural aspect of the national park and island itself is of significant importance to natives.
"The Native Hawaiian connection to the land, both past and present, is found from the coast to the summits of both volcanoes. The rich archeological record connects today’s Hawaiians to their ocean-faring ancestors who made landfall on this island. The history of geological exploration and the stewardship of natural landscapes are shared with visitors by driving the roads, visiting historic districts and buildings, and the use of archives and museum collections," the factsheet said.
Organizations as part of the Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park include Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association, Hawai‘i Volcanoes Lodge Company, LLC, Kīlauea Military Camp, U.S. Geological Survey - Hawaiian Volcano Observatory and Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center, U.S. Forest Service - Biological Quarantine Facility and the Volcano Art Center Gallery.
To plan a trip, visit the nps.gov/havo website.