The Hawaiian archipelago was created millions of years ago when underwater volcanoes emerged from the ocean’s surface. With approximately 20 volcanoes ranging in age from 400,000 years to 5.1 million years, the Hawaiian archipelago is the youngest section of the Hawaiian-Emperor seamount chain of volcanoes and seamounts extending across the Pacific Ocean. The volcanic landscapes found across the Aloha State sure are awe-inspiring, but it is the pit craters found when you visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park that will transport you to another world.

With lava flows less than 1,000 years old covering 90 percent of the volcano, Kilauea is not only the most active volcano in Hawaii, but is among the world’s most active volcanoes as well.

This volcano contributes to the fact that Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is actually growing each year. Little by little, this spectacular national park is, in fact, getting bigger due to hardened lava flows from the active volcanoes in this national park in Hawaii.

The volcano’s first well-documented eruption took place in 1823 and erupted continuously from 1983 to 2018, one of the longest duration eruptions in the world.

Remnants of that eruption are part of what you see today when you explore the area. The volcanoes are so active that they might even erupt during your visit, so be sure to check out the advisory levels before you go.

Throughout history, Kilauea’s eruptions have caused considerable property damage, but also created some gorgeous geological formations, including pit craters.

The active volcanic activity contributes to much of what you see in the park. When you visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, you’ll have a chance to visit one of the best parks in Hawaii.

Depressions that form primarily as the earth fractures when a volcano shifts or expands, these pit craters are characterized by steep walls and a roughly round or ovular shape.

Seen from the sky, they are much easier to identify as belonging to volcanic activity. Exploring this national park is one of the best outdoor things to do in Hawaii, especially when you can see such unique sights.

Common belief is that pit craters are formed through explosive events or the collapse of lava tubes, but that is absolutely not the case.

The visual evidence of these pit craters are easy to romanticize. They’re huge and otherworldly.

Ranching in size from 26 to 3,740 feet wide and from 20 to 610 feet deep, there have been seventeen pit craters identified along the East Rift Zone of Kilauea, with several more found along the volcano’s Southwest Rift, the largest of which is Makaopuhi Crater.

This incredible area is filled with tons of interesting craters to see. When you drive the Chain of Craters Road, you have the chance to see many of them from a safe distance.

The entire park is host to some of the best hiking trails in Hawaii.

But be aware: you are in a park with active volcanoes on site, and many of the formations can be unsteady. Be sure to read the signs and keep alert while you’re out exploring.

These craters are visible at many of the overlooks along the Chain of Craters Road, and no matter how many you see for yourself, you are sure to be amazed and awe-inspired by what Mother Nature is capable of.

It’s a wonderful place to get to visit. If you’re on the Big Island, be sure to stop by and check out one of these incredible natural formations.

Have you witnessed the beauty that are the pit craters when you went to visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park? What about some of the other incredible attractions in this epic national park — the Thurston Lava Tube, for instance? Which one is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below!

If you’re looking for more outdoor attractions in Hawaii, make sure to check out this list of where Everyone Needs To Visit These 6 National Parks In Hawaii As Soon As Possible.