National Parks of the Pacific Islands

Visitors enjoy the 2023 Kilauea Summit Eruption

NPS Photo/J. Wei

There are nine national parks, monuments, and historic sites on the Pacific Islands that are used to study and celebrate culture and ecology. Island ecosystems make these sites relatively unique when compared to other parks managed by the National Park Service. There are many rare native animal and plant species, as well as notable environmental phenomena that occur because of the introduction of alien species and habitat change. The parks of the Pacific Islands are also culturally significant due to spiritual and historical connections to the land, military presence during World War II, and the establishment of a forced leprosy settlement. Using inventory and monitoring techniques, staff at the National Park Service observe plants, animals, and habitats, to assess their health and inform conservation practices so that we can keep these biological and cultural resources for future generations.

In the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, home to the Kilauea and Mauna Loa volcanoes, scientists predict and monitor volcanic eruptions to protect nearby communities and document landscape changes. Native Hawaiians also worship the islands’ volcanoes, making this national park a revered and sacred place.

In the National Park of American Samoa, a diverse bird population helps scientists study habitat health and climate change. The park’s sea birds, water birds, forest birds, and shore birds are all indicators of ecosystem health within and beyond park boundaries. Because scientists can’t study every corner of the earth at all times, birds are especially helpful for studying faraway places.

Other parks, such as the Kaloko-Honokohau National Park, also rely on indicator species to assess things like water quality. In the brackish waters of anchialine pools, where fresh groundwater converges with ocean water, the presence of red shrimp is seen as a good sign. The introduction of non-native species and fresh groundwater scarcity are both threats to the prosperity of red shrimp, making their success, or lack thereof, a reliable measure for the health of other species threatened by the same issues. The isolation of island ecosystems makes for a fascinating battleground between unique native species and non-native alien species which are primarily introduced by human travel. Without parks on the islands, we would be missing out on this unique ecological dynamic and risking the health and preservation of the rich native plant and animal diversity in the Pacific Islands. Distinct circumstances like this, as well as the islands’ cultural significance, are what make this park system special.

Hale o Keawe Temple Platform at HAVO

NPS Gallery *Images credited to NPS without any copyright symbol are public domain

Out of the nine Pacific Island sites managed by the National Park Service, the one that I am most interested in visiting is Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park. Puʻuhonua, a Hawaiian word, translates to “refuge” in English, making it a fitting name for this area that served as a place of refuge for civilians, Kapu lawbreakers, and warriors during battle. Inside the park is the Hale o Keawe Temple, which contains the remains of Hawaiian kings and warriors. Also on site are an old canoe house and an abandoned fishing village. The park hosts annual cultural festivals to highlight the history of this area. These interactive events are an impactful way for non-Hawaiians, like me, to learn about the historical value of this place and its preservation. Being able to connect and depend upon a piece of land, as generations of plants and animals have done before us, is vital to our physical and spiritual health. The well-being of future generations of all species relies on our ability to honor these sites today.

To learn more about all nine of the National Parks and Sites located on the Pacific Islands, click here.

Writing Prompt written by Jadyn Pando
for "A Day in the Life of a Fellow" Article Series
National Park Service - Workforce Management Fellow
in Partnership with Northwest Youth Corps