Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, established in 1916, displays the results of 30 million years of volcanism, migration, and evolution—processes that thrust a bare land from the sea and clothed it with complex and unique ecosystems and a distinct human culture. The park encompasses diverse environments that range from sea level to the summit of the earth's most massive volcano, Mauna Loa at 13,677 feet. Kilauea, one of the world's most active volcanoes, offers scientists insights on the birth of the Hawaiian Islands and visitors' views of dramatic volcanic landscapes. The park includes 505 mi² (1348 km²) of land.
Over half of the park is designated wilderness and provides unusual hiking and camping opportunities.
It is said that if any volcanic rock is taken from Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (or anywhere in Hawaii) that the person that took it will be cursed until it is returned. The same is true for black sand. While purportedly an ancient Hawaiian belief, historians can trace this legend only to the mid twentieth century.
The volcanic activity generated by Hawaii Volcanoes National Park helped create Punaluu Black Sand Beach and other black sand beaches.