If you find yourself in our 50th state this spring, take a break from the beach and crowds and tourist haunts to learn a bit about how these islands formed and who the original people were. You can get a good glimpse of this by hopping an inter-island flight from Oahu to the Big Island—Hawaii—and experiencing its fascinating geology and anthropology.

From striking craggy pinnacles to cavernous underground lairs, the national parks are renowned for their grand wildernesses. However, the inhabitants of these landscapes – the wilds’ wildlife – are perhaps the most beloved of the parks’ draws. Animals of the national parks, including many threatened or endangered species, also provide a significant scientific service: They are indicators of the overall health of their environments.

It's breeding and nesting season at Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park for nēnē, and park visitors are urged to drive with caution and to give the endangered Hawaiian goose space.

A colorful wall mural of Hawaiian deities painted by Herb Kawainui Kane has been restored at Jaggar Museum in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.