For our last National Park installment, Get Out Chattanooga is dreaming of the white sands and blue waters of our country's island National Parks. While we're shivering on the trails this time of year, there's plenty of warm-weather alternatives if you're prepared to travel. If you can't get Bing Crosby's Mele Kalikimaka out of your head this month, maybe you should book a last minute holiday in the sun.
Haleakala National Park
Located on the Hawaiian island, Maui, this national park extends from the peak of a mountain to the coast of the island. Open 24 hours and named "House of the Sun" in Hawaiian, visitors flock here to watch the spectacular sunrise and sunset from the Haleakala Crater atop the summit of the volcano. From here, amateur astronomers can see the clear night sky and even the Milky Way from a network of trails throughout the park. To access the seaside, or Kipahulu District of the park, visitors must take a coastal road known as the Hana Highway. In Kipahulu, you can view waterfalls and ocean vistas, as well as swim in natural-made pools if the weather allows.
Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park
This park is located on the eponymous Hawaiian island, and also like its name, features two active volcanoes, Kilauea and Manua Loa. Camping and hiking are a must at this park, as it affords you backcountry opportunities and possibly even views of lava flow. Pick one of several trails and get a unique opportunity to explore parts of the park and wildlife, or make it a little easier and choose from two drive-up campgrounds. The park also features several biking trails, and most of them are paved, making this a great option for a family friendly visit.
Want to stay a little closer to home? Visit the U.S. Virgin Islands National Park
A little more accessible than flying across the country, the U.S. Virgin Islands National Park on St. John offers a great and nearby island vacation where you can still get your camping fix. Fly into neighboring island St. Thomas and take a short ferry over to St. John. The national park encompasses a large part of the island, giving you endless options to explore everything from the beaches to the mountains. Trunk Bay is known for its amazing beach, as well as a 225-yard long snorkeling trail. Camp at Cinnamon Bay, where you can also kayak and give windsurfing a try.
If you're already in the Pacific Ocean ... Visit American Samoa National Park
Add this one to your bucket list, folks. Located in the South Pacific Ocean, American Samoa National Park, located on American Samoa island Tutuila and smaller outer islands Ofu and Manu'a, is a remote tropical wonderland. It's not easy to get to-it's a nearly 6 hour flight from Hawaii, and then requires a boat or small plane to reach the smaller islands-but if you find yourself looking for a getaway where you have no choice but to immerse yourself in nature, look no further. While facilities are sparse, the snorkeling and diving experiences are rich. Likewise, hiking trails like Tuafanua Trail offer once-in-a-lifetime views of nothing but turquoise ocean.