Quiet Parks in Hawaii
With landscapes ranging from sea level to around 13,000 feet, the Hawaii Volcanoes Park is certainly one of the more breathtaking and dramatic of the Quiet Parks around the world. Containing the world’s most two active volcanoes - Kīlauea and Mauna Loa – this area is also designated International Biosphere Reserve and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Many visitors flock to the admittedly stunning Halem‘uma‘u Crater which doubled in size in 2018, to trek the once-rainforest covered Devastation Trail. This accessible 1km walk shows the site of the 1959 eruption of Kīlauea Iki crater, or explore the slopes of the Haʻakulamanu (Sulphur Banks).
However, the nature of quiet travel requires some lesser-known activities. Why not drive the scenic Maunaloa Road to its 6,667-foot elevation lookout? Or perhaps see the Hawaiian lava etchings at Pu‘uloa Petroglyph Field and ruminate on ancient history. For a further-afield hike, drive an hour south of the park’s main entrance and see the power of Manou Lou in the destruction of Kahuku Ranch, once one of the biggest cattle ranches on the Kahuku Unit hike.
Top tip: For a rewarding experience in this amazing park, volunteer in the Stewardship at the Summit volunteerism project to restore the ‘āina (land).
Accessible from major UK cities like London, Manchester and Wales in under 2 hours, visitors can go completely off grid with the UK’s first off-grid cabin escapes. These silent cabin retreats are built to ' help the ‘always on’ switch off’ by offering a secure and tech-free location to digitally detox.
Designed specifically for travellers who are looking to disconnect from the constant stream of technology and reconnect with themselves, or with a partner, these cabins offer some screen-free time for tech-weary individuals.
Stays are usually offered for 3-4 nights down to the ‘Three Day Effect’, based on a study which noted that spending 72 hours disconnected from technology and surrounded by nature has a positive impact on the mind. Guests are provided with a physical map of the surrounding area, an instant film camera, books, board games and cooking equipment. A slice of digital detox heaven within reach in under 2 hours from most major UK cities!
With many international and mainline connections, we recommend London or Manchester as hubs for travellers visiting from overseas, which also offer plenty of incredible experiences once your digital detox ends.
Silence please!
An app called SoundPrint, launched in 2018, can help you find quiet cafes and restaurants!