Hawaii Volcanoes National Park - tips by Howard Hillman

Hawaii Volcanoes
National Park

a Polynesia travel wonder - in the Hawaiian Islands

Why the

Hawaii Volcanoes

National Park

is special

This vast and popular attraction on the island of Hawaii is home to Mauna Loa and Kilauea, two of the most active and exciting volcanoes in the world.

Mauna Loa

It last erupted in 1984 and is expected to do so again, likely within the next several decades.

Mauna Loa rises 4160 meters (13,677 feet) above sea level, but if you measure it from its base on the ocean floor, it's 9,400 meters (31,000 feet) tall, which is higher than Mount Everest.

Kilauea

Though considerably shorter than its sibling Mauna Loa, Kilauea attracts more tourists because it is the most active sizeable volcano on the planet. And, Kilauea is relatively safer in the minds of visitors because it's less likely to cataclysmically blow its top.

Kilauea means "spreading, much spewing" in Hawaiian, which accurately describes what it usually does.

Hawaii Volcanoes

National Park
tips & insights

The two leading sightseeing appeals are viewing the volcanoes up close and getting to see live scorching lava flows and, if you're lucky, gushing lava fountains.

Rather than wasting time driving around trying to find active lava flow, drop by the Visitor Center. The staff will tell you where the action is currently taking place.

Lava flows and fountains are visually more exciting after dusk. The molten lava intensely glows against the dark background.

To avoid tour-bus crush, sightsee before mid-morning or after mid-afternoon.

The 11-mile Caldera Drive is the most popular excursion, with the Halema'uma'u Crater Overlook its highlight. From that observation spot, your camera can simultaneously capture the crater's interior and, in the distance, mighty Mauna Loa.

Other interesting Caldera Drive stops include Thurston Lava Tube, Jagger Museum, Steaming Bluff and the viewpoint behind the Volcano House.

The second most popular excursion is the Chain of Craters Road, which descends from Kilauea to the coast until it dead ends at a hardened street-crossing lava flow. The round trip is approximately 75 kilometers (45 miles).

Mauna Loa and the neighboring Mauna Kea are gently, not sharply sloped as are most of the world's famous volcanoes. This is a geological characteristic of Hawaiian volcanoes.

Trails are many and come in different persuasions, including those suited for simple-footers and backpackers.

Wear layers of clothing because Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is a destination of extremes. On the same day, its possible to walk on sandy tropical beaches and snow-covered terrain.

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