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Volcano Region
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Location: Volcano
Originally founded in 1916, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (HVNP) is a living, breathing testament to the awesome power of Mother Nature. HVNP is located 30 miles southwest of Hilo and 96 miles southeast of Kona. It's open year-round, 24 hours a day. HVNP is home to Kilauea Volcano, the most continuously active volcano in the world, and the park offers the unique experience of walking on land that is younger than you are. Visitors are also witness to the world's largest volcano Mauna Loa at 13,677 feet. Mauna Loa, meaning 'long mountain,' encompasses a huge chunk of the Big Island (see our geology page). In recognition of its outstanding natural values, Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park has been honored as an International Biosphere Reserve and a World Heritage Site.
Originally founded in 1916, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (HVNP) is a living, breathing testament to the awesome power of Mother Nature. HVNP is located 30 miles southwest of Hilo and 96 miles southeast of Kona. It's open year-round, 24 hours a day. HVNP is home to Kilauea Volcano, the most continuously active volcano in the world, and the park offers the unique experience of walking on land that is younger than you are. Visitors are also witness to the world's largest volcano Mauna Loa at 13,677 feet. Mauna Loa, meaning 'long mountain,' encompasses a huge chunk of the Big Island (see our geology page). In recognition of its outstanding natural values, Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park has been honored as an International Biosphere Reserve and a World Heritage Site.
Location: Volcano
Crater Rim Drive is an 11-mile road that skirts the edge of the Kilauea Caldera in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and contains several scenic views and hiking opportunities. If you had to choose only one thing to do in HVNP (may that never occur!) this drive would be it. The Park entrance station is just off Hwy 11, 95 miles south-east of Kona and 30 miles south-west of Hilo. Keep right onto Crater Rim Drive for Kilauea visitor center in 0.3 mile. They will be able to answer any questions you may have about the road/trials ahead.
Crater Rim Drive is an 11-mile road that skirts the edge of the Kilauea Caldera in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and contains several scenic views and hiking opportunities. If you had to choose only one thing to do in HVNP (may that never occur!) this drive would be it. The Park entrance station is just off Hwy 11, 95 miles south-east of Kona and 30 miles south-west of Hilo. Keep right onto Crater Rim Drive for Kilauea visitor center in 0.3 mile. They will be able to answer any questions you may have about the road/trials ahead.
Location: Volcano
Located in Thurston Lava Tube is one of the main attractions in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park . Like veins leading from the central “heart” of the volcano, lava tubes direct molten earth toward the ocean. As the lava flows the outer crust begins to harden while the inner lava continues to flow. Once the flow stops, the tunnel formation remains. Thurston Lava Tube could date back some 350-500 years. The tube is named for Lorrin Thurston, a newspaper publisher that played an instrumental role in creating the park.
Located in Thurston Lava Tube is one of the main attractions in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park . Like veins leading from the central “heart” of the volcano, lava tubes direct molten earth toward the ocean. As the lava flows the outer crust begins to harden while the inner lava continues to flow. Once the flow stops, the tunnel formation remains. Thurston Lava Tube could date back some 350-500 years. The tube is named for Lorrin Thurston, a newspaper publisher that played an instrumental role in creating the park.
Location: Volcano
If you were to have visited this overlook in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (HVNP) in the 19th century, you would understand how it earned the name “firepit.” During this time a swirling, fiery lake of lava filled the crater. The parking lot is about half way around the 11-mile Crater Rim Drive on the left and a short 10-minute walk down to the lookout. It is not paved, so wear close-toed shoes with good grip.
Once you reach the overlook, you will be peering into the volcano goddess Pele’s sanctuary. Although her flows are plunging into the ocean elsewhere, her home is in Halema’uma’u. Cultural ceremonies are held and offerings are sometimes left for her on the crater rim.
If you were to have visited this overlook in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (HVNP) in the 19th century, you would understand how it earned the name “firepit.” During this time a swirling, fiery lake of lava filled the crater. The parking lot is about half way around the 11-mile Crater Rim Drive on the left and a short 10-minute walk down to the lookout. It is not paved, so wear close-toed shoes with good grip.
Once you reach the overlook, you will be peering into the volcano goddess Pele’s sanctuary. Although her flows are plunging into the ocean elsewhere, her home is in Halema’uma’u. Cultural ceremonies are held and offerings are sometimes left for her on the crater rim.
Location: Volcano
As you stand at the Kilauea Iki overlook you can see a lightly-etched trail stretching across the crater floor. From your 400 ft high vantage point you might be able to see little specks walking the path: those are people. Kilauea Iki is an approximately four-mile loop that takes 2-3 hours. It skirts the rim of the crater, dips down and across the floor and back up to the overlook. You can either take the Crater Rim Trail to the right around the rim of Kilauea Iki and then down to the crater floor then back up the other side or go left and begin the hike with the descent into the crater. We prefer the first option simply because you can enjoy the beauty of the rim rain forest at the beginning of the hike and the ascent is slightly less arduous.
As you stand at the Kilauea Iki overlook you can see a lightly-etched trail stretching across the crater floor. From your 400 ft high vantage point you might be able to see little specks walking the path: those are people. Kilauea Iki is an approximately four-mile loop that takes 2-3 hours. It skirts the rim of the crater, dips down and across the floor and back up to the overlook. You can either take the Crater Rim Trail to the right around the rim of Kilauea Iki and then down to the crater floor then back up the other side or go left and begin the hike with the descent into the crater. We prefer the first option simply because you can enjoy the beauty of the rim rain forest at the beginning of the hike and the ascent is slightly less arduous.
Location: Volcano
Chain of Craters Road may be one of the most unique experiences you have on the Big Island. Stretching 18 miles and going from 4,000 ft. elevation to sea level, this scenic drive along the East Rift Zone of the volcano in HVNP is pock marked with craters of varying shapes and sizes, lava flows, petroglyphs, and, possibly, active lava. Along this road you will also find many interesting hikes, breathtaking vistas, and the opportunity to see Madame Pele do what she does best.
Chain of Craters Road may be one of the most unique experiences you have on the Big Island. Stretching 18 miles and going from 4,000 ft. elevation to sea level, this scenic drive along the East Rift Zone of the volcano in HVNP is pock marked with craters of varying shapes and sizes, lava flows, petroglyphs, and, possibly, active lava. Along this road you will also find many interesting hikes, breathtaking vistas, and the opportunity to see Madame Pele do what she does best.
Location: Volcano
The parking lot for the Kilauea Caldera Overlook is on the left side of Crater Rim Drive about .7 miles past the Steam Vents. From this vantage point you can truly appreciate the magnitude of the Kilauea Caldera which spans two miles and drops 400 feet. Imagine this vast space oozing with molten rock. A frightening and awe-inspiring thought for sure. Geologists now believe that the bubbling lake of lava exists 2 miles below the floor. They also think the caldera was formed during the 1790 explosion which provided the ash that paves the walkway.
In the distance to the right is a large depression. This is the famous Halema’uma’u Crater or firepit.
The parking lot for the Kilauea Caldera Overlook is on the left side of Crater Rim Drive about .7 miles past the Steam Vents. From this vantage point you can truly appreciate the magnitude of the Kilauea Caldera which spans two miles and drops 400 feet. Imagine this vast space oozing with molten rock. A frightening and awe-inspiring thought for sure. Geologists now believe that the bubbling lake of lava exists 2 miles below the floor. They also think the caldera was formed during the 1790 explosion which provided the ash that paves the walkway.
In the distance to the right is a large depression. This is the famous Halema’uma’u Crater or firepit.
Location: Volcano
A kipuka is an area of land which was once lava but has been surrounded on all sides by more recent flows. If left undisturbed for a long time, an ecosystem, such as that a Kipuka Puaulu, forms. Puaulu, also called Bird Park, is an old ohia tree and fern forest which is home to many of the feathered residents of the Big Island. A 30-minute stroll along this 1-mile trail will reveal several different high elevation birds, including the colorful Khalij Pheasant.
A kipuka is an area of land which was once lava but has been surrounded on all sides by more recent flows. If left undisturbed for a long time, an ecosystem, such as that a Kipuka Puaulu, forms. Puaulu, also called Bird Park, is an old ohia tree and fern forest which is home to many of the feathered residents of the Big Island. A 30-minute stroll along this 1-mile trail will reveal several different high elevation birds, including the colorful Khalij Pheasant.
Location: Volcano
Half a mile past Thurston Lava Tube on the left on Crater Rim Drive. in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is the parking the lot for Kilauea Iki Crater which is home to one of the most amazing lava eruptions in the park’s history. In November 1959 Kilauea Iki began gushing streams of incandescent orange lava. The glowing fountains of molten earth reached heights of 1,900 feet. At one point Kilauea Iki was a 414 ft. deep lake of bubbling lava.
Half a mile past Thurston Lava Tube on the left on Crater Rim Drive. in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is the parking the lot for Kilauea Iki Crater which is home to one of the most amazing lava eruptions in the park’s history. In November 1959 Kilauea Iki began gushing streams of incandescent orange lava. The glowing fountains of molten earth reached heights of 1,900 feet. At one point Kilauea Iki was a 414 ft. deep lake of bubbling lava.
Location: Volcano
Lava trees are created when fast-flowing lava moves through a forest completely surrounding the moist trees. The lava cools on the outside as the tree is incinerated on the inside, leaving a lava shell in the shape of the tree. While some molds will reach several feet high, others will be merely stumps or even depressions.
Sometimes lava trees will preserve the texture of the original bark. They are most often formed by smooth pahoehoe but occasionally a'a will create the same form. You can find these tree molds in HVNP up on Mauna Loa Road. Take a left out of the park and near mile marker 30.5 you'll find Mauna Loa Road which snakes uphill for 11.5 miles.
Lava trees are created when fast-flowing lava moves through a forest completely surrounding the moist trees. The lava cools on the outside as the tree is incinerated on the inside, leaving a lava shell in the shape of the tree. While some molds will reach several feet high, others will be merely stumps or even depressions.
Sometimes lava trees will preserve the texture of the original bark. They are most often formed by smooth pahoehoe but occasionally a'a will create the same form. You can find these tree molds in HVNP up on Mauna Loa Road. Take a left out of the park and near mile marker 30.5 you'll find Mauna Loa Road which snakes uphill for 11.5 miles.
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