Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park

Volcano, Big Island

The rare opportunity to witness and explore the volcanic evolution of the Hawaiian Islands awaits the visitor willing to make the trek to Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. Within the park you will find the world's longest active and continuing eruption that began back in 1983 and continues daily at the remote Pu'u O'o vent. A more recently eruption featuring a gas and smoke plume that began in 2008 is visible at the Halema'uma'u Crater, which is closer to the parks center. Highlights: Visit the only park in the world with an actively erupting volcano. Two eruption sites, and solidified lava of every shape and form make this park a truly amazing spectacle of landscapes that seem more lunar then tropical. Options: Make it a day trip or an overnight depending on what length of exploration you desire. Remember the orange lava glow is best seen after dark. Hazards!: There are many health and safety concerns at the park. Fumes from the ongoing eruptions are at times noxious and rich in sulfur dioxide gas so be aware of wind direction and fumes if choosing to view the active regions of the park. Sturdy closed-toe footwear will best protect you if you are planning to walk and explore the trails into the lava. Beware the lava rock can be jagged and sharp edged easily cutting into exposed areas of the body. Fee: $10 per car entry, receipt good for 7 days re-entry. The vast landscape of this park is one of the premiere natural wonders of Hawaii, and is a testament to the volcanic forces that created each of the islands in the Hawaiian archipelago. Every kind of lava formation imaginable is registered in stone, and layer upon layer of eruptive building and destruction can be seen as you drive along the seemingly endless "Chain of Craters" road. A very detailed interpretive visitor center is staffed from 7:45 a.m. to 5:00 pm daily and is located a short drive into the park. Begin your visit here, as the Park Rangers have some of the best up to date information for the safety and enjoyment of your group. Top 5 things "to do" while visiting the Park: 1: Hike along the paved "Crater Rim Trail" from either the "Steam vents" or "Kilauea Overlook", a great way to lose some of the crowds and see the vast crater in quiet. 2: Drive to the Jagger Museum and see the smoke plume of the Halema'uma'u Crater 3: Explore the Thurston Lava Tube and part of the adjacent Kilauea Iki Trail. 4: Drive down "Chain of Crater" road and see the contrasting lava flows and sections of rainforest that have never been covered by eruptions. 5: Take a break and dine or have a cocktail at the Volcano House Lodge on the rim of Kilaeua Crater Day versus Night: The daytime in the park is warmest and gives you the easiest exploration opportunities. Most people expect to see flowing molten lava right next to the roadway, this is hardly ever the case.  The lava flow happens mostly in remo…