Poke a Stick Lava Tours
PELE'S OCEAN ENTRY
Pāhoa, Hawaii
Pele is the Hawaiian goddess of fire, lightning, wind, and volcanoes. Her power still holds the imagination of people in Hawaii today as legends suggest that taking rocks from her home on the island of Hawaii will lead to bad luck. She is said to live in the very active caldera of Kilauea. The visitor's center receives a number of returned rocks each year from tourists who have challenged this myth and found themselves in a rut of poor fortune when they returned home with her piece of lava.
Poke a Stick Lava Tours offer all sorts of hikes to see the lava up close. On this particular day, the lava flow was best seen as it violently entered the peaceful Pacific Ocean. While the private tour is rather pricey, it is by far the safest way to see the volcano in action (the company is also fully insured, though everyone is required to sign a release) and the guides are knowledgeable about the area and where the best viewing locations are. Evening tours are phenomenal because the lava lights up brilliantly. Pack a lot of water and a snack or two. The seemingly easy 2.5+ miles each way becomes quite long when you are negotiating jagged lava flows.
Pu'u Loa Petroglyphs
Pele is the Hawaiian goddess of fire, lightning, wind, and volcanoes. Her power still holds the imagination of people in Hawaii today as legends suggest that taking rocks from her home on the island of Hawaii will lead to bad luck. She is said to live in the very active caldera of Kilauea. The visitor's center receives a number of returned rocks each year from tourists who have challenged this myth and found themselves in a rut of poor fortune when they returned home with her piece of lava.
Poke a Stick Lava Tours offer all sorts of hikes to see the lava up close. On this particular day, the lava flow was best seen as it violently entered the peaceful Pacific Ocean. While the private tour is rather pricey, it is by far the safest way to see the volcano in action (the company is also fully insured, though everyone is required to sign a release) and the guides are knowledgeable about the area and where the best viewing locations are. Evening tours are phenomenal because the lava lights up brilliantly. Pack a lot of water and a snack or two. The seemingly easy 2.5+ miles each way becomes quite long when you are negotiating jagged lava flows.
Pu'u Loa Petroglyphs
I LAVA YOU
There are several hidden treasures among the volcanoes on the Big Island of Hawaii. The one that I found most fascinating was a short (0.7 mile) hike from the Chain of Craters road to the Pu'u Loa Petroglyphs.
I was most fascinated that this land has been lava coated—and recoated—for ages and yet these petroglyphs still managed to escape centuries of fresh molten lava.
I also thought this image, etched in the rock, was the likeness of a couple and imagined some ancient Hawaiian man carefully carving out the images and comically telling his wife: "I lava you a lot."
Kilauea Crater
There are several hidden treasures among the volcanoes on the Big Island of Hawaii. The one that I found most fascinating was a short (0.7 mile) hike from the Chain of Craters road to the Pu'u Loa Petroglyphs.
I was most fascinated that this land has been lava coated—and recoated—for ages and yet these petroglyphs still managed to escape centuries of fresh molten lava.
I also thought this image, etched in the rock, was the likeness of a couple and imagined some ancient Hawaiian man carefully carving out the images and comically telling his wife: "I lava you a lot."
Kilauea Crater
CLOSE CRATER
The highlight of Volcanoes National Park is the Kilauea Crater. Nothing beats seeing the glow from the active crater at night—well, maybe the prospect of seeing a new explosive eruption.
There are a couple of other lava flow viewing areas in the area that are recommended depending on the activity. Helicopter rides are also available during the day to take visitors over the volcanic island.
The park's visitor center is the best place to check in and find out where to go. And at $10 for a 7 day pass, you will not want to miss this national park!
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
The highlight of Volcanoes National Park is the Kilauea Crater. Nothing beats seeing the glow from the active crater at night—well, maybe the prospect of seeing a new explosive eruption.
There are a couple of other lava flow viewing areas in the area that are recommended depending on the activity. Helicopter rides are also available during the day to take visitors over the volcanic island.
The park's visitor center is the best place to check in and find out where to go. And at $10 for a 7 day pass, you will not want to miss this national park!
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
THE RESILIENCE OF LIFE
The Hawaiian Islands are relatively new pieces of land on the globe, and nothing reminds people of this more than a visit to Volcanoes National Park, where new land is being formed every day by the very active Kilauea Volcano.
Even in lava flows formed in the last 20 years, plants begin to take root wherever they can find proper nutrients and a little bit of water. This is how the islands were populated with life from their beginning—seeds were brought by the waves or by birds flying from far-off lands and some found places to be nurtured and grow.
If you get a chance, drive down Chain of Craters Road and note the changing landscapes of different lava flows and how much vegetation has been able to thrive over the years on different flows.
Volcano
Mountain View, Hawaii
HAWAIIAN FOOD TRUCK
Why I was so surprised to find a food truck in the village of Volcano outside of Volcano National Park, I'm not sure. All I know is that it was one of the many culinary surprises on the Big Island. This truck was packed with all kinds of wonderful things, and almost all of it was healthy too. If you can find it, and I have no way of telling you where they will be parked, ask for the special drink they mix up daily, I think it has ginger it in, but they'll know what you mean. The company is called Higher Taste Vegetarian Cafe, and this truck was parked outside of the Rainforest Gallery at Niaulani near Volcano Village. That's the best I can do, but then again, finding the truck is half the fun!
Thomas A. Jaggar Museum
LEARNING ABOUT KILAUEA
For those seeking an education about the Hawaiian volcanoes, the Volcanoes National Park Visitors Center and Jaggar Museum have helpful staff and interesting visuals and maps.
Visitors can see before and after photos, see maps of volcanic activity under the Big Island, talk with park rangers, and understand more about Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of fire who is said to reside inside Kilauea. Anyone can become a amateur geologist by learning about the different types of volcanic rocks that form or fly from the crater.
Most importantly, these centers will help tourists determine what areas of at the park are closed due to volcanic activity or high fumes.
Thurston Lava Tube
There are numerous sites to explore within Volcanoes National Park, but the Thurston Lava Tube is certainly one of the most dramatic. Located at stop #6, exploring the tube is an easy half-hour walk to and through the extinct lava conduit.
Mauna Kea
Hawaii, Hawaii
CLOUDS BELOW YOU
On the Big Island, this is the most awe-inspiring adventure you can take, and all you'll need is a little time and the right vehicle. Mauna Kea is that huge mountain in the middle of the Big Island, and yes, you can summit it at any time, for free, and watch the sun come up or go down, depending on your preferred circadian rhythm. As you ascend, you will be greeted by various "levels" of weather, meaning you'll pass through mist, fog, sun, rain, clear skies, clouds, and eventually . . . nothingness, because you'll literally be above it all. As you head up the mountain, be sure to stop off at the visitors' center at 9,000 feet to check the weather conditions, get safety information, and adjust to the altitude change if needed. After that, if you have a 4-wheel drive vehicle, you may continue on up to the summit which crests a bit shy of 14,000 feet. Once there, you will see all 11 observatories from 13 countries with telescopes pointing toward the heavens. Ironically, you will be looking not up but down, as you get to watch the sun rise or set on the clouds that tumble lazily below your feet.
Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station
STEAMPUNK STARGAZING
If you are on your way to the summit of Mauna Kea, be sure to stop off at the visitor center at 9000 feet to peruse the massive telescopes they keep on hand. Not only do they look like something out of a steampunker's imagination, after the sun goes down, they drag all of them out and you get to use them to stare into the night sky!
Mauna Kea Summit
A SNOWY SUNSET (IN HAWAII)
You will first need four-wheel drive. Then take an hour's break at the visitor’s center before heading up to the observatories at Mauna Kea’s summit. You might feel a little light-headed when you reach the top—if not for the altitude, then for the epic sunset you will behold suspended above the clouds.
It's best to go during the wetter, winter months for a better chance of snow on the ground.
The Hawaiian Islands are relatively new pieces of land on the globe, and nothing reminds people of this more than a visit to Volcanoes National Park, where new land is being formed every day by the very active Kilauea Volcano.
Even in lava flows formed in the last 20 years, plants begin to take root wherever they can find proper nutrients and a little bit of water. This is how the islands were populated with life from their beginning—seeds were brought by the waves or by birds flying from far-off lands and some found places to be nurtured and grow.
If you get a chance, drive down Chain of Craters Road and note the changing landscapes of different lava flows and how much vegetation has been able to thrive over the years on different flows.
Volcano
Mountain View, Hawaii
HAWAIIAN FOOD TRUCK
Why I was so surprised to find a food truck in the village of Volcano outside of Volcano National Park, I'm not sure. All I know is that it was one of the many culinary surprises on the Big Island. This truck was packed with all kinds of wonderful things, and almost all of it was healthy too. If you can find it, and I have no way of telling you where they will be parked, ask for the special drink they mix up daily, I think it has ginger it in, but they'll know what you mean. The company is called Higher Taste Vegetarian Cafe, and this truck was parked outside of the Rainforest Gallery at Niaulani near Volcano Village. That's the best I can do, but then again, finding the truck is half the fun!
Thomas A. Jaggar Museum
LEARNING ABOUT KILAUEA
For those seeking an education about the Hawaiian volcanoes, the Volcanoes National Park Visitors Center and Jaggar Museum have helpful staff and interesting visuals and maps.
Visitors can see before and after photos, see maps of volcanic activity under the Big Island, talk with park rangers, and understand more about Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of fire who is said to reside inside Kilauea. Anyone can become a amateur geologist by learning about the different types of volcanic rocks that form or fly from the crater.
Most importantly, these centers will help tourists determine what areas of at the park are closed due to volcanic activity or high fumes.
Thurston Lava Tube
There are numerous sites to explore within Volcanoes National Park, but the Thurston Lava Tube is certainly one of the most dramatic. Located at stop #6, exploring the tube is an easy half-hour walk to and through the extinct lava conduit.
Mauna Kea
Hawaii, HawaiiCLOUDS BELOW YOU
CLOUDS BELOW YOU
On the Big Island, this is the most awe-inspiring adventure you can take, and all you'll need is a little time and the right vehicle. Mauna Kea is that huge mountain in the middle of the Big Island, and yes, you can summit it at any time, for free, and watch the sun come up or go down, depending on your preferred circadian rhythm. As you ascend, you will be greeted by various "levels" of weather, meaning you'll pass through mist, fog, sun, rain, clear skies, clouds, and eventually . . . nothingness, because you'll literally be above it all. As you head up the mountain, be sure to stop off at the visitors' center at 9,000 feet to check the weather conditions, get safety information, and adjust to the altitude change if needed. After that, if you have a 4-wheel drive vehicle, you may continue on up to the summit which crests a bit shy of 14,000 feet. Once there, you will see all 11 observatories from 13 countries with telescopes pointing toward the heavens. Ironically, you will be looking not up but down, as you get to watch the sun rise or set on the clouds that tumble lazily below your feet.
Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station
STEAMPUNK STARGAZING
If you are on your way to the summit of Mauna Kea, be sure to stop off at the visitor center at 9000 feet to peruse the massive telescopes they keep on hand. Not only do they look like something out of a steampunker's imagination, after the sun goes down, they drag all of them out and you get to use them to stare into the night sky!
Mauna Kea Summit
A SNOWY SUNSET (IN HAWAII)
Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station
STEAMPUNK STARGAZINGIf you are on your way to the summit of Mauna Kea, be sure to stop off at the visitor center at 9000 feet to peruse the massive telescopes they keep on hand. Not only do they look like something out of a steampunker's imagination, after the sun goes down, they drag all of them out and you get to use them to stare into the night sky!
Mauna Kea Summit
A SNOWY SUNSET (IN HAWAII)
You will first need four-wheel drive. Then take an hour's break at the visitor’s center before heading up to the observatories at Mauna Kea’s summit. You might feel a little light-headed when you reach the top—if not for the altitude, then for the epic sunset you will behold suspended above the clouds.
It's best to go during the wetter, winter months for a better chance of snow on the ground.
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