There are very few places in the world where you can get right up to an active volcano. Guess what, it’s possible in Hawaii – and it’s quite easy too! Big Island is the youngest island of the Hawaiian archipelago and is basically one big lava rock, one that isn’t even that old in the grand scheme of things. Upon arrival you’ll be amazed by the black earth; even the airport is situated right upon a field of rock lava.
Up until this day the island is still ever-growing due to the constant lava flow. You can easily see it this stream of fury at the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. But don’t just get to the park the for the flowing lava. Apart from the magma there’s a LOT to see when driving or walking around the park. Don’t know where to start? Here are 8 super fun spots you can all visit within one day!
Volcano House
The volcano house is a good way to start your day at the Volcanoes National Park. Opposite of it there’s the information center, to get yourself some maps and information about activities during the day. In the volcano house itself you can get your first glimpse at the crater. The house has two restaurants, one that stars a lot of (cheaper) comfort food on the menu and a second where you can dine a bit more in style. Both offer wonderful views on the crater; so make a reservation near the window or get there in time! “
Kilauea Overlook
After the volcano house a logical second stop would be the Kilauea overlook, some 10 minutes from the Volcano House. Over here you have a better look into the crater – although they still keep you far from the danger. In case you want to know more about how a volcano works or regarding the mythical Hawaiian connections of the volcano you can stroll around the little museum next to the overlook. This is also a nice hideaway in case you’re freezing – like I did myself. Volcanologists spend much time studying the volcano in this place due continual volcanic activity. In the museum you can read about their achievements, developments and missteps regarding their research.
Day or night, the caldera is a wonder to behold. Therefore it’s best to go there at least two times. At night you’ll get a way better view on the magma inside the crater. It’s simply easier to spot the flows, that splash from time to time against the edges of the crater. You can stare for hours into it. Just like fire it has some relaxing and earthly feeling. An incredible idea it is as well that the island on which you’re standing is created due to all of this activity.
Steam Vents
How often do you see steam rising from the earth? Since this spot is on the way to the volcano crater, the steam vents are a fun and quick stop. It’s a quite unusual ‘pressure cooker’ sight to see and feel the steam rising up through the cracks. Not only does it keep you warm, it also makes you realize there really is molten lava right beneath you.
There are some small trails around the steam vents that give you a better view on the sulphur rocks and the gorgeous vegetation around the cracks.
Kilauea Iki Trail
In case you’re in for a very different, yet marvellous hike; seek no more. The Kilauea Iki Trail will provide you with a superb experience. The 2-3 hour hike around a crater can be made in a big circle, where you start at one location and next travel in a circle to return to where you started. It’s best to walk it counter-clockwise, if you like to make it yourself a bit easier. Just a little.
A walk in the giant lava lake feels something unearthly; like a walk on the moon or on a set of some scifi movie, in a dystopian universe. This distract from the fact that the hike can be difficult in spots. The first and last parts of the trip feel a bit more familiar as they are set in beautiful jungle with lots of bird and colourful flowers that bloom against the black lava background.
Don’t expect to get anywhere near to see lava and plan to get in here early to beat the heat.
Thurston Lava Tube
Time for the next fun little stop: a natural cave formed by retreating lava! The small tunnel is an interesting geological formation east of the Kilauea Caldera. Getting to the tube, there’s a beautiful and tropical trail which is lovely to walk. The whole viewing of the site itself takes some 5 minutes, yet it’s a remarkable idea that the place you’re walking is created by nature and not humans.
Chain of Craters Road
From the lava tunnels you can continue your way all the way down to the sea, via several old (and partially overgrown) craters. The road is as lovely as it is impressive, considering that it leads through lava fields and flows that date back as far as 1969.
There are a lot of spots where you can stop that provide spectacular views of the areas. So special it is to see how nature is reclaiming the ground with new sprouts everywhere – pictured below. It’s a sign of the perseverance of nature – one that’s very comforting. Personally, I don’t think you’ll find many roads like this one on the earth. So it’s a one of a kind experience well worth the time and effort.
Pu`u Loa Petroglyphs
If you’re in the mood for hiking, visiting the petroglyps of the park might be a splendid idea for you. The side is situated almost to the end of Chain of Craters Road. The 1.5 mile round trip hike is located on the left side of the road.
Although it’s not a difficult hike over the lava to get to the boardwalk, walking can be annoying since the road is uneven. At the boardwalk you can see dozens of petroglyphs. Unfortunately there are no signs at the boardwalk to tell you what the petroglyphs mean. So all the more reason to give in to your imagination 🙂
Holei Sea Arch
All the way down at the end of the Chain of Craters road there’s a beautiful arch standing strong in the sea. Though we were doubting to go all the way down, this viewing point was absolutely worth the drive, if alone because the last part of the road has some gorgeous views on the area and vegetation. After you park the car at the end of the road, stroll down to the seawall and become mesmerized by the waves as they crash against the sea arch, sending misty spray everywhere. It thought it was one of the most beautiful places in the park, because it knows how to both tranquilize and energize. Upon return you can you get your parks passport stamped at the little hut, just for fun.
Also, from this point onwards you can go out and hike to the lava viewing area. Mind that this hike is very long, some 3 hours to get to the lava flow alone. A better way to get there is on the other side, read about it in our upcoming article!
