Your CartHawaii Volcanoes: Heat Up Your Hawaii Vacation!
By Verna May Nahulu | May 31, 2012
Hawaii volcanoes are the hottest attraction in the islands of Hawaii. Literally. Here is a look at the amazing things you’ll find while visiting Hawaii volcanoes for a vacation experience you won’t forget!
Hawaii Volcanoes: Making the islands of Hawaii
The entire chain of Hawaiian islands was created, in a sense, by the same volcano. Formed by a “hot spot” in the middle of the Pacific tectonic plate, the entire Hawaiian archipelago is comprised of over 130 islands which spans almost 1,500 miles.
Forming the Hawaiian islands, Hawaii volcanoes are HOT!
The shifting Pacific plate slid across this hot spot to form the islands we know as paradise today. For this reason, Hawaii volcanoes are one of the most unique geologic features in the world today.
Hawaii Volcanoes: Starting your day at a Hawaiian hideaway.
The town of Hilo on the Big Island’s east coast is the best starting point for a day visiting Hawaii volcanoes. Located about an hour north of Mount Kilauea, the most active volcano on the planet, the historic and beautiful natural landmarks of Hilo are a nice way to add a little Hawaiiana to your trip.
The majestic Rainbow Falls is one of Hawaii’s mightiest waterfalls. Crashing over 80 feet into a shimmering pond, morning sun hitting the mist creates wafting rainbows which rise up to the sky. The beauty of this special place will surely take your breath away.
A visit to Rainbow Falls is a great way to start your day!
Also in Hilo are the Queen Liliuokalani Royal Botanical Gardens. Built in honor of Hawaii’s last monarch, Queen Lydia Liliuokalani, this serene Japanese-style garden is one of the most peaceful places in all of Hawaii.
The serene gardens dedicated to Hawaii's last queen, Lydia Liliuokalani.
Hilo’s most prestigious landmark has got to be the historic Banyan Drive. The first of these majestic trees were planted by movie celebrities of the 1930′s, Babe Ruth and President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Amelia Earhart and Richard Nixon have also planted trees there.
The hanging roots of Banyan trees give them a distinct look.
It is known as the “Hilo Walk of Fame” and many of the trees also survived a terrible tsunami in 1960 which devastated the Hilo region.
Up close and personal with Hawaii Volcanoes
All of Mount Kilauea’s active craters are located within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Geologic wonders like the Thurston lava tube and natural volcanic steam vents are unlike anything you have ever seen before.
The amazing natural volcanic steam vents of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
The Thurston lava tube is a short walk through a natural underground tunnel formed by a river of lava flowing down the volcano to the ocean. Lush rainforest covers the entryway and adds a dramatic change of scenery. While initially eerie, the lighted tunnel isn’t scary, but is definitely exciting.
The lush entrance to the Thurston lava tube.
These unique geological wonders are only part of experiencing Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The best part is seeing the volcanoes!
The best view of lava is from the Jaggar Museum and Observatory which sits on the rim of the Kilauea caldera. With active seismographs and volcanic monitoring equipment, learn about the science which goes into discovering more about Hawaii volcanoes.
But that’s not the only crater overlook we stop at. There is also the Halema’uma’u Overlook. This active underground lava lake usually has a gigantic plume of sulfur rising into the air, and the crater is over half a mile wide!
The sulfur plume from Halema'uma'u can be seen for miles
The Kilauea Iki Overlook is the third spot to experience the mighty Hawaii volcanoes. This crater saw some of the most exciting volcanic activity recorded in Hawaii during the 1960′s with lava fountains erupting almost 2000 feet in the air!
How can you see Hawaii volcanoes?
You might be asking yourself “How can I see Hawaii volcanoes?” and the answer is simple: Take a Volcano Tour! Our expert guides know the best parts about each place we stop, and give you local knowledge you wouldn’t find anywhere else. Plus, they are so friendly you’ll think you have been friends for years, making this trip the most memorable one you’ve ever had.
If you’re not staying in the Big Island and want to see Hawaii volcanoes that’s not a problem! We offer day trips to the Big Island which are all inclusive, and we’ll have you back at your hotel that night! Plus, island hopping is one of the funnest ways to experience Hawaii! So what are you waiting for,
Book Your Volcano Tour Today!
Aloha!
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