Visit A Live Volcano

Nowhere else in the United States, much less the world, is there a spot like Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. No visit to the Big Island is really complete without paying homage to Madame Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of fire. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park was established in 1916 and became the country's thirteenth national park, created to preserve the region's unique volcanic features, its early human history, and the plant and animal life that is part of this special bio-region. This is a place of creation, of life, of incredible force and energy, that is not only accessible, but is designed to accommodate, educate, and enthrall all who enter the park.

The 377 square mile park is located in the south central part of the Big Island and is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year. The terrain ranges from arid expanses of lava flows to lush green jungles; the climate from dry desert to dripping rainforest. There are few places in the world where these dramatic extremes are in such close proximity to each other. Your first stop should be the Kilauea Visitor Center, which shows a gorgeous 20 minute movie on eruptions hourly. There are displays on vocanic formation, geologic processes and a fascinating topographical model of the Big Island that gives you a real feel for this amazing island. The center is also the place to obtain backcountry permits for all overnight backcountry camping trips.

A main feature of the park is the 11 mile Crater Rim Drive that encircles Kilauea's summit caldera. This drive reminds you of how "alive" this area is, with sulphur banks, steam vents, pit craters and recent lava flows. Along this drive is the Thomas A. Jaggar Museum, an absolutely fascinating must see. There are ongoing videos of volcanic eruptions, geologic displays, and working seismic equipment related to the neighboring Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. The Museum also offers another stunning view of the Kilauea Caldera. If the eruption in the East Rift Zone, which began on January 3, 1993, is still in progress, you may have the opportunity to see it, for an eruption update call (808) 967-7977.