Hawaii Volcanoes

Location:  Hawaii

Established:  August 1, 1916

Originally created as Hawaii National Park along with Haleakala National Park in Maui, Hawaii Volcanoes was made into a separate national park in 1960. The park is home to two active volcanoes — Kilauea, one of the world’s most active volcanoes and Mauna Loa, the biggest volcano in the world.  The park stretches from sea level to Mauna Loa’s summit, with the slopes of Kilauea comprising a lush green rainforest that borders stark, recent lava flows.  All of this diversity makes for an incredibly rich visit.  We walked through Thurston Lava Tube (a 500-year old lava cave formed when an underground channel of molten lava drained from its cooled walls forming a massive, hollow chamber) and drove the 18-mile stretch of Chain of Craters Road (a drive that takes you around the Kilauea Crater past many scenic points and active and less active craters all the way down to the ocean, where a lava flow has literally overtaken the road), but the real highlight was a nighttime view of Halemaumau Crater, Kilaueau volcano’s most active vent.  During the day a robust plume of volcanic gas is a dramatic reminder of the molten rock churning in a lava lake within the crater.  However, after sunset, it takes on a vivid glow that illuminates the clouds and plume.  It is an eerie, awe-inspiring sight and a must-see when visiting the Big Island.