Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
The Big Island, also called Hawai’i, features the top tourist attraction
– Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The park is home to Hawaii’s most
notorious volcano, Kilauea, the spiritual home of the Hawaiian Volcano goddess,
Pele. Kilauea is currently the world’s most active volcano, with the current
eruption beginning in January 1983.
Visit the park and enjoy the beauty and power of active lava flows. For your
safety, be sure to check with the Volcanoes Park Visitor Center for the conditions
and locations of current lava flows. We recommend wearing comfortable and practical
shoes for your trek through the park; some spots can be especially slippery.
If you decide to visit the park after dark, as many visitors prefer, be sure
to bring a flashlight and stay within designated walking areas only. Lava conditions
can change dramatically very quickly.
Other must-visit attractions within the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park include
the Jagger Museum, the Thurston Lava Tube, Volcano House, Halema'uma'u Crater,
steam vents, and sulphur banks.
Named for geologist Thomas Jagger, the museum houses many interesting lava
formations (Pele’s tears, Pele’s hair, volcanic bomb, cinder, pa’hoe’hoe
lava, and a’a lava) as well as the scientific equipment Thomas Jagger
used to study his passion.
The Thurston Lava Tube is another interesting must-see. Formed by lava flows
that hardened and then drained, the Thurston Tube features a 400 foot walk through
hardened lava. Geologists estimate the tube was created between 300 and 500
years ago.
Lodging within the park is easily accommodated at the Volcano House Hotel.
Originally built in 1846, the hotel features the only dining facilities within
the park and rooms with a fantastic view of the crater.
Hawaii Vacations
The Big Island
Hawaii
Volcanoes National Park
