Exploring Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Introduction

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Has beautiful scenery and enriched bio-diversity, as well as one of America’s most beautiful and bio-productive island vacation destinations, the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Geologically, this park is one of the youngest if not the youngest and is found on the Big Island of Hawaii; the park now hosts two of the most active volcanic features, Kīlauea and Mauna Loa. In this travel guide on Hawaii Volcanoes National Park you’ll find all necessary information about this park travel.

Overview of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

It was started in 1916 and found at one of the string of islands which is inhabited by Hawaii Big Island at the present. Tanzania’s largest park that occupies about 323,000 acres has proportional vegetation cover and the park is wildlife park that has diversifications; tropical rain feelings, volcanic features. He or she who assumes it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site plus an International Biosphere Reserve is to underestimate its eco-and touristic advantage.

Getting to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Self-explanatory In Hilo and Kailua-Kona towns, the park is easily accessible on relatively well maintained roads. Here’s how to get there:

• By Car: Cars are easily rented and it is advised to hire a car to make a round tour around Big Island. Located on Highway number 11, you will find the park only 30 miles south of this town. If departing from Kailua-Kona the drive should take approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.
• Public Transport: There are few transport services and the few transport stations provide limited services to get to the park from different points on the Island there are few tour companies which provide and organize guided tours to the park.
• Air Travel: From another island, one has to fly out to Hilo or Kailua-Kona and then rent a car and drive to the park.

Park Entrance and Fees

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is open 24 hours a day, and entrance fees are required:

• Private Vehicle: $30 (valid for 7 days)
• Motorcycle: $25 (valid for 7 days)
• Pedestrian/Bicycle: $15 (valid for 7 days)

The above passes also apply: seasonal and America the Beautiful. Nonetheless, a point to note is that the park does not solicit money from its visitors at least once a week; sometimes such information can be obtained from the park website.

What to Expect in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

The park is renowned for its striking landscapes and geological features, which include:

• Kīlauea Volcano: Kīlauea is perhaps one of the most active volcanic zones on Earth since it has been erupting or degassing in some form since 1983. Of all the features that pull in visitors, the Halemaʻumaʻu Crater located at the summit of the park takes the largest share.
• Mauna Loa: Mauna Loa is the older volcano kind known as a shield volcano and is Earth’s biggest by size; Its latest eruption occurred in 1984. Despite the fact that Kīlauea is the main attraction, there is something to do at Mauna Loa too: numerous hiking routes.
• Thurston Lava Tube: The tunnel is a naturally large formed cave through which the lava flows through the out through the underground cavities. They are one of the most effective means for making sense of the volcanic activities that characterize the islands.
• Chain of Craters Road: We had four-wheel drive on this road that tumbles from the top of Kīlauea to sea level revealing vistas of different kinds of lava flows and craters.

Best Time to Visit

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on what you want to experience:

• Dry Season (April to October): This is of course usually the best as regards to Customers the rainy season is almost nil and the sun is very hot. But, summer months are often busier than others.
• Wet Season (November to March): This time sees wet conditions but has relatively better scenery, and less congestion than the summer months. This is also when Kīlauea may be especially active, so you will get a perfect view of beautiful lava and volcanic activity.

Must-See Attractions in the Park

• Kīlauea Visitor Center: Begin your visit here to pick up maps, details of the current volcanic activity, and the timetable for ranger led programmes. Intern’s center has displays that provide information on geology, ecology, and history of this park.
• Crater Rim Drive: This is an 11-mile long route of scenic drive that provides great views of the Kīlauea Caldera and other of its craters. Remember that there are intervals with great spots for photos called overlooks.
• Halemaʻumaʻu Crater: This is an active crater in Kīlauea where volcanic gasses and in some instances lava can be viewed from the lake. If you stand there and admire the sky towards the sunset view then it is really worth seeing.
• Thurston Lava Tube (Nāhuku): It’s a lava tube sited just off the Crater Rim Drive and visitors to this volcanic wonder don’t have to go far to see and appreciate this natural phenomenon that has been formed from volcanic activity.
• Chain of Craters Road: This is one of the roads you should take to see the difference between the rainforest top and the bottom where there are, literally, barren lava flatlands. However, you will get a lot of other trails leading to major geological formations that are breathtaking.
• End of Chain of Craters Road: At the end of this road you slide with lava cutting into the bottom of what has become a cliff. The opportunity to observe new land development at the present time depends on the current activity.
• Puʻu Loa Petroglyphs: A very short and simple trail is when a visitor reaches one of the largest petroglyphs in Hawaii and an experience of pre-Hawaiian times.
• Kīlauea Iki Trail: This is a 4 mile loop trail that brings the hiker through an explosion crater formed in 1959. This one lets itself through an entangled area of rainforest, glides across the floor of the crater and there lays more obsidian.

Hiking in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Through hiking, the park’s stellar geographical variation can be accessed with relative ease. Here are some recommended trails:

• Kīlauea Iki Trail: As pointed above, this trail offers a very effective trail for hiking in the rainforest down to the crater floor. The trail is of moderate elevation and affords superb views of Kīlauea.
• Halemaʻumaʻu Trail: This short trail leads down into the caldera with great views of Halemaʻumaʻu Crater from the top. The trail can be quite steep sometimes, therefore you need to be very careful during the descent especially if you are reeling.
• Devastation Trail: This walk is easy, covering only one mile and will lead you through an area that was affected by an eruption of the volcanoes in 1959. The dichotomy between young and young secondary vegetation will also astound you.
• Puʻu Huluhulu Trail: This moderate trail leads one to a cinder cone thereby providing a ‘picturesque raft’ of Kīlauea and the surrounding areas. It is slightly less popular therefore it is perfect for a quiet hike.

Safety Tips for Visiting the Park

• Stay on Marked Trails: Treading off-road is not very quality for the soils and other surface features and further exposes one to so many dangers.
• Check Volcanic Activity: When planning for the park visit, make sure to go online, to see the current status of the volcanoes and if there are any risky activities going on.
• Dress Appropriately: Weather can change rapidly. Wear several clothing in order to be ready for different types of grounds and different temperatures of air.
• Be Aware of Air Quality: Information has it that gasses emitted by volcanoes have implications on the Quality of air. If you have any health issues specifically with the breathing system, it is prudent to keep checking the conditions and where required to vacate the area.
• Hydrate and Pack Snacks: Take enough water and biscuits, especially because if the hiking part forms a part of the tour. Drinking water should be encouraged although normal water is scarce due to the hot weather conditions of the country.

Cultural Significance of the Park

Not only is Hawaii Volcanoes National Park a phenomenon of nature, it is also a combination of invaluable and historical cultural significance for Native Hawaiians. The park now holds many historic cultural spots and Kīlauea crater is thought of as the abode of Pele the goddess of fire and volcanoes. I was impressed to discover that they have a very rich culture and any Hawaiian native expects you to respect this simple rule all through your visit.

Accommodations Near the Park

While camping is available within the park, there are also several lodging options nearby:

• Volcano House: Located in the park, this is a historical hotel with excellent vistas over Kīlauea. That makes it perfect for people looking to spend time observing the majesty of the park without also spending time searching for the perfect visible spot to set up.
• Kilauea Lodge: Located at the entry to the park, this little lodge offers comfortable and intimate rooms and boasts of a wonderful eating place.
• Hilo and Kailua-Kona: For those who would like to have a variety of choices, it will be wiser to find a place in Hilo or Kailua-Kona. There are nicely equipped hotels, houses for rent and German and international cuisines can be found in both towns.

Dining Options

Food options within the park are limited, so plan accordingly:

• Volcano House Restaurant: It is a restaurant that provides breakfast, lunch and dinner with beautiful views. Telephone bookings are advised, particularly for dinner times.
• Nearby Dining: Sometimes, you will not find recognized brands but only several restaurants and shops in areas like the town of Volcano where you can get local food such as that in the Volcano Restaurant or Ohelo Café.

Conclusion

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is the park which showcases the strength of nature and culture of the Hawaiian Islands. About Kīlauea and Mauna Loa, the diverse and hostile ever-growing ecosystems and the historical legacy, make up the park a must visit for every traveler.

It is for hikers, geology lovers, and those who simply want to watch the splendid light of Hawaii and more from this great big park. And when you can watch almost each path and each sight, and when you know more of the park’s history, then you would understand that it is one of the most valuable sights of Hawaii – this is the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

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