A Volcano Vacation- Visiting Hawaii’s Volcano Hot Spots

Hawaii is the place to go for white sands, relaxing beaches and beautiful, clear water. While most people go to Hawaii for the beach, an equal amount of travelers long to visit the islands for the volcanoes. If you are interested in a different type of vacation, consider visiting the state to experience this part of the islands.

One legend says that if a person removes any part of a volcanic rock for the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, he or she will be cursed until it is returned. While this may or may not be true, anyone visiting these beautiful volcanoes will be taken by the sheer magnitude and natural beauty. There are many ways to visit the Hawaiian volcanoes. Some tourists choose to see the volcanoes as a side trip to their vacation. There are many companies in Hawaii that offers visitors a chance to hike on guided tours through the volcanoes and surrounding areas. If you are interested in a more in-depth exploration, consider booking a stay at one of the many cottages that are surrounding the volcanoes. You can spend your days exploring the area without going too far. Another great way to see the volcanoes of Hawaii is to book a helicopter flight. These flights will take you over the volcanoes so you can get a first hand look at the inside from a choice view.

One of the best places to see a Hawaiian volcano is to visit the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. This national park was established in 1916, and is the result of over 70 million years of volcano eruptions and evolution. The biggest volcano is the Mauna Loa and the most active is the Kilauea. This state park offers visitors beautiful and unique wilderness, hiking and camping.

If you are interested in visiting the volcanoes of Hawaii, it is suggested that you do a little research first. Some of the volcanoes will require extensive hiking skills to reach. It is not recommended that pregnant women, infants and the elderly climb. Fresh lava can be very shell-like and can easily break when stepped on. Also, you will need to keep up to date on the lava flow activity in the area before heading out. Those who are experts on visiting the volcanoes also recommend planning your trips in advanced and plan to start your day out early.

When you leave for your trip, remember to take sunglasses and a wear sunscreen. The weather can change rapidly. You should always be ready for the heat and for cold, windy and rainy weather, as well. As you get higher above sea level, the temperature will drop drastically. Make sure you bring a warm jacket. Also, remember that if you are planning a long day at the volcanoes, bring food and water. While there are concessions, some areas of the park are rather remote and you will not have immediate access. Here is a list of activities that you must see and do when you visit Hawaii in order to see the volcanoes.

Mauna Loa, also called the Long Mountain: This Hawaiian volcano is the largest volcano in the world, and rises to over four kilometers above sea level. In fact, this volcano covers over half of the Island of Hawaii. In addition, the Mauna Loa is one of the most active volcanoes in the world. Since it was first documented in 1843, this volcano has erupted 33 times. Scientists in the area carefully monitor the Mauna Loa for signs that it might erupt again.

Kilauea: This active volcano is adjacent to the Mauna Loa, although smaller. It is one of the most active volcanoes in the world and has been for over 100 years. The current eruption began on January 3, 1983 and there is no end in sight. This volcano offers visitors a wonderful way to see fresh flowing lava at all times of the year. In addition, there is a distinct rainfall on the side of the Kilauea volcano that receives and annual rainfall of over 100 inches of rain each year.

Hualalai: This volcano is the third most active volcano on the Island of Hawaii. Between 1700 and 1801, it has erupted six different times. Two of those times, it sent hot lava flows into the sea. While it is not as active as the Kilauea and the Mauna Loa, it is still considered a dangerous volcano and is likely to see activity in the next 100 years. There are several homes and resorts near this popular volcano.

If you are visiting Hawaii, make sure you take the time to visit these spectacular volcanoes.