So you're going to Hawaii and you want to see the volcano. Not only that, you want to see the lava flowing from the volcano. It sounds like a real neat experience, and it is. Just make sure you know that you need much more than a camera and a rental car.
Heading Out with Good Intentions
Most people visiting the Big Island of Hawaii have a trip to the volcano on
their agenda. The ones who have done their research have blocked off at least a
day of their calendar. The outdoorsy types have marked off more than a day and
have a tent and some sleeping bags in the trunk of their rental car. Others
think they will swing by, take a picture, and move on. The last group usually
regrets that train of thought.
Rub in the Sunscreen…and Don’t Forget Your Raincoat!
The Hawaii Volcanoes
National Park consists of 333,000
acres of land that spreads from the top of Mauna Loa
(which last erupted in 1984) at 13, 677 feet, down to the sea level, where the
molten lava flows into the ocean and creates new land. There are many
designated trails and paths for hiking and walking, with something to
accommodate all levels of fitness. Depending on where you are at, it may be as
hot as an oven, or chilly and wet—be well prepared for both.
Lots of Pretty Pictures
You can walk across the Halemaumau crater, which makes you feel that you are
trekking across a black moon. But when you climb back out of it, the astounding
beauty of the lush, vibrant, tropical rainforest will take your breath away.
You will have an opportunity to see vegetation that can be found nowhere else
in the world, and if you’re lucky, you might even get to see our beloved (and
on the endangered species list) State Bird, the Nene goose.
But Where’s the Lava?
Yes, there is a lot to see at the top of a volcano, even if it isn’t
erupting. But Kilauea is, and has been since 1983. But
getting an up-close shot of the incredible sight is not as easy as pulling up
in your air-conditioned rental and standing on the edge of a scenic lookout
point. If you want that shot, you are going to have to work for it. Or else buy
it at the gift shop.
If you decide you don’t want someone else’s shot, you want your own, then
put on some good shoes, grab a sturdy stick, and get out there. But do it
right. Many people can show you their battle scars, especially if they had to
make their way back in the dark, crawling on their hands and knees because
their flashlight ran out of batteries. Or they didn’t bring one.