Blogs from Volcano National Park, Hawaii, United States, North America

Thirty miles south-west of Hilo, at an altitude of 4000 feet (1200 metres), lies the small village of Volcano. Hidden from the highway and nestled within a beautiful rainforest, the village is one of the quietest, most peaceful settlements I have ever had the privilege of visiting. It also happens to lie on the doorstep of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, just a short walk from the park's centrepiece - Kilauea Caldera. Long thought to be merely a rift on the side of the much larger Mauna Loa, Kilauea (which appropriately means 'spewing' in Hawai'ian) has since been proven to be a distinct volcano - one of five on the Big Island of Hawai'i, along with Mauna Loa, Mauna Kea, Hualalai and Kohala; though only Kilauea and Mauna Loa are still considered to be active. In fact ... read more

Today was day to drive to Volcano National park. The drive was nice, especially with our convertible. On the way we could already see lava from many years in layers. We wanted to camp there, so we thought we should first get a spot and then head into the park. It was a smart move given that we got really delayed at night. After setting camp, we went into the park and took the Crater rim drive. On the way we saw Lava tubes, devastation trail and numerous crater lookouts. Then we went on Chain of Craters drive which is again full of all craters. We also took a short Petroglyph trail which has some patroglyphs carved on the lava rocks. No one has been able to decipher those yet. On the way we saw some ... read more