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Day 2: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

On our first visit to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park we arrived too late, not knowing how much there was to explore and left wanting much more.  We now plan an all day event, and enjoy the scenic drive that takes approximately 3 hours.  We take Highway 19 through Hilo which winds along the ocean, climbs high up on cliffs, and twists through lucious rain forest.  We often stop in Hilo and grab some food and snacks to take with us because there is a limited number of eating establishments in the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

We have enjoyed a helicopter tour and liked the fact that we didn’t have to drive to get to the park.  We feel Blue Hawaiian Helicopters have the newest helicopters and in our opinion, very safe and experienced pilots. It takes off near the Waikoloa Beach Resort Area, and takes you to the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park where you can see it from a birds eye view.  This gave us a unique view of the volcano and was worth the experience, but we prefer to hike the trails and explore the park on foot.

Once in the park we stop at the vistor’s center to grab some maps and watch a movie that describes how the Hawaiian Islands were made. We take a moment and visit with a Ranger who knows all about what is currently happening in the park. The park is continually changing based on where the lava is flowing or not, and how much lava activity is coming to the surface. We check current activity at the  Official Site of the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

There are many hikes within the park that go from barren to lush rain forest. Our favorite hike is the Kilauea Iki Day Hike. You start at the rim of a volcano crater and walk the perimeter in a lush rain forest, then descend into the crater where you feel like you are on the moon. There are many steam vents and a hard lava floor. It is a difficult hike due to the change in elevation, but we think it is worth carrying kids on our back. There is also the Thurston Lava Tube (a cave that was formed due to lava flowing below some already cooled lava flow) that you can walk through. The lava tube is located at the end of this hike across the road. So if you are unable to take the harder Kilauea Iki Day Hike, try for the leisurely walk through the rain forest and then through the lava tube.

Although lava is bright and glowing you are completely unable to see it in the light. Therefore, we stay until dark in order to experience the orange red glow of lava.  If the Park Rangers tell you it is safe to walk to the flowing lava then DO IT!  Trust US!  The lava changes often and sometimes we are unable to view it, or can only view it from a distance.  If we are lucky the lava flow will be going into the ocean which puts on quite a show due to the immediate cooling.  We have learned to bring a light jacket, bug spray, and a flashlight.  Often we hike to see the lava in the light, and then hike back to our car in the dark.  It makes for a long day, and we usually do not get back to the Waikoloa Beach Resort until well after midnight, but it is a unique experience and is worth the effort.

During one of our evening hikes at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, we noticed boats out in the ocean watching the lava. This looked like quite an adventure and must offer a spectacular view of the lava hitting the ocean. Depending on where and how the lava is flowing this option may be your best bet for up close viewing. East Hawaii Boat Tours & Activities is located near the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and offers sunset lava tours.