As we often discuss, the history of Hawaii is diverse, often tragic, and very unique. The islands have enjoyed a long story that is still being written, and the events that have taken place over hundreds of years have helped to shape the islands as we know them today. And there are other events that have literally helped to shape the islands, told through the rugged coastlines and dormant or extinct volcanoes that are found on each island.
There is one place that remains that helps to bring to life the volcanic history of the islands, showing off the power of the earth at one of the most desolate locations in Hawaii. Of course, this place is Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, which encompasses the only currently active volcano in Hawaii, Mt. Kilauea. Located on the island of Hawaii (or Big Island), the national park takes visitors back millions of years to the creation of the islands, and is filled with sites that you might never imagine seeing,
Entering the National Park, you’re instantly taken back to pre-historic days, long before the islands were developed. The feeling of isolation comes over you as you view incredible sites that have been created over the life of the volcano, which has been erupting continuously since 1983. During that time, communities have been destroyed, roads have been wiped out, and lava flows have added hundreds of acres to the island.
As you venture around Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, you’ll encounter Park Rangers who are happy to share the history of the volcano, and are a wealth of knowledge that everyone should tap into. Just finding out a little bit about the volcano and its life bring the history of the islands full circle, from the time when the islands were being created at the bottom of the ocean to today. Each island’s volcanic history can be traced to this location, as they passed over this volcanic hotspot and broke the surface of the ocean.
So many natural attractions are found around the park, including the Thurston Lava Tube, easily one of the favorite places for visitors to witness. Here, you’ll walk through an extinct lava tube; the site of lava flows from thousands of years ago and helped to shape the island. Also, make sure you take a stroll on one of the paths near the Halema’uma’u Crater Overlook, where eerie steam vents release volcanic steam from deep within the Earth’s surface.
There are a number of ways to see the volcano, and whether you make your way to the volcano yourself, or join us for an adventure., you are sure to love everything about Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Everything from guided Hawaii Volcano Tours to Volcano Hiking Tours are available for your trip, and discovering Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is a must for a trip to Hawaii.
Due to the high volume of visitors traveling to Hawaii year round, our Hawaii tours and activities sell out quickly, especially Inter-Island Tours that include airfare. In many cases, tours sell out weeks or months in advance. To ensure your spots on tour, we recommend reserving your tours today. Call our office or book online to take advantage of our low price guarantee today.
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