Hawaii Volcano National Park

Hawaii Volcano National Park is a must see for those visiting the islands. The park is intended to educate visitors on the formation and history of the Hawaiian Islands and does so by describing what exactly resulted by the end of nearly seventy million years of volcanic activity. Visitors to the park can choose to spend anywhere from one to five hours either driving by car or hiking across the grounds on foot. No matter how one chooses to experience the park, they can be sure to witness awe-inspiring landscapes and breathtaking beauty all while learning about majestic mountains of fire.

The Hawaiian Islands were formed by volcanic activity which means the islands are more than mere land masses but the peaks of several dormant volcanoes which formed more than six million years ago. The formation of the tropical islands was the result of volcanoes erupting out of the floor of the sea, with the last eruption having occurred during the eighteenth century. Native species to the islands are believed to have arrived long before human inhabitants through several ways, by wind, waves from the sea, and wings, meaning that many of the species of the islands arrived even without the aid of humans. An interesting fact to keep in mind when visiting Hawaii is that the islands are home to the greatest number of endangered species than any other place in the world, so visitors should keep a watchful eye. The Hawaii Volcano National Park, in addition to dormant and active mountains of fire, contains thousands of flowers, millions of insects, plants, and birds.

The Kilauea Visitor Center should be the first place visitors stop at upon entering the Hawaii Volcano National Park. The park is the most popular attraction of its kind in Hawaii with over two million people coming to Kilauea. The Visitor's Center helps to start people off with an introduction to volcanoes and volcanic activity and offers exhibits on everything from the formation of the islands, to ecosystems, rain forests, native wildlife, and more. People can learn interesting facts about volcanoes in the area like Loihi. Loihi is the youngest volcano in Hawaii, and is located on the coast of the Big Island. According to researchers the young volcano is full submerged under the water, but is taller than Mount Saint Helens. The only known seismic activities were record in 1996 however, no other activity has been known of since. While the Visitor's Center aims to educate tourists, the Park itself offers opportunities to gain first- hand knowledge through several activities and many seminars offered throughout the year.

There are three main areas in the Hawaii Volcano National Park, which are the Summit Area, Wilderness Area, and the Kipahulu Area. The Summit Area is one of the highest peaks and those daring enough to hike to the top are rewarded with a spectacular view. Depending on favorable weather conditions, it can be possible to see three other islands of Hawaii from the top of the peak, truly offering a mesmerizing experience as the sky below is as blue as the ocean. For those who would like to experience lush greenery, the Kipahulu Area is for them, as trails extend all along the rugged yet gentle shorelines. For adventurous tourists biking down the side of a dormant volcano can prove both exciting and awe-inspiring. Visitors desiring an extended stay can do so as the Park encompasses two campgrounds, Namakanipaio and Kilanaokuaiki. People interested in visiting the Hawaii Volcano National Park would benefit from perusing the park's website as it offers lots of information about events and seminars including updates on current volcanic activities on Kilauea.

The island's volcanoes span over two hundred thousand acres encompassing dessert areas and rain forests making for beautiful landscapes contrasted with areas destroyed by past lava flows, a combination which draws attention to the Island's and demands for exploration. The best way to do so is by helicopter and there are several volcano helicopter tours to choose from depending on whatever island one happens to be on. Volcano helicopter tours are unique in that they enable passengers to actually 'go inside' dormant volcanic mounds and get as close as is safely possible to the majestic giants. Those interested can utilize the internet in finding what flight service works best for them, and several websites offer video clips of what can be seen during different flights. Reservations are required for most tours so it is recommended to plan ahead.

Volcano helicopter tours actually fly people over the mouths of active mountains of fire. Passengers get to soar through the blue skies of Hawaii while being flown by experienced pilots over active volcanoes and into the mouths of those long dormant. Flights offer spectacular sights that are accessible only from the air. One flight company flies passengers over the area where more than 180 homes were destroyed in 1990.Those on board can even catch a glimpse of molten lava, truly illustrating how "The hills melted like wax at the presence of the LORD, at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth" (Psalm 97:5). Most tours take passengers into the heart of dormant volcanoes. Vegetation can be seen as it has grown up amidst the charred landscapes, while dozens of waterfalls cascade gently out of the sides of the craters. Volcano helicopter tours provide people with amazing vantage points allowing them to see massive clouds of hydrogen sulfide gasses resulting from lava flowing into the ocean. Once in contact with the water, lava explodes, causing the formation of unique black sand beaches, which make for a dramatic contrast with much of the Islands' white sands. All who visit the Hawaiian Islands should take advantage of learning and seeing all they can of the volcanic land masses.

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