Volcano Day
Halema‘uma‘u, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park
Inclusions
- Entry into the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
- Field Interpreter and Educational Specialists
- Picnic Lunch in the park
- Healthy Snacks Provided
- Ground Transportation via air-conditioned Motor Coach
- Pick up/drop off from/Location TBD
Description
Exploration of the geology and biology of the Volcano.
The largest and most southeastern island of the chain, Hawai‘i island consists of seven volcanoes; five terrestrial and two submarine. Kīlauea, Mauna Loa and Hualālai have erupted in the past 250 years. Kohala and Mauna Kea have not seen volcanic activity for over 4,000 years. Lo‘ihi, the youngest volcano of the Hawaiian Volcanic Chain, and part of the greater Big Island edifice, is still about 1,000 meters beneath the ocean’s surface.
Kīlauea Visitor Center
Introduction to Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park through exhibitions and film. View displays on volcano formation and geologic processes, native plants and animals, and early Hawaiians
Iliahi (Sandalwood) Hike
Short hike through the rainforest and steam bluffs. This 1.5 mile loop hike extends through rain forest, past steam vents and contains breathtaking views of the Kīlauea Caldera, Halema‘uma‘u Crater, and Mauna Loa. On this hike you will have a chance to view endemic rain forest, birds, insects, steam vents, and earth-cracks
Halema‘uma‘u Crater Overlook
Halema‘uma‘u is about 280 feet (85 m) deep and 3,000 feet (915 m) across. The prominent ledge about half-way up the crater wall marks the high stand of the 1967-1968 lava lake. The floor of the crater collapsed in 1971. The lava on the floor of the crater is from the 1974 eruption that was erupted on the southwest rift zone just outside of Halema‘uma‘u. Halema‘uma‘u is also the home of Pele, the Hawaiian Goddess of Fire, making it a sacred place to Hawaiians. It is not unusual to see offerings to Pele, such as sacred Hawaiian plants, left on the rim of the crater.
Nahuku Lava Tube
Short hike through natural lava tube. This 400 year old lava tube is 600 feet long with ceilings between 10 and 30 feet. The trail takes you down into a pit crater lush with huge towering plants. As you descend, the trail becomes darker and wet with earthy smells. The trail winds around to the entrance of Thurston Lava Tube where you will walk through the tube itself, which is dimly lit with a short stair that will lead you back up to the trail.
Jaggar Museum
The museum is the fulfillment of a dream of Dr. Jaggar, a scientist who adopted the Kīlauea region as his home in 1912 and devoted his life to the study of volcanoes. As early as 1916, he proposed creating a museum to help visitors understand how volcanoes work. The Jaggar Museum contains numerous exhibits that explain the history and behavior of Hawaiian volcanoes.
