"Sharrie's Volcanoes Awakening" Hawaii Volcanoes National Park by Sharrie

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Travel Guide: 208 reviews and 434 photos

VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK - where the earth's living pulse is being felt & observed!

Every national park has a soul & we as beings are learning & attempting to get in touch with it through our limited imagination. Here, it's the core of the earth in action, the heart of a living organism where life abounds & surprises. I came because I wanted to touch that miracle & "dark" force. The danger, the heat, the unfanthomable flow of liquid magma - exciting & intriguing! I guess some call it hell, depending on where & when you approached it. It is a monster; it is also the planet's baby! One that's still growing & ever so beautiful, even in its barren state. A visit to this new land amounts to a whole new universe; of discovery, renewal & wonderment!

The Big Island, & all the other islands of Hawaii for that matter, is the newest land on earth geologically (I read this somewhere, can't recall where but that's my reality as of this writing). The Hawaii Volcanoes N. P. comprises of 2 most active volcanoes on earth: Kilauea & Mauna Loa. To tell you the truth, I was so fascinated with the documentaries I saw on TV especially with regards to a helicopter ride over molten lava that I was making this trip. But, I didn't get to see that. I was naturally disappointed, but that's just life. Perhaps I'll lucky enough in the near future to have a 2nd chance. But, for now, this is what I saw. For something more dramatic, please check with Imax "Ring of Fire" or the National Geographic channel. I guarantee you it'd be a sight that you'll never forget! Jagged cliffs; red-hot fresh lava pouring into the sea; steam of sulphur fumes; twisted lava tubes; unique species of plants & animals - all make up the dance of life, so rare & yet so vulnerable... a ravishing goddess many couldn't resist!

Facts about Hawaii Volcanoes

Established Aug. 1, 1916.
Area: 229,177 acres.
Open Year Round.
World's largest mountain: Mauna Loa.
World's most active volcano: Kilauea.
World's tallest mountain: Mauna Kea.

Facts about Hawaii
Population: 1,112,000.
Area: 6,471 sq mi.
Capital & Largest City: Honolulu (Pop. 841,600).
Motto: Ua Mau ke Ea o ka Aina i ka Pono (meaning The life of the Land is Perpetuated in Righteousness).
Origin of Name: Traditionally held to be named after an ancient Polynesian homeland, Hawaiki.
Info: Hawaii Visitors Bureau
2270 Kalakaua Avenue Suite 801.
Honolulu, HI 96815.
Tel: (808) 923 1811.

Web Resources
Area Code: 808
Yellow Pages: YellowPages.com
Newspaper: West Hawaii Today

Last visit to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: Oct 1999
Intro Updated Apr 6, 2004
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Reviews (23)

Black Sand Beach - Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Black Sand Beach Off The Beaten Path (2)

Enroute to Punalu'u (Black Sand Beach) we passed by the Orchid Gardens nursery in Anthurium Farms. Aren't these orchids... more travel advice

Orchid Hybrid - Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Orchid Hybrid Off The Beaten Path (2)

I've not seen this hybrid before. Pretty, isn't it? more travel advice

Look where you set your foot on - Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Look where you set your foot on Things to Do (8)

Look before you walk! Some of these rocks are still piping hot! Feels like we were in an oven at some areas. more travel advice

You've got to see it to believe it - Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

You've got to see it to believe it Things to Do (8)

Hardly describable, but one that'll leave a lasting impression after seeing it! more travel advice

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Outrigger Group of Hotels

Comments (5)

Toshioohsako Nov 6, 2008 at 9:54 AM Report Abuse

How are you Sharrie? Very interesting volcano photos. I lived in Hawaii for one year but never seen such volcanic scenes. I only know Oafu island.
RoseAmano May 28, 2003 at 8:22 AM Report Abuse

"The Untouchable" is stunning photo art. Simple and stark.
HawaiiGuy Apr 25, 2003 at 4:39 PM Report Abuse

Aloha ... we just had a visitor here -- think he was from France -- and he got a hot foot on the lava and fell and got burned pretty badly...you'd have no problem finding red hot lava in the night this week. Bet you wish you were here!
spintobecca Apr 3, 2003 at 11:35 AM Report Abuse

Thanks for your exciting tips and comments! I can't wait to go to Hawaii!
annk Feb 22, 2003 at 7:32 PM Report Abuse

I didn't see the lava flows into the ocean either. Nevertheless, the landscape is remarkable and love the orchids!