"HAWAIIAN VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK, FIRE IN THE HOLE" Top 5 Page for this destination Hawaii Volcanoes National Park by mtncorg

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Travel Guide: 189 reviews and 489 photos

Crater within a crater - Halema'uma'u - Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

This Park is a grand example of processes involved in the Earth's origin and how those processes continue to work today. Far from sleeping, the building up of the big island continues, lava flows, gases spew. Beyond geological forces, the Park features unique ecosystems that have evolved over thousands of years. Hawaii means beaches to many people, but Hawaiian Volcanoes represents a magnificent counterpoint.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Primeval Glory
Cons:A long way to the top of Mauna Loa
In a nutshell:Real-Life Textbook on how Hawaii was Built

Intro Written May 15, 2004
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Reviews (11)

Desolate Ka'u deserts promise hiking solitude - Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

KA'U DESERT Things to Do (11)

The large devastated region dropping off of Kilauea's southwestern rim is the wastelands of the Ka'u Desert. The desert... more travel advice

Birds hiding among the bushes of Kipuka Punaulu - Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

KIPUKA PUNAULU and MAUNA LOA Things to Do (11)

Kipuka is an island of vegetation surrounded by lava flows. Just off HI 11 and the NW side of Kilauea crater, up the... more travel advice

Nene goose hiding in the grasses - Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

NENE GEESE Things to Do (11)

The Nene is Hawaii's state bird. Here in the Park, the Nene has its main remaining sanctuary. You will see warning signs... more travel advice

Pacific waves crash against Puna Coast cliffs - Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

SEA CLIFFS Things to Do (11)

The 40-60 foot lava cliffs which you drive along near the end of the Chain of Craters Road are very impressive. Waves... more travel advice

Comments (10)

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Nemorino May 31, 2007 at 3:22 PM

Fascinating tips and beautiful photos. Another first-class page!
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Andraf Feb 16, 2007 at 9:28 AM

I really wanted to see Nene on my trip to Maui but the two days I spent at Haleakala were not enough. Maybe I'll be luckier this time.
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karenincalifornia May 8, 2006 at 3:04 PM

Wonderful tips about the National Park. I was there a couple of days after that lava flow went across the road. It was remarkable - a cold day for HI until you got closer to the flow. Even though it was black, it radiated a lot of heat.
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mad4travel Aug 19, 2005 at 11:54 AM

Great Hawaii pics. I went there a couple of years ago and loved it. I'm a bit of a volcano fan really. :-)
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yooperprof Jul 11, 2005 at 11:32 AM

Fifty ways to love your lava! Thanks for the tips and pics.
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scottishvisitor Apr 22, 2005 at 1:40 PM

The lava cliffs reminded me of Los Gigantes in Tenerife Loved the rainforest pic it's great how nature can reclaim devestation
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JetlagCity Sep 21, 2004 at 11:49 AM

You've really taken advantage of all the big island has to offer - seeing live lava is still on my list for next time.
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kyoub Jul 29, 2004 at 12:21 PM

Nice tips. This is a very interesting place to visit.
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Jonathan_C May 30, 2004 at 9:04 AM

Amazing to see the road end in a lava flow! Geologically active zones remind us of how small we really are. Thanks for the very detailed tips.
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micas_pt May 29, 2004 at 3:38 AM

This National Park is impressive!! And such a detailed page about it with great photos.