The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is a very big

reason why The Big Island of Hawaii is so special.

How many places in the world can you visit an

active lava flow?

The sulfur in the air can be heavy on certain days,

but you can check the current conditions with the

National Park Service.  

According to legend, Hawaii's Big Island is the home of Pele, the

Hawaiian volcano goddess. Over eons, Pele shaped and formed

her new abode with red-hot lava to create her unique fortress.

Early Hawaiians respected and honored Pele, and made offerings to

please her or placate her wrath.

Today, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (HVNP) is the country's

13th National Park and our state's #1 visitor attraction.

It was created to preserve the region's unique volcanic features,

its early human history and the plant and animal life that is part

of this special bioregion.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is located 30 miles southwest

of Hilo and 96 miles southeast of Kona. It's open year-round,

24 hours a day. 

Make your first stop the Kilauea Visitors Center at the park's

entrance to  pick up safety tips  and chat with the rangers for

an update on the current flow conditions

 Some of the must-sees are the Jagger Museum,

 the Thurston Lava Tube, Volcano House, Halema'uma'u Crater,

 steam vents, and sulphur banks, just to name a few. 

A hike down to the current lava flow offers a once in a lifetime chance to view

 Madame Pele at work up close -- her home, Kilauea Volcano,is the world's most active.

The current eruption began January 3, 1983 and is the largest and longest eruption

in history. There is no indication when she will stop.

The best and safest way to view lava flows on land is to first get the most

up-to-date flow information from the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Visitor

 Center on the day of your trek.

Conditions can change dramatically from day to day.

 For current erruption status, Click on the "Current Eruption Status" link.

Wear comfortable walking shoes (sandals or slippers are NOT recommended!).

Bring water, and a light jacket . If you're planning on nighttime viewing,

a flashlight is a must. Use caution and common sense and traverse only

where designated. Many visitors have told us they cannot put into words the

feelings and emotions they experience when viewing this most spectacular

phenomenon. This is one memory you will carry with you for years to come.

This photo shows the lava flowing into the ocean

at the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

You can view Hawaii Specials on The Big Day

website if you want to visit the Big Island.

Travelling Ed