The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park was established in 1916 and includes the area from the summit of Mouna Loa to the sea. The island is composed of five volcanoes with two active volcanoes in the national park. The park is open every day 24/7, except when it is necessary to close it because of the abundance of harmful gasses in the air. Two roads, Crater Rim Drive and Chain of Craters Road, provide spectacular views of the volcanoes at the pullouts placed at scenic sights.
Safety Precautions
There are many inherent dangers in visiting active volcanoes. When driving, wear seat belts and watch for pedestrians, bicycles, and the endangered nene goose. You should take two liters of water per person with you, and drink plenty of it. You must stay on the marked trails, for it is easy to lose your footing if you walk on lava, and falling on lava is like falling on glass. It is necessary to wear sturdy shoes and slacks. If you encounter strong volcanic gasses, keep your car windows closed. Set your air conditioning to recycle the air in your vehicle, and leave the area. The fumes are especially harmful to pregnant women, babies, and those with respiratory or heart ailments.
Accommodations
The Volcano House Hotel and Namakanipaio Cabins, located on the rim of the Kilauea caldera, has 42 rooms and ten camper cabins. Other accommodations can be found in Volcano Village just outside the park where you can also buy camping supplies and food.
Campgrounds
There are two drive-in campgrounds inside the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The sites are available on a first –come first-served basis and no fees are charged, except the entrance fee to the park. Stays are limited to 7 days in a month and 30 days in a year.
Namakanipaio Campground
This campground, located at 4000 feet elevation off Highway 11, is situated in an area with eucalyptus and ohi’a trees. Facilities include restrooms, barbecue pits, and picnic tables. There is also a large pavilion with tables and two fireplaces. At night, temperatures can drop into the 30s. The days can be cool in the 60s. It is recommended that you bring warm clothing and a tent with you.
Kulanaokuaiki Campground
Located about 5 miles down the Hilina Pali Road, Kulanaokuaiki Campground has only three campsites, two of which are accessible by wheelchair. Picnic tables and barbecue grills are provided, but there is no water and only a vault-type toilet. No dogs are allowed.
Back Country Camping
There are cabins available in the back country by permit only. You must register at the Visitor Center and you may only remain 3 nights. The Pu’u ‘Ula’ula cabin has 8 bunks with mattresses. It is located at 10,035 feet and requires warm clothing. The cabin on Mauna Loa is at 13,250 feet altitude and has 12 bunks. Both cabins have water catching tanks, but all water must be treated before drinking. Inquire about the level of water available when registering. Pit toilets only are available. You must carry out all your trash.
Visiting the Park
Begin your visit to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park at the Visitors’ Center where you can watch some excellent films of the park and get updated current information about conditions in the area. If you have only three hours to spend in the park, take the Crater Rim Drive, an eleven mile trip that goes through desert landscape, a rainforest and crosses a caldera bottom, a sunken area caused by volcanic action. On this road you will see the park’s main attractions—the Kilauea Overlook, Kilauea Iki Crater Overlook, the Jaggar Museum, Halemaumau Crater, Devastation Trail, and the Thurstan Lava Tube. Water and restrooms are both available at the Thurston Lava Tube, located in a beautiful rainforest.
If you can stay longer, explore the coastal area on the Chain of Craters Road that descends 3,700 feet, stopping where lava has taken over the road. Since there is no food or water along this road, you will have to take your own with you.
Videos
Kamaomao Eruption March 5, 2011
Formation of Kilauea and Its Violent Past
Formation of Kilauea and Its Violent Past 2
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