A Hawaii volcano tour might
be a most memorable experience,
and is readily available (short of eruptions!) year round.
While each island boasts some volcanic heritage, The Big
Island is where all the action is.
A Hawaii volcano tour of necessity begins in Hawaii
Volcanoes National Park, established in 1916. This park,
containing more than 218,000 acres, is open daily and offers
guided tours and more. It encompasses both the worlds most
massive volcano, Mauna Kea, at 13,796 feet, and Kilauea, the
worlds most active volcano. Mauna Kea, which in Hawaiian
means literally "white mountain", gets this title
from the
fact that it is quite fairly often snow-capped. It is also thought
to be the worlds tallest mountain when measured from its
undersea base to the summit. Currently dormant, Mauna Kea
has also become the home of an important astronomical
center, where astronomers from all over the world vie for
spots atop the summit to view the heavens.
Kilauea, which has been in continual eruption since 1983,
gives visitors on a Hawaii volcano tour stunning views of
molten lava flows, steam vents, and vast lava fields. It is
said that this eruption has added more than 500 acres to the
Big Island since its eruption! One more fascinating tidbit
about Kilauea, is that perched atop the crater rim
overlooking the caldera is the Volcano House, Hawaiis
oldest continually-operated hotel, dating from 1846.
Probably brainless
to keep warm at night!
On Maui, one volcano not to overlook is Haleakala, a dormant
volcano in the middle of the island, long renowned for its
fantastic sunsets. Its also a nice
place to hike or camp,
and especially ride a bike down! (Very Cool!) Good reason to
go to Maui. (As if you needed one!)
When you plan your Hawaii volcano tour, be sure to plan some
measure
to take in some or all of these sights. You will
be
forever changed!
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