Island Hopping Part 5 – The Big Island of Hawaii

Our last stop on the Hawaiian Islands adventure was at the largest and youngest island, Hawaii. This unique island offers multiple different climate zones. From wet and tropical to the snowcapped peaks of Mauna Kea.  Hawaii is known for it volcano activity. The Mauna Loa volcano last erupted in 1984 and Kilauea has been erupting since Jan 1983. It produces between 250,000-650,000 cubic yards of lava every day.

Pu’uhonua O Honaunau, National Historical Park is 180 acres located in southern Kona. The park’s history is important to the Hawaiian culture. Kapu are sacred laws. When broken these laws had severe consequences, even death. If an individual where to break Kapu, they would attempt to reach Puuhonua without being caught. Puuhonua is a sacred place of refuge where the ceremony of absolution could enable the wrongdoer to return to society.  

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park offers a unique chance to see molten magma flowing. Sadly, we did not have enough time to hike out to see the lava flow. There are clear warning signs posted about potential dangers that follow volcanic activity.

“Every year visitors to the island are injured or even die at the active lava flow. The lava flow is a very dangerous place and it is important to know how to enjoy the lava safely. Regardless of how much experience you have with lava, the very nature of liquid rock means that there is always a chance for something to go wrong.” 

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park offers more to see than the flowing lava, one of the best rides you can take is the Crater Rim Drive. It is a 10.6-mile drive which circles around the Kilauea caldera. Along the way you get to experience volcanic craters, geysers, and stunning overlooks. The park is a World Biosphere Site by UNESCO and a World Heritage Site. 

               One of the biggest attractions on the Crater Rim Drive is the Halemaumau Crater Overlook. It is a 300-foot-deep crater where you can see steam and gases escaping.

               The Thurston Lava Tube is a 500-year-old lava cave-like tube. The 600-foot tube is lined with lights to help guide you through safely. It is great for families to explore! There are several lava tubes and caves around the island. They verify in length from a few feet to a few miles. While exploring these tunnels can be exciting, it can also be very dangerous. A collapse could occur any time due to hollowed spaces and unstable conditions.

We saved up and splurged for a zipline adventure! The finish is 3,350-foot-long line that soars over a billowing waterfall. Kolekole falls is over 200 feet and stands in a 400-foot ravine.     

Being able to visit so many of the Hawaiian Islands was an amazing experience. While traveling can sometimes be stressful and tiring it is well worth it in the end.

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For daily Kilauea eruption updates, visit http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov/

http://www.instanthawaii.com/cgi-bin/hawaii?Volcano.warn

https://www.hawaiiactivities.com/en/hawaii/big_island/a/102507