Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is one of the most exciting and unique parks in the entire world. It's an experience rich in geologic and natural Hawaiian history and culture. This expansive park is home of Pele, the Hawaiian fire goddess, as well as many native Hawaiian flora and fauna, wildlife and some of the world's most active volcanoes. The park encompasses several climatic regions that range from the cool snow-capped Mauna Loa to the desolate, sunbaked and barren lava covered shoreline at Kalapana. Plan on spending most of the day in the park. Be sure to bring along a light jacket since the upper slopes of the park can be quite cool. Bring water as the shoreline area can be extremely hot. Since toxic and noxious fumes are prevalent in some areas of the park, it is recommended that pregnant women, asthmatics and those with heart and lung concerns should avoid the areas of the Halemaumau overlook, the sulfur banks and any largely active eruption site. Be aware that there are no restrooms, concession areas along or at the end of the Chain of Craters Road. The best place to begin your park experience is at the visitor's center. Rangers can provide you with maps, information on eruption and guided hikes, park safety (which is no matter to be taken lightly at this park) and more. Be sure to see the 10 minute eruption film which begins every hour from 9:00 to 4:00 daily. There are numerous hiking trails for all levels of hikers. One of the more interesting is the Iliahi or sandalwood trail. This mile-long family-rated trail wanders through forests of native Ohia and Lehua trees, hapu'u ferns and along the Kilauea caldera and Halemaumau crater. Ranger Pumehana Pau has guided many hikes along this trail. Her stories of how her grandmother utilized the native plants as well as legends and history make the experience more than memorable.
From Hilo Airport: 30 miles or about a 45 minute drive along Highway 11. From Kona Airport: 96 miles or appoximately a 2.5 hour drive
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