Big day- lots to cover! You may want to skip my commentary!
To drive from one end of the island to the other takes roughly 2.5 hours- that shows you how big this island is. We made the full circle today, giving us a great view of the island of Hawaii. Driving north, we got some incredible views of the ocean on the left from clifftops, with some beautiful waterfalls on the right feeding into the ocean.
One stop that was worth the time was Akaka Falls. It is a nice, paved short hike with some beautiful falls in several places with incredible vegetation.
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| 420 foot waterfall |
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| look at the size of that fern! |
We finally arrived at the National Park. Unfortunately, it was a dreary, rainy day. There was a volcanic spot that was currently erupting, but only a glow could be seen after sunset. It was still worth our effort- there is a lot to see at the Park.
First stop- the steam vents. In Kialauea Caldera, there are numerous fault lines. Rainwater sinks through the ground where it is heated by the rocks with liquid rock running below. The hot water turns to steam and rises through the fissures. Just placing your hand above them- you can feel the intensity of the heat.
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Halema'uma'a Crater
Next- the Jagger Museum. It was interesting to go through and learn about the activity of the volcanoes, the science behind it, and the history here in Hawaii. Additionally, we were given more history on the Hawaiian culture and beliefs- especially concerning the goddess of fire/volcanoes, Pele. |
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| Don't worry- I held my breath the entire time |
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| Pele- goddess of fire |
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| There are constant blendings of science with ancient beliefs |
The Thurston Lava Tube is really fascinating. What is a lava tube? Well, I'm not sure I fully understand how it works, but basically, lava flows underground leaving walls and roof, remaining empty post flow creating a tunnel. You enter and exit with tropical forest on both ends.
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| leading into the tube |
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| once inside- nice and cool, well lit- total length- ~ 1/3 mile long |
We finished our time here with a great 4 mile hike through Kilauea Iki Trail. It begins with ancient tropical rain forest, takes you to a recently lava paved crater basin (with more steam vents), and ends with another trail through tropical forest. The forest is at 4,000ft- nice and cool and beautiful. Then, you find yourself in a hot, steamy, black wasteland- such a contrast- it was crazy!
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| beautiful, verdant trail |
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| then stare out into the dark, black crater |
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| Spence is thinking, "how did she get me on another hike?" |
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| there were bamboo orchids blooming everywhere in the wild! |
One stop that was worth the time was Akaka Falls. It is a nice, paved short hike with some beautiful falls in several places with incredible vegetation.
First stop- the steam vents. In Kialauea Caldera, there are numerous fault lines. Rainwater sinks through the ground where it is heated by the rocks with liquid rock running below. The hot water turns to steam and rises through the fissures. Just placing your hand above them- you can feel the intensity of the heat.
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