Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park protects some of the most unique geological, biological, and cherished cultural landscapes in the world. Extending from sea level to 13,681 feet, the park encompasses the summits of two of the world’s most active volcanoes – Kīlauea and Mauna Loa – and is a designated International Biosphere Reserve and UNESCO World Heritage Site. from NPS
It was quite a trek to drive to Hawaii’s Volcanoes National Park from the Kailua-Kona area. We took the mountainous path and it took more than two hours each way because it rained heavily and parts of the road near the edge of the mountain felt treacherous.
My kids would argue that it wasn’t worth the time. The park website is very clear when the volcanos are actively spewing out lava and that, I suspect, would be well worth the time. But, when we visited Hawaii, the volcanos were simply not active. No one can control that. That meant the park wasn’t very crowded, which is nice!
It is still interesting to visit the Hawaii Volcanos National Park. We really enjoyed seeing and feeling the sauna-like blasts of hot, moist air near the parking lot. Kīlauea also spewed impressive clouds of mist, just no flowing lava.
The best part of our trip, we all agreed, was the scenery and eating at this really lovely bakery cafe on the way back. We are, after all, foodies!
Please let me know if you have also visited Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park and what you thought of it. Thanks for sharing!
Hawaiians have different relationships with the spirituality of lava, said Native Hawaiian cultural practitioner Kealoha Pisciotta. To Pisciotta, the lava “brings good mana” — which can mean supernatural or divine power — “and cleanses where it needs cleansing.”
There are also different relationships and connections to Pele, who some refer to as a god or goddess. Pele has great significance in Hawaiian culture, representing all the phenomena related to volcanoes — the magma, steam, ash, acid rain. from Journal Now
p.s. This is a photo that my friend Lori took from Mauna Kea of the lava flow at Mauna Loa. You an see the snow in the foreground at Mauna Kea with the lava coming out of Manua Loa in the background. Wild!
p.p.s. Related posts:
We Learn About Native Hawaiian Culture
Hawaiian Folk Tales & Children’s Books
The Hawaiian Ukelele? All About the Ukelele for Kids!
Family Reunion Vacation in Oahu, Hawaii
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