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A TOUR OF THE BIG ISLAND, HAWAII AT
ITS BEST
Volcano National Park
Continuing on around the island from Hilo
brings us into the Puna district. Here is the Big Island's biggest attraction, the
Volcano National Park, home of Madame Pele, the ancient Hawaiian Goddess of Volcanoes.
Driving along the Chain of Craters Road in the park is like traveling on another
far off planet. The landscape is a world apart from anything else you've ever seen.
There are safe, well marked hiking trails through out the park which wind along the older
volcanic craters, past steaming pits and fascinating lava formations.
To answer any questions you may have, the park
headquarters and information center shows a movie every hour about volcanic eruptions on
the Big Island.
| Puu'o vent began erupting in January
of 1983. It has shot lava fountains more than 1,500 feet into the air and pumped
millions of cubic yards of molten lava into the sea over eight miles away. The
average temperature of the molten lava flowing from the vent is over 2,000 degrees
Fahrenheit. |
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In July of 1986 volcanic activity at the Puu'o vent
came to a stop.
| But, within a few weeks it started
again two miles down slope at the Kupaianaha vent. From 1986 volcanic activity has
almost been continuos. About a half million cubic yards of molten lava has been pumped out
daily covering over 26 square miles of land. In some places the lava is over 75 feet
deep. |
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Usually volcanic activity on the Big Island poses
no threat to life or property.
| But, because of the close proximity of
the Puu'o and Kupaianaha vents to two different subdivisions in the Puna area, over 160
homes have been lost to the volcano in the Royal Gardens and Kalapana communities. |
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Volcanic activity has not all been damage and
destruction.
| Since 1986 over 150 acres of new land
have been added to the island as lava has flowed into the sea. The Big Island is the
only Hawaiian island that is still growing, and if you have the opportunity to witness
this spectacular natural phenomenon, don't miss it. |
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Return to the
Big Island Television Visitor's Information Page
Introduction & History
Continue the tour in Kailua-Kona
Continue the tour From Keauhou to Honaunau
Continue the tour on the Kohala Coast
Continue the tour in Kamuela & Honokaa
Continue the tour in Hilo
Continue the tour at Mauna Kea
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