There are some amazing things to see on the Big Island. It's possible to
stand next to lava as it flows slowly, making flaming contortions over the
earth to harden into ropey stands of lava that glitters like black diamonds.
After visiting Halemaumau crater in the heart of Hawaii Volcanoes National
Park, you may fly over Puu Oo vent, which has been coughing up lava more or less steadily since 1983. It's not particularly close to Kilauea Caldera or Halemaumau Crater inside it, the sites of previous spectacular lava flows but not currently creating lava. It is possible to hike to Puu Oo, but I'm told that it is a long, hot hike, and there may be restrictions. Even if you cannot get to Puu Oo easily, park officials now cooperate with
tourists assisting them to get very close to the current lava flows so take
the opportunity to see something you will probably never see anywhere else.
For more on volcanoes, the Volcanoes National Park, and hiking around the park, click here.
Puu Oo, the center of current lava flows, seen from a helicopter
Hawaii Volcanos National Park is both desolate and captivating
Steam weeps from fissures around the Park
Halemaumau, a smoking crater inside a caldera
Offerings to Pele can often be seen at Halemaumau
This walkway in Hawaii Volcanos National park is now gone
Rain forest surrounds Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Towering plumes of smoke created by lava flowing into the sea
