Big Island Vacation Guide 2008 - (Page 20) HAWAI‘I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK Many travelers come to the Big Island just to see Kı lauea, one of the world’s few active volca¯ noes. Even if that’s not your sole purpose, leave a long day to tour Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Kı lauea’s molten lava flows, curling steam clouds, vast lava fields, heated steam vents, sulfur banks, ¯ prehistoric lava tubes and huge summit caldera are an unforgettable experience. In recognition of its outstanding value to humanity, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park has been designated an International Biosphere Reserve (1980) and a UNESCO World Heritage site (1987). The Park was created in 1916 and encompasses 333,000 acres from sea to summit and beyond. It includes Mauna Loa, the earth’s largest volcano and Kılauea, which has been continuously erupting ¯ since January 3, 1983. To date, it has added over 500 acres to the Big Island. Sometimes referred to as “the world’s only drive-in volcano,” there are also over 150 miles of hiking trails. The 20-mile drive down Chain of Craters Road will take you through some of the more desolate land on earth, into the Kılauea East Rift Zone and the current lava flowing from Pu‘u ‘O‘o ¯ ¯ Crater. The rangers stationed at the road’s end send visitors in the right direction for the best views of the flow. Be sure to follow their instructions on where NOT to go. It’s hot, dry and windy out on the lava fields so be sure to have some water. Volcanoes are inherently unstable, so keep your safety foremost in mind. PARK ATTRACTIONS Kı lauea Visitor Center ¯ Daily: 7:45 a.m. to 5 p.m. (hourly eruption videos: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.) The rangers here provide the latest weather, driving conditions and current volcanic activity. The center includes a display of interesting photographs and artifacts, a free film, maps, books, hiking permits, a schedule of ranger-led walks and listings for tour arrangements. Volcano Art Center Daily: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Located in an earlier incarnation of Volcano House, the Art Center’s mission is to perpetuate the artistic and cultural heritage of Hawai‘i’s people and environment. A gallery exhibits the work of over 250 artists inspired by the volcano. Jaggar Museum Daily: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thomas A. Jaggar was a government volcanologist who began studying the Hawaiian volcanoes in 1909. The museum offers cultural, geological and volcanology displays, photographs, videos and topographical maps. A nearby overlook provides a panoramic view of Kı lauea Caldera ¯ and Mauna Loa. Volcano House Hawai‘i’s oldest continually operated hotel dates back to 1846. Volcano House is perched right on the Kı lauea Crater rim overlooking the caldera and provides guests with a unique dining view ¯ to say the least. Crater Rim Drive The 11-mile drive circles the Kılauea caldera, traveling through a fern-filled rain forest past ¯ overlooks, hiking trails, earlier lava flows and petroglyph fields. About halfway around is the turn off for Chain of Craters Road. Don’t miss the Sulphur Bank, Steaming Bluff, Devastation Trail and Thurston Lava Tube. A map from the Visitor Center (or the website) will allow you to plan your drive in time to reach the bottom of Chain of Craters Road by early evening when the red glow of the lava colors the night sky. Chain of Craters Road The 3,700-foot drive down Chain of Craters Road through a panorama of older lava fields brings you to the point where molten lava meets the ocean to form new earth. Lava viewing conditions are constantly changing due to volcanic activity. After dark, multiple ‘a‘a and pahoehoe (different types ¯ of lava) flows illuminate the mountainside in the distance and can be seen from the road. You can count on lots of company at dusk, the best viewing time. So the walk may be longer as parking is alongside the two-lane road. Be sure to call for the latest lava flow update, 985-6000 x 1. PARK DETAILS RECOMMENDED GEAR Daily: 7:45 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Kılauea Visitor Center), 10 a.m. to ¯ • Sturdy closed-toe shoes 9 p.m. (Ranger Station, Chain of Craters Road), 985-6000, • Long pants, jacket, hat, sunglasses www.nps.gov/havo • Flashlight for each person 7-day pedestrian pass, $5 • Snacks 7-day private vehicle pass, $10 • Water Annual pass, $25 Hawai‘i Center for Volcanology • More water www.soest.hawaii.edu/GG/HCV/kilauea • Sunscreen Hawaiian Volcano Observatory • First-aid kit “Volcano Watch” http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov • Binoculars UNESCO World Heritage Centre • Camera http://whc.unesco.org • Lots of film Friends of World Heritage www.friendsofworldheritage.org • More film Big Island Candies, Inc. Information: (800) 935-5510 585 Hinano St., Hilo, HI 96720 Phone: (808) 935-8890 Fax: (808) 961-0659 Email: info@bigislandcandies.com Website: www.bigislandcandies.com Visit us and enjoy free samples of our macadamia nut chocolates and cookies as well as a cup of 100% Kona Coffee! Take a self guided tour through our gift shop and view our award-winning macadamia nut confections being made through our large viewing windows. Photo by Dave Gallagher Volcano Art Center P.O. Box 129 Volcano, HI 96785 Office: (808) 967-8222 Gallery: (808) 967-7565 Email: info@volcanoartcenter.org Website: www.volcanoartcenter.org Let Volcano Art Center be your art and cultural resource for an unforgettable journey to Kılauea in ¯ Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Our award-winning gallery (open daily 9-5) offers exquisite treasures inspired by this dynamic, powerful environment. Enjoy free, authentic hula performances and Hawaiian craft demonstrations. Visit our website for online art & gift gallery, visitor information & eruption reports, plus upcoming workshops & events. 20 www.bigisland.org http://www.bigislandcandies.com http://www.volcanoartcenter.org http://www.nps.gov/havo http://www.soest.hawaii.edu/GG/HCV/kilauea http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov http://whc.unesco.org http://www.friendsofworldheritage.org http://www.bigisland.org
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