Big Island Vacation Guide 2009 - (Page 16) Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park Many travelers come to Hawai‘i Island just to see Kı ¯lauea, one of the world’s few active volcanoes. Even if that’s not your sole purpose, leave a whole or full day to tour Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. In recognition of its outstanding value to humanity, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park has been designated an for International Biosphere Reserve (1980) and a UNESCO World Heritage site (1987). 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. The Park was created in 1916 and encompasses more than 333,000 acres from sea to summit and beyond. It includes Maunaloa, the earth’s largest volcano and Kı ¯lauea, 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 Kı ¯lauea East Rift Zone. Ask the rangers at the K¯lauea Visitor Center for current ı eruption information. 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 ¯ 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. Daily: 7:45 a.m. to 5 p.m. (hourly eruption videos: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.) “Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, one of only 20 natural World Heritage properties in the United States.” Crater Rim Drive The 11-mile drive circles the Kı ¯lauea 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. Volcano Art Center 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 300 artists inspired by the volcano. Daily: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Photo by Dave Gallagher 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. Be sure to call for the latest lava flow update, 985-6000 x 1. 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 Kı¯ lauea 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. Jaggar Museum 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 Maunaloa. Daily: 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Lodging Accommodations at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park range from tent and cabin camping to hotel and military lodging. 16 www.bigisland.org http://www.volcanoartcenter.org http://www.bigisland.org
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