In Hawaii, Volcanoes Are Hot
In Hawaii, Volcanoes Are Hot
When anyone mentions Hawaii, volcanoes soon come to the forefront of the conversation. Known for Don Ho, the hula and brilliant flowers, Hawaii is also known for its very active volcanoes. The Hawaiian Islands are some of the youngest land masses on Earth, with the live volcanoes bringing up matter to make even more land. A glimpse of Hawaii's volcanoes is a glimpse into Earth's primordial past.
Kilauea
The most famous and filmed of Hawaii's volcanoes is Kilauea, on the Big Island. It is considered the most live active volcano on earth. The most recent eruption was in 1983 - and it hasn't stopped since. Kilauea is considered sacred; the home of the beneficial fire Goddess Pele. This Goddess is beloved by native Hawaiians even today, but She is not so loving to Her sister, Na-Maka-o-kaha'i, the Goddess of the Sea. They have fought forever and still continue to do so, with Kilauea's lava flowing into the steaming sea.
A Home Of Volcanoes
Hawaii even has a park called Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, which certainly is a great place to go for volcano watching. It is home to two active volcanoes. But because of the volcanoes, the land around is incredibly fertile. It can seem odd that such a lush tropical environment can co-exist with the desolate live volcanoes.
In Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, you can watch butterflies, camp overnight, hike or bike. If you only have a couple of hours to spare, it is recommended to go on a guided tour of the park to at least view the oddly graceful volcanoes. Dogs are allowed on the campgrounds in specially designated areas and must be leashed, so they are not tempted to hunt some of Hawaii's extremely rare wildlife.
The weather at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is unpredictable, so be ready for anything. The Park itself recommends that you wear a few layers of clothing to quickly and conveniently add or subtract as you move around. The islands get a lot of rainfall annually, so slicker or raincoat is recommended than an umbrella, which can be blown away in winds.
To find out the latest on Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Kilauea or even the weather in Hawaii, check with Hawaii's official tourism site, www.gohawaii.com. There you can also make hotel reservations, plan a wedding or get tickets to Hawaiian events and attractions. Remember that Hawaii has one of the highest standard of living costs in the nation, so budget carefully.