Lava Palava
Trip Start
Nov 12, 2007
1
40
Trip End
Aug 01, 2008
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii
Thursday, July 31, 2008
However it was very close to the Volcano National Park our main reason for visiting the island. Hawaii as we learned at an excellent centre was formed by volcanoes erupting under the sea and gradually getting higher and higher until they broke the surface. The world's tallest mountain (as opposed to the highest above sea level) is here.
There is a still a lot of volcanic activity and the island is a mix of huge areas of black lava from later flows and lush vegetation which has grown over older lava.
There was a major eruption in the 50's and lava has been creeping out on and off ever since and until recently you could watch this close up. However a few months ago things began to liven up and the lava flow increased and found a new outlet ironically outside the national park.
We therefore made a 40 mile drive in late afternoon to a hastily prepared new viewing area. It is quite a show. The viewing area is about half a mile from where the lava hits the sea and though it would be good to be closer you can understand the safety concerns as you can feel the volatility of the situation. It is the major show in town so gets very busy. We arrived at about 5.30 in the afternoon and sat down on the hard uncomfortable hard lava. In daylight "all" you can see is billowing smoke and steam and dark fountains of lava as the 2000+ degrees molten rock hits the sea. Then as darkness falls (at about 7) the lava glows red producing a spectacular display( though not spectacular photos as for once our small camera and our photographic abilities were not enough to do justice to the scene)
There is plenty more to see in the area. You can walk on the now solid lava lake created in the 50's, through a lava tube and round and over various other features.
Part of the main crater is smoking again and that area glows red at night. A great place to visit but I would not want to live here.
We are spending our last couple of days on the coast on the dry side of the island relaxing and doing a bit of shopping and snorkelling before the long trip home. We even sat through an episode of Hawaii -5-0 which is still on the schedules here There are plenty of tropical fish in the sea by the small beach near our hotel and turtles play in the waves and come up on to the beach with no fear of humans.
Berkshire next! And back to reality. We look forward to seeing everyone and will put a few photos on this site when we get back in case you can't face the full set. Thanks for all the messages etc and for taking an interest in our travels....................
