Chuck had a four day weekend over Labor Day so we decided to head off to the Big Island. You can check a lot of boxes on Hawaii - most southern point in the U.S., most active volcano, world's newest land, and world's highest mountain. So we had to check it out.
On Friday we took a quick 45 minute flight to Hilo where we hung around town for the day before heading up to Volcanoes National Park, a quick 30 miles and 4,000 vertical feet away.
The boys in front of King Kamehameha I in downtown Hilo. Born on the Big Island, he united the Hawaiian Islands in the early 1800s. Want to get anywhere in Hawaii? You always "take the Kam." It's the Hawaiian version of MLK Blvd.
Downtown Hilo. I don't know what these trees are called, but they're crazy.
Just your average lava danger zone map.
The five names on the map are the five Big Island volcanoes.
Volcanoes National Park is home to the Kilauea Military Camp, a resort available to military members. KMC consists of cottages, a store, bowling alley, couple of restraunts and offers lots of activities. It is located on Crater Rim Road which circles the active Kilauea Cauldren.
The 4,000 ft elevation and frequent rainy weather made us feel like we were back in Whidbey. Chuck and the boys had to buy long pants before the trip as theirs are still in storage.
Our cottage at KMC.
The KMC grounds along Crater Rim Road.
Andy taking in the Hula dancing during dinner at KMC.
Saturday morning we head out into the park to see the volcanoes and lava fields. From the park visitor center you head down the Chain of Craters Road to sea level.
The road traverses much of the lava from flows in the 1970s. Great map here.
Chuck and Zach on one of the lava fields.
Playing on a field of hardened glass. Giant booboos waiting to happen.
Andy taking in the view from the Kealakomo Overlook. This is at about 2,000 ft. Below is the huge coastal lava plain.
Heading down the road. The steam in the distance is caused by lava falling into the ocean.
Some of the 280 acres of new land created by the Kilauea Volcano in the last 24 years. Past this point the road was overrun with lava.
Boys throwing rocks next to the 60 ft tall Holei Sea Arch.
Headed back up Chain of Craters Road. This vantage point shows where one of the lava fields came down the volcano.
Into the Thurston Laval Tube. Created several hundred years ago by an underground river of lava.
Ok, so you have to see the lava spilling into the ocean at night like on Discovery Channel. First, you have to hope the lava is actually flowing which luckily it was. Then you drive an hour and a half to a parking area. Then you walk several hundred yards over a lava field at night carrying a flashlight and a 4 year old. Then all you get is a disinterested 4 year old and the rather not good picture you see above.
Actually it was pretty neat. Kind of a like a giant camp fire viewed from far away. The state of Hawaii ran the parking and viewing areas really well.
First stop Sunday morning is about a mile down the road to the Jagger Museum along the rim of the Kilauea Caldera. The USGS keeps an observatory here to monitor Hawaiian volcano activity.
Family in front of the Halema'uma'u crater. The Kileau Volcano has been erupting continuously for the last 24 years. Dinosaur shirts are very appropriate.
Andy seems to have noticed something.
Rising terrain behind the boys is Mauna Loa, another volcano and just a tad shorter than it's neighbor Mauna Kea. Mauna Kea is the tallest mountain in the world if taken from the bottom of the ocean. Snow falls on both of these mountains in the winter. Unlike other very tall mountains that require climbing gear, Sherpas, and severe injuries you can drive to the tops of these mountains. Very Aloha.
After the cauldron we drive up the coast to take in the Wiapio Valley.
Nice view.
And then head down to Akaka Falls.
442 ft. Darned impressive.
One last night at the KMC and next day we hop our flight back to O'ahu.
Headed home.
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