Nothing demonstrates nature's capacity for both violent destruction and miraculous rebirth than a volcano, and the two of you can view this process first hand at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, located on the Big Island of Hawaii. The centerpiece of this park is Kilauea, the world's most active volcano, which along with Mauna Loa, a colossus at 13,677 feet, bring about constant formation to this land. Tour at night and you'll have a chance to see red hot lava in the making.

Ready to watch the formation of the earth? Then plan a trip to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to see the earth at work.

For Lovers Who Love Nature

The volcano is the number one attraction of this park, but before you head off for a look stop by the Kilauea Visitor Center, where you can get the latest information regarding Kilauea's activity and view a 25-minute film, "Born of Fire...Born of The Sea", which captures such sights as ancient petroglyphs and an age old ritual, a mixture of dance and chanting performed to this day at the crater's edge as a sign of respect for Pele, the volcano goddess. The film is shown hourly from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The park offers lots of hiking trails. A good one is Halemaumau Overlook where, in just 10-minutes time, you can peer down into the crater. Other hiking trails take travelers through old lava flows, tree fern forests, and more.

Driving tours are another popular option. You can see the summit of Kilauea Volcano with an 11-mile Crater Rim Drive. The Chain of Craters Road along the coastline is another popular, but longer, option where you might have a chance to see red hot lava.

Best Time to Go

The Christmas holiday season (as well as Easter) are peak times for visitors so plan for crowds at this time. volcanic fumes

Packing Tips
Good packing is important for this park. Bring sturdy shoes–you don’t want to be teetering around near a volcano. Along with dependable shoes, bring a jacket, hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses for everyone. Layers are best because temperatures vary throughout the park depending on elevation.

Love Nests
Since 1846 The Volcano House Hotel, the oldest of Hawaii's continually operated hotels, has witnessed the fiery explosions of the island's most active volcano. Located just across from the Kilauea Visitor Center, this establishment offers 42 rooms as well as 10 cabins. Open all year. For further information contact volcanohouse@earthlink.net, (808) 967-7321, www.volcanohousehotel.com

Two campgrounds are available: the Namakani Paio campground offers views of tall eucalyptus and ohi'a trees. Restrooms, barbeque pits and picnic tables are available. There is no fee or reservations required. Open all year. For more information call (808)985-6011 There are only three sites available at Kulanaokuaiki campground. Barbecue grills, picnic tables and an accessible toilet available, however, water is not available. This campground is also free with no reservations necessary. Open all year.

Nearby Attractions
Once utilized as a safe haven for those accused of breaking Hawaiian laws, Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park in Honaunau is home today to several archeological wonders. On a self-guided tour, the two of you can discover ancient temple platforms and royal fishponds, and see a reconstruction of The Hale O Keawe temple. Demonstrators are often on hand to explain Hawaiian crafts, and for nature lovers, in the winter you may be able to see green sea turtles and humpback whales. For visitor information, call (808) 328-2288, email: PUHO_Interpretation@nps.gov, or see www.nps.gov/puho.

Short 'n Sweet

Address: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, PO Box 52, Hawaii National Park, HI 96718-0052
Telephone: 808/985-6000
Operating Season: year round
Hours: park open around the clock; visitors center open 7:45 a.m.-5 p.m.
Cost: $10 per vehicle
Email:havo_interpretation@nps.gov
Website: www.nps.gov/havo/index.html