Hawaii Volcanoes: Walk Through Lava Tubes & Bathe in Steam

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site covering over 1300 square kilometers on Hawaii's Big Island, presents a dynamic landscape sculpted by volcanic activity. Kilauea, one of the world's most active volcanoes, is currently in a fascinating new phase. During active eruptions, visitors may witness spectacular lava fountains and hear the powerful roar of the volcano from viewing points like the Uekahuna and Kilauea Overlook, which offer views into the Halemaʻumaʻu crater.

Beyond the dramatic eruptions, the park offers unique experiences. At the Steaming Bluff (Wahinekapu) vents, geothermal steam provides a natural facial. Visitors can explore Nahuku (Thurston Lava Tube), a 180-meter tunnel formed by molten lava about 500 years ago, once utilized by native Hawaiians. This accessible geological wonder is a highlight for many.

Cultural and historical sites abound, including the Pu'uloa Petroglyphs on Kilauea's southern flank. This sacred gallery features over 23,000 carvings etched into basalt, with origins dating back to 1200 CE. Motifs include circles, human figures, and canoe sails. For culinary experiences, the historic Volcano House hotel offers local dishes with caldera views, especially mesmerizing when the crater glows red during active eruptions.

Adventurous travelers can traverse hardened lava fields to the Mauna Ulu fissure, a vent active for five years starting in 1969. The park's Chain of Craters Road provides a scenic 30-kilometer descent past lava flows from the 1960s and '70s, leading to formations like the Holei Sea Arch and offering views of the Pacific Ocean.