Weekly Volcano Watch: A Hot Time at the Big Island’s Kilauea Iki!

Reprinted from here.

HVO Hot Shots See the Heat at Kilauea

Visible and thermal images of Halema`uma`u Crater before and after the emergence of the new vent and its first explosion.

If you keep an eye on the Kilauea update images posted on the HVO website, you may have noticed over the last few months that we have occasionally shown thermal images of the ongoing activity. The images typically have a background of black and blue, representing lower temperatures, with bright areas of red and orange showing higher temperature areas, such as active lava.

So, how do we collect these images, and what can they tell us about how the volcano is working?

We use a handheld thermal camera, which collects radiation in the infrared range of the electromagnetic spectrum. The size of the unit - only slightly larger than a typical camcorder - makes it easy to use from a helicopter or stow in our backpacks if we have to trudge off on a hike.

Most of the images are taken during our routine helicopter overflights to monitor the current east rift zone activity. Our interpretation is improved by obtaining corresponding photographs from a conventional camera to compare to the thermal images. To achieve this, we make sure the geologist operating the thermal camera sits on the same side of the helicopter as the geologist taking photographs. The thermal camera is also being used to monitor activity at the new vent in Halema`uma`u Crater. Each day, we take images of the vent from the Jaggar Museum overlook.

But how exactly can thermal cameras help to monitor the volcano? It’s been said that the most important variable at volcanoes is temperature. In a rough sense, the level of surface activity is directly tied to temperature. For instance, a lava flow stops once its temperature drops enough for the lava to solidify.

Let’s look at ongoing thermal camera uses at Kilauea. On our overflights of the flow field, we use the camera to aid in identifying the extent of active, or recently active, flows. Sometimes recently cooled flows are hard to identify with the naked eye, because they appear as black as surrounding flows. But in the thermal images, these still-warm flows stand out like day and night.

Another application is tracking lava tubes, which may be difficult to trace with the naked eye, because they lie below a surface of solidified lava. The lava surface overlying the tube, however, is heated up slightly by the flowing lava. Lava is a poor conductor of heat, so this temperature difference may be subtle. When scaled properly, the images show a clear line of higher temperatures that precisely track the path of the tube.

Just recently, the thermal camera proved essential for characterizing the new vent on Pu`u `O`o’s east wall. With the naked eye, we could see a new plume jetting from the rim, but we couldn’t see through the thick fume inside the crater to judge the precise location or extent of the new gas source. Because the thermal camera measures longer wavelengths than the human eye, it was able to clearly “see” through the fume and identify the new vent.

At Halema`uma`u, our daily thermal images over the last few months have shown an interesting long-term trend at the new vent. Vent temperatures rose in late March following the March 19 explosion and peaked in early April. Since then, the values have been gradually decreasing. The cause of this long-term decrease is not yet clear, but it could be due to a crusting-over of lava in the conduit or to a steady lowering of the lava level.

Thermal cameras are becoming a more common tool for volcano monitoring around the world, aided, in large part, by technological advances over the last decade that have made the cameras much smaller and lighter. Because the cameras are precision calibrated and manufactured by just a few companies worldwide, you unfortunately can’t pick one up from your local department store. Not surprisingly, this means their cost is more than that of a standard camcorder. For us, they are worth the price, because they provide a new set of “eyes” and greatly enhance our monitoring of volcanic activity and hazards.

Activity update

Kilauea Volcano continues to be active. A vent in Halema`uma`u Crater is erupting elevated amounts of sulfur dioxide gas and very small amounts of ash. Resulting high concentrations of sulfur dioxide in downwind air have closed the south part of Kilauea caldera and produced occasional air quality alerts in more distant areas, such as Pahala and communities adjacent to Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park during kona wind periods.

Pu`u `O`o continues to produce sulfur dioxide at even higher rates than the vent in Halema`uma`u Crater. Trade winds tend to pool these emissions along the West Hawai`i coast. Kona winds blow these emissions into communities to the north, such as Mountain View, Volcano, and Hilo. Our Frequently Asked Questions webpage at hvo.wr.usgs.gov provides lots of information about sulfur dioxide, vog, and ash from Kilauea.

The new gas vent observed on May 23 inside Pu`u `O`o has remained active, with no observed change. Lava from the 2007 Thanksgiving Eve Breakout (TEB) flow, erupting from fissure D of the July 21 eruption, continues to flow through what remains of Royal Gardens and across the coastal plain to the ocean in well-established lava tubes. Over the past week, the Waikupanaha ocean entry has remained active, with small explosions and a vigorous plume.

Be aware that lava deltas could collapse at any time, potentially generating large explosions. This may be especially true during times of rapidly changing lava supply conditions, as have been seen lately. Do not venture onto the lava deltas. Even the intervening beaches are susceptible to large waves generated during delta collapse; avoid these beaches. In addition, steam plumes rising from ocean entries are highly acidic and laced with glass particles. Check Civil Defense Web site (http://www.lavainfo.us) or call 961-8093 for viewing hours.

Mauna Loa is not erupting. No earthquakes were located beneath the summit. Continuing extension between locations spanning the summit indicates slow inflation of the volcano.

Three earthquakes beneath Hawai`i Island were reported felt within the past week. A magnitude-2.4 earthquake occurred at 6:12 a.m., H.s.t., on Saturday, June 21, 2008, and was located 2 km (1 mile) southwest of Kilauea summit at a depth of 2 km (1 mile). A magnitude-3.1 earthquake occurred at 5:16 p.m. on Sunday, June 22, and was located 1 km (1 mile) southeast of Pahala at a depth of 14 km (8 miles). A magnitude-3.3 earthquake occurred at 0:51 a.m. on Tuesday, June 26, and was located 10 km (6 miles) west of Pahala at a depth of 7 km (4 miles).

Visit our Web site (http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov) for daily Kilauea eruption updates, a summary of volcanic events over the past year, and nearly real-time Hawai`i earthquake information. Kilauea daily update summaries are also available by phone at (80 967-8862. Questions can be emailed to askHVO@usgs.gov.

For more information on touring Hawaii in general and visiting the Big Island in particular, go here and here.

In the Shadow of Captain Cook: Exploring the History and Waters of Kealakekua Bay

A place of both dramatic historic events and unparalleled scenery, beautiful and now peaceful Kealekekua Bay (Pathway of the Gods) opens beneath steep, beetling cliffs on the ancient surfing beach along the shoreline of Napo’opo’o Village. The site of arguably the most important event in the history of Polynesia, home to pods of frolicking dolphins, hosting the greatest density of hammerhead sharks anywhere in the Pacific Ocean and providing some truly breathtaking snorkeling, Kealekekua Bay is one of the most truly magical spots in the State of Hawai’i.

Across the bay from Napo’opo’o stands the solitary white obelisk that marks the lonely Captain Cook Monument rising among the ruins of Ka’awaloa Village. High along the cliff walls can be seen numerous burial caves of the iwi (bones) of Ali’i, and in the late afternoon light, a greyish streak is visible on the northwest wall. Local legend has it that a canon-ball fired by Cook to impress the Hawai’ians left this streak as it smeared and bounced along the cliff. Close in along the beach, historic Hikiau (Moving Current) Heiau stands through the ages, witness to the tsunami of enormous changes that swept through Hawai’i with the coming of Cook and the Europeans, which began right here at Kealekekua Bay.

Perhaps the most sought-after snorkeling area in Hawai’i, visitors frequently kayak from Napo’opo’o to the monument to enjoy the Class Triple-A waters and abundant sea life. However, the monument is also accessible by hiking a trail down from the highway; this hike takes 4-6 hours round trip and drinking water is not available anywhere along the journey.

Written, filmed, directed and produced by Donald B. MacGowan.

For more information on visiting and exploring the Big Island of Hawaii, visit here and here.

Frank’s Big Island Travel Hints #13

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: Chain of Craters Road

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is one of the great natural wonders, as well the most studied volcanoes, on earth. Few places can the visitor get as many diverse climates, flora, fauna and geologic dreamlands as inside the park’s boundaries.

Continuing down the Chain of Craters Road, there are numerous turnouts with panoramas that stretch the imagination. Tour Guide adds to the excitement with all the information about what is being seen. Take a quick stop at Alanui Kahiko. The words in Hawaiian mean old road. Here you will see portions of the old Chain of Craters Road, some 12 miles worth above and below this lookout, buried under 300 feet of lava by the 1972 eruptions. This spectacle alone is testament to the awesome destructive powers of Madam Pele, the volcano’s Fire Goddess.

A few miles further down the mountain is the Pu’u Loa Petroglyph field. It can be found along the side of the Ka’u-Puna Trail, a trail used by ancient Hawaiians. This is believed to be the largest petroglyph field in Polynesia, containing more that 15,000 carvings. The path to the petroglyphs is marked from the parking lot by cairns. Tour Guide will show you where to park and explain some of the carving’s meanings at this phenomenal spot.

At about the 19 mile marker is the current End of the Road, the location where the lava cut off the road in 1983. A year ago, you could park here and trek across the barren fields to where the lava was entering the ocean. Now, however, the lava has changed course and is sometimes entering from the Puna side of the park. There is still a ranger’s station here and many placards telling about the flows and safety precautions for hiking in the desolate area. Restrooms are available.

Walking down to the ocean at the End of the Road are some beautiful formations, most notably, the Holei Sea Arch. Tour Guide will tell you how arches and stacks are formed when the waves pound against the sea cliffs and chisel into the various lava densities. The cliff around this arch is some ninety feet, so use caution as you photograph this amazing sight.

Looking back up the mountain gives one the perspective of the destruction, yet the immaculate life giving beauty, of the fire goddess Pele who is in constant battle her sister, the ocean. Each takes life, and gives it. We as humans can stand in awe at the majesty and wonder of these two great forces, respecting each on its own terms.

As you travel back up the Chain of Craters Road, don’t forget to stop at some of the vista points and take photos and videos of the landscape, the memories and the people that are like nowhere else on earth, the Island of Hawaii.

For more information on visiting Hawaii in general and touring the Big Island in particular, go here and here. Tour Guide…for Hawaii fun and Big Island Adventure!

A Walking Tour of Kailua Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii

The town of Kailua Kona is the crown jewel on the island of Hawaii and the beating heart of the Kona Coast. A sleepy fishing village not so long ago, Kailua Kona is now the metropolitan center of West Hawaii’s burgeoning economy and exploding population. Founded by King Umi in the 1500’s, Kailua Kona served as the social, religious and political capital of Hawaii for several hundred years. Deeming it the loveliest spot in all the Hawaiian Islands, King Kamehameha the Great ruled his island empire during the final years of his reign from here.

Exploring the downtown area from the King Kamehameha Beach Resort to the Honl’s Beach on the south provides a couple hours pure enjoyment: easy walking along the incomparable turquoise Kona Coast under the warm, sapphire Hawaii sky, past ancient temples, missionary churches, intriguing and unique shops and wonderful restaurants. It is easy, walking here, to understand how one can be completely seduced by the magic of the Big Island.

Kailua Kona is a town made for walking, so start by parking your car. On the north side of town, abundant for-pay parking is available at the King Kamehameha Beach Hotel. Free parking on this end of town is available at Triangle Parking, between Kuakini Highway and Ali’i Drive. About half-way through town, by the Farmer’s Market and Hale Halawai Park, is a large area of free parking. On the south side of town there is abundant free parking at the Coconut Grove shopping area, and at Honl’s Beach.

Let’s start exploring Kailua Kona on the north and work our way south. The thatched structure surrounded by carved wooden idols across from the pier is ‘Ahu’ena Heiau, an ancient and sacred temple site. A temple (or Heiau) has existed on this spot since at least the first millennium, and as recently as the 15th century was occupied by a temple of human sacrifice (or luakini Heiau) dedicated to the war god Kuka’ilimoku. In 1812, King Kamehameha I ordered the heiau enlarged, rebuilt, rededicated as ‘Ahu’ena Heiau (“hill of fire”), a temple of peace and prosperity dedicated to the fertility god Lono.

The current structures seen at ‘Ahu’ena Heiau were re-built in 1975 under the auspices of the Bishop Museum with financial help from the Hotel King Kamehameha and are constructed to 1/3 the original scale. Here, there is a veritable forest of of carved, wooden sacred images in the “Kona Style”, considered the most refined in all Polynesia.

Three delightful, but tiny, beaches grace the immediate downtown area. The snorkeling from these small beaches is spectacular and strangely uncommon. A beautiful coral garden and vibrant reef fish can be seen snorkeling along the shoreline off ‘Ahu’ena Heiau where fish, turtles and eels are abundant in Kailua Bay.

During the winter of 1819 to 1820, Congregationalist missionaries from Boston crossed the Atlantic Ocean enduring 5 months of intense stormy weather while headed for a new life in Hawai’i. In March of 1820, the missionaries sailed into the balmy waters of Kailua Bay and landed at Kamakahonu Rock (eye of the turtle), the “Plymouth Rock” of Hawai’i, which now supports the Kailua Pier.

Mokuaikaua Church, built under the leadership of missionary Asa Thurston between 1835 and 1837, was specifically aligned so that the prevailing breezes would pass through it, but also so that it presented a strong, stone façade to the south and west, the direction from which strong Kona Winds, large storms and hurricanes come. The 112-foot steeple was for many decades the highest structure in Kailua and served as a navigation landmark both for ships at sea and people on land.

The church is constructed of rough-hewn basalt blocks mortared with lime made from burnt coral and bound with kukui nut oil. The corner stones were taken from a heiau built on the same spot by King Umi in the fifteenth century. The interior beams and woodwork are of koa wood. The joints were painstakingly joined with ohi’a wood pins; this is a magnificent example of the architectural style brought to Hawai’i by the missionaries in the 19th century.

The inside of the church is beautiful, cool and inviting, and visitors are welcome between services and on weekdays between sunrise and sunset; admission is free. There is a fascinating mini-museum, small but informative, which is open daily from sunrise to sunset and free tours are conducted from 10 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3:30 p.m. The Museum features exhibits about Hawai’i, the life of the missionaries and contains a scale model of the Brig Thaddeus.

Hulihe’e Palace was built by High Chief (later Governor) James Kuakini in 1838 as a home. For many years, the Palace was used by Hawai’ian royalty as an official residence and summer get-away palace, a place of great galas and parties, but was abandoned to ruin in 1914. Since 1928 the Palace has been operated as a museum by the Daughters of Hawai’i. The Palace Gift Store has many fine art items and hard-to-find books on Hawai’iana.

The museum is open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There are friendly and knowledgeable docents who give free tours, which last about 45 minutes. Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors and $1 for students; photographing inside the museum is forbidden. The palace sustained considerable damage during the earthquake of 2007 and is currently undergoing renovation.

The Kona Inn is of particular historic significance, as it was the first destination resort to open in West Hawai’i and it ushered in the era of tourism along the Kona Coast. Built on the site of Papa ‘Ula (red flats) where a temple of human sacrifice was built by High Chief Umi, today the Kona Inn features many unique and interesting shops and fine restaurants.

The Inn fronts on a large, palm-shaded lawn that leads to a seawall and the ocean. This area is open to the public and is a really grand place for picnicking, watching whales and dolphin and the fabulous Kona sunsets.

The Kailua Farmer’s Market, open Wednesday through Sunday, lies in the parking lot at the corner of Ali’i Drive and Hualalai Road between the Public Library and Hale Halawai Park. The market offers a wide and intriguing variety of fresh produce, hand-made local arts and crafts, Hawai’iana and other types of souvenirs.

The grounds and oceanfront of Hale Halawai Park offer a peaceful, shady place for taking a rest from a busy tour of bustling downtown Kailua, or watching whales and dolphin and the unmatched Kona sunsets. Frequently honu (sea turtles) and boogey boarders can be watched from the seawall. Featuring coconut palms, a neatly manicured lawn, picnic tables and a seawall, the large, Polynesian-style pavilion is used for everything from community gatherings to orchid shows to wedding receptions.

Historic St. Michael’s Church was the first Catholic Church in West Hawai’i. The church offers services in English and Spanish throughout the week, but is primarily of historic interest; the burial plots in the cemetery date from 1855. In 1940, during less “ecologically aware” times, resident priest Father Benno Evers had his parishioners gather 2500 coral heads to build the grotto in front of the church, which covers the church’s original well. The seafloor in Kailua Bay has yet to recover from this pillaging of coral heads. This historic church sustained considerable damage during the earthquake of 2007.

Coconut Grove and Waterfront Row cap the southern end of the Kailua Village shopping district along Ali’i Drive, starting next to the Hale Halawai County Park and ending at the Royal Kona Resort. Newer and more metropolitan that its sister shopping district to the north, Coconut Grove and Waterfront Row have almost everything, from tattoos to souvenirs to Hawai’iana, fine art, musical instruments, sundries, groceries and clothing. The range of cuisines available from restaurants here sweeps from local flavor to Thai, the Hard Rock Cafe to poi crepes to pizza and burgers.

Between the Royal Kona Resort and Hale Kona Kai Resort is a fabulous tide pool that is completely protected from all but the most vicious winter surf. It boasts a moderate population of reef fish and even the occasional turtle! The water sometimes can be a bit murky, but it makes a nice place to take small children or beginning snorkelers. Drive into the entrance for the Royal Kona Resort and continue south past it until you see the blue and white Shoreline Access sign; find a place to park, go down the stairs to the tiny beach and enjoy!

Lovely but compact, Honl’s County Beach Park is a small beach on the southern outskirts of Old Kailua Town. A favorite spot for surfers and boogie boarders it also has very nice snorkeling and is an excellent place to view the sunset and picnic. Remember when going into the water here, there is a fairly strong current to the north, so stay in the shallow reef area close to the beach. Parking is located on both sides of Ali’i Dr., but can be tight here in times of good surf, and crossing Ali’i Dr. drive can be a bit dangerous at certain times of the day. A new bathroom with showers and running water has recently been constructed on the mauka—uphill–side of the road.

For more information on visiting Hawaii in general and touring the Big Island in particular, go here and here.

Weekly Volcano Update: Kilauea’s Puzzling Plume

Reprinted from here.

The Puzzling Plume

Geologist collecting ash at the Halema`uma`u overlook fence. The collector is attached to the fence three feet above the ground to reduce sample contamination from windblown material.

The new Halema`uma`u Overlook vent is now only three months old, and the accompanying plume is relatively small in terms of previous explosive eruptions of Kilauea, but it has been front page news to Hawai`i’s citizens and visitors. While watching the voluminous white plume rising thousands of feet into the air by day or admiring the strong glow at night, you’re probably wondering what exactly is streaming out of the new vent besides gas. The short answer is ash-rock dust and bits of volcanic glass less than 2 mm (0.08 inches) in diameter. But how do we catch the ash coming out of the plume, and what are we doing with it?

Basically, we let it fall into our scientific laps. Each morning around daybreak, rain or shine, an HVO scientist goes to the Halema`uma`u overlook to collect the ash that has fallen from the plume since the previous morning. After experimenting with different types of ash collectors, 12-quart plastic buckets, weighed down with rocks, emerged as the best.

The contents of the ash collectors are brought back to HVO and weighed, and the average accumulation rate is calculated. The ash is then inspected under the microscope to note variations in its make-up. We’re especially interested in the amount of juvenile material (fresh lava) versus the amount of lithic material (bits of older rock or debris from the conduit walls) in each day’s collection.

The juvenile material, which comes from lava beneath the crater floor, is sent to our sister volcano observatory near Mount St. Helens for analysis. The results indicate that the chemical composition of the lava at the summit is almost identical to the lava currently erupting from the east rift zone and flowing into the ocean.

Because the ash that is already on the ground can also be blown into our collectors by strong winds, we had to devise ways to minimize collection of the windblown debris while maximizing the collection of ash falling from the plume. An ash collector was placed on the Halema`uma`u overlook fence, elevated about 1 m (3 feet) off the ground. Elevating this collector has proven enough to do the job.

The entire array of collectors are laid out within a few hundred meters (yards) of the vent, positioned to accumulate ash in both trade- and kona-wind conditions.

But that’s not all that has been ejected from the new vent. Debris from the three explosions (on March 19, April 9, and April 16), including blocks of older lava as large as 3 feet in diameter and fresh spatter, litters the area around the overlook. Because of this pervasive debris, it would be difficult to tell whether new blocks are ejected from the vent. The solution was to clear a 2.2-m (7-foot) square area of all rock debris larger than 2-3 inches. This “explosion trap” should allow us to identify new material if it is ejected from the vent in this area. None has been seen since April 16.

So, what does all of this dirty, smelly work under the plume tell us? Since juvenile material first appeared in the ash on March 23, it has consistently been seen in the samples. Juvenile material is something geologists look for in volcanic ash, because it tells us that fresh lava is close to the surface. But the appearance of juvenile material, combined with the nature of our visual and thermal observations, still cannot tell us exactly how deep below the floor of Halema`uma`u Crater the lava resides. As we continue to collect the ash each day, we watch and listen for the possibility of seeing fresh lava in the crater again.

Activity update

Kilauea Volcano continues to be active. A vent in Halema`uma`u Crater is erupting elevated amounts of sulfur dioxide gas and very small amounts of ash. Resulting high concentrations of sulfur dioxide in downwind air have closed the south part of Kilauea caldera and produced occasional air quality alerts in more distant areas, such as Pahala and communities adjacent to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park during kona wind periods.

Pu`u `O`o continues to produce sulfur dioxide at even higher rates than the vent in Halema`uma`u Crater. Trade winds tend to pool these emissions along the West Hawai`i coast. Kona winds blow these emissions into communities to the north, such as Mountain View, Volcano, and Hilo.

The new gas vent observed on May 23 inside Pu`u `O`o has remained active, with no observed change. Lava from the 2007 Thanksgiving Eve Breakout (TEB) flow, erupting from fissure D of the July 21 eruption, continues to flow through what remains of Royal Gardens and across the coastal plain to the ocean in well-established lava tubes. Over the past week, the Waikupanaha ocean entry has remained active, with occasional small explosions and a variable plume.

Be aware that lava deltas could collapse at any time, potentially generating large explosions. This may be especially true during times of rapidly changing lava supply conditions, as have been seen lately. Do not venture onto the lava deltas. Even the intervening beaches are susceptible to large waves generated during delta collapse; avoid these beaches. In addition, steam plumes rising from ocean entries are highly acidic and laced with glass particles. Check Civil Defense Web site (http://www.lavainfo.us) or call 961-8093 for viewing hours.

Mauna Loa is not erupting. Three earthquakes were located beneath the summit. Continuing extension between locations spanning the summit indicates slow inflation of the volcano.

One earthquake beneath Hawai`i Island was reported felt within the past week. A magnitude-3.1 earthquake occurred at 9:26 p.m., H.s.t., on Monday, June 09, 2008, and was located 6 km (4 miles) southwest of Pahala at a depth of 33 km (20 miles).

Visit our Web site (http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov) for daily Kilauea eruption updates and nearly real-time Hawai`i earthquake information. Kilauea daily update summaries are also available by phone at (808)967-8862. Questions can be emailed to askHVO@usgs.gov.

For more iformation on touring HAwaii in general and visiting the Big Island in particular, go here and here.

Keauhou Holua National Historic Landmark/Ka Holua O Kaneaka

In ancient times, the Ali’i competed with each other in the sport of Holua, or sledding. A long, steep, trackway paved with stones would be constructed downslope and then covered with tamped dirt and topped with dried grass. The Ali’i would race down these tracks on wooden sleds, or “holua” as competition. These races were very dangerous and only the Ali’i were allowed to compete. This particular holua is unique because, not only is it the largest and longest and best preserved in Hawai’i, but also because when constructed it went all the way into the sea at Keauhou Bay.

Despite this important archeological site being a National Historic Landmark, much of it was bulldozed by developers building resorts and a golf course.

The nearby village of Holualoa is named after this sledway; “holua” meaning “sled” and “loa” meaning “long”.

The Historic Landmark is best viewed from Ali’i Drive, directly across from the Kona Country Club parking lot. No facilities.

For more information on exploring the Big Island of Hawaii in general, and the ancient villages and temples of Kona in particular, visit: www.tourguidehawaii.com and www.tourguidehawaii.blogspot.com.

Produced by Donald MacGowan.

Frank’s Big Island Travel Hints #12: More fun in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Big Island, Hawaii

Deeper and Deeper into Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

As you continue driving around and exploring Hawaii Volcanoes National Park you will find many great hiking and bicycling opportunities. Tour Guide has some 50 sights to see in the park and has details such as, parking, food and water and restroom facilities along the way.

One of the best day hikes in the park is the Kilauea Iki Crater Trail. This four mile round trip hike, about three hours at a nominal pace, will descend into the crater itself. From the floor of the crater, you will see fern, Ohia, and tropical rainforest crowding right up to the rim. The floor itself is stark desert, by comparison, as the trail takes you across and then up the other side. Make sure to bring plenty of water and maybe even some snacks for this hike.

To see even more of the parks wonders, we at Tour Guide suggest a drive down the Chain of Craters Road. This drive unlocks dozens more sights, hikes and vistas from high mountain rainforest to the barren lava landscapes and scenic ocean views below. Along this road are a number of overlooks for some fabulous photography. It ends at the sea where waves crash and spew against cliffs with steam clouds in the distance where lava reaches the ocean. Let’s see what this stunning area has to offer.

Lua Manu is a pit crater formed before written records were kept of the eruptive activity in the park. You will notice no cinder around the rim. This indicates no eruption here but a lava lake that formed inside the pit. As it drained, the pit collapsed, the latest of which was in 1974.

There are several more pit craters to see along this route and then you will come to Hilina Pali Road. This nine mile road takes you to some of the most magical views of the National Park. From forest down to the coast, the breathtaking scenery with leave you with the awe and majesty of Mother Nature and Madam Pele. For the hearty campers, Tour Guide will lead you to Kulanaokuaiki Campground. There are restrooms here but no water is available. At the end of Hilina Pali Road is an overlook not to be missed.

Back on Chain of Craters Road, Tour Guide brings you to Puahi Crater, a large hourglass shaped crater that has held lava from many different flows over the years. Most recently, the 1979 earthquakes opened the south rift of the crater and issued steam and lava fountains. Though this episode only lasted one day, it was precursor to the current flows from Pu’u O’o in 1983 that destroyed hundreds of homes and businesses miles away in the Puna District.

Tour Guide will guide you to Kipuka Kahali’i. A kipuka is a hole or space where the lava surrounded forest or grassland but did not burn it. This one was partially devastated by the 1969 hot ash eruption of Mauna Ulu. The tallest trees survived and some hearty species of plants have returned.

For more information on visiting Hawaii in general and touring the Big Island in particular, go here and here.

Now The Big Island Comes Alive in the Palm of Your Hand

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Traditional Hawaiian chant written and performed by Frank Burgess.

Tour Guide, where adventure, solitude and independence are our business. For more information, visit www.tourguidehawaii.com and www.tourguidehawaii.blogspot.com.

Directions For Tour Guide Use; find beaches, snorkeling, hiking, Big Island Hawaii

www.tourguidehawaii.com presents GPS-guided tours of the Big Island of Hawaii, featuring beaches, snorkeling, hiking, volcanoes, jungles, whales, bird watching, mountain biking, dolphins, adventure, solitude and independence.

For more information, go to www.tourguidehawaii.com or http://tourguidehawaii.blogspot.com.

This Week’s Weather in Paradise!

Reprinted from here. Point Forecast: Kailua Kona HI 19.63N -155.95W (Elev. 1217 ft) Last Update: 7:37 pm HST Jun 14, 2008 Forecast Valid: 6am HST Jun 15, 2008-6pm HST Jun 21, 2008

Today Isolated Showers Hi 80°F Tonight Haze Lo 67°F Monday Isolated Showers Hi 81°F Monday Night Haze Lo 67°F Tuesday Isolated Showers Hi 82°F Tuesday Night Haze Lo 68°F Wednesday Isolated Showers Hi 82°F Wednesday Night Haze Lo 68°F Thursday Scattered Showers Hi 81°F Hazardous weather condition(s): High Surf Advisory Today: Isolated showers after noon. Widespread haze. Partly cloudy, with a high near 80. West wind around 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Tonight: Widespread haze. Mostly clear, with a low around 67. East wind around 7 mph. Monday: Isolated showers after noon. Widespread haze. Partly cloudy, with a high near 81. West wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Monday Night: Widespread haze. Mostly clear, with a low around 67. South wind around 6 mph. Tuesday: Isolated showers after noon. Widespread haze. Partly cloudy, with a high near 82. West wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Tuesday Night: Widespread haze. Mostly clear, with a low around 68. South wind around 6 mph. Wednesday: Isolated showers after noon. Widespread haze. Partly cloudy, with a high near 82. West wind around 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Wednesday Night: Widespread haze. Mostly clear, with a low around 68. East wind around 7 mph. Thursday: Scattered showers. Widespread haze. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 81. West wind around 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Thursday Night: Isolated showers. Widespread haze. Partly cloudy, with a low around 67. East wind around 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Friday: Scattered showers. Widespread haze. Partly cloudy, with a high near 82. West wind around 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Friday Night: Isolated showers. Widespread haze. Partly cloudy, with a low around 68. East wind around 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Saturday: Scattered showers. Widespread haze. Partly cloudy, with a high near 82. West wind around 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. For more information on visiting Hawaii in general and touring the Big Island in particular, please go here and here.