Hawaii Volcanoes & Scenic Drive

The Hawaiian Islands are actually a series of volcanoes that emanated from ocean hotspots millions of years ago. The Island culture sometimes focuses on myths, legends, and superstition. One of favorites is that Pele, theGoddess of Fire, had a triangular lover’s quarrel with another woman, and Pele was thrust out to sea. Gradually, with her molten power, she formed the Islands. Nowhere are these stories more pervasive than on the Big Island. It has several volcanoes; Kilauea is still active. However, the lava flow is in a remote area and cannot be observed. Mauna Loa is snowcapped at this time and can be seen as far away a Maui. It is the world’s tallest mountain, 56,000 feet if measured from its base on the Ocean floor. That is 27,000 feet taller than Mt. Everest. It is considered “hot” and may blow within a year. Our photos show the Kilauea Crater, which is within walking distance of our cabin. One can observe steam towers coming from the ground. They are called vents with sulphur dioxide being expelled from deep in the earth.

Volcano House, an historic hotel, is located right on the crater’s edge. Over 100 years ago tourists came here in buggies and on horseback to witness the lava flowing. Mark Twain stayed at Volcano House in 1866 and wrote of what he experienced. During one rainy day we stopped to enjoy the artwork and sip our coffee while rocking in front of the grand old fireplace.

The nearest city to the camp is Hilo, where Moana Loa’s lava flowed within four miles of town in 1984. We toured that area on our own one day, shopped the farmers’ market, and did short hikes to Rainbow Falls, the Boiling Pots, and Akaka Falls. The scenic drive along the sea north of town was most enjoyable.