Two of the world's most active volcanoes are in the park, Kīlauea and Mauna Loa
When going for a hike, you normally aren't thinking about the formation of the land that you are walking on, but that is exactly the case when you hike in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. The very land that you're walking on is being actively modified by the eruptions that take place in the active volcanoes that reside within the park's borders. Two of the world's most active volcanoes are in the park, Kīlauea and Mauna Loa.
he day that my wife Jill and I were hiking in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, The Halema'uma'u crater was not actively erupting, but there were many volcanic gases that were coming up from the crater. The Halema'uma'u crater is part of the Kīlauea Caldera. We viewed the crater from the Kīlauea Overlook, which gives a stunning view of the caldera.
If you view the National Park Service's website about eruption viewing within the park, you'll find that there are many warnings about how to stay safe while viewing a volcanic eruption. Some of their tips include the fact that volcanic gases can be hazardous and pose a risk to people, especially those with heart or respiratory issues, infants, children, and pregnant women. You can check the website for air quality alerts before your visit.
Other safety tips include how to handle Pele hair and volcanic ash. These can both be irritants to the eyes, skin, and respiratory system, and are abrasive. You should wear protective clothing like a brimmed hat, gloves, long sleeves, pants, eye protection, and a face mask if you are going to experience Pele hair and volcanic ash. You should keep a safe distance from cracks in the earth, cliff edges, vents, fumaroles, and lava flows.
You can check the website for air quality alerts before your visit
Did you know?
- Fumaroles are vents or openings near Earth's crust that emit steam and volcanic gases.
- The Halema'uma'u crater is highly sacred in Hawaiian culture. It is considered to be the home of Pele. Halema'uma'u translates to "house surrounded by ‘ama'u ferns."
- Kīlauea is about 280,000 to 600,000 years old. It is the youngest of the volcanoes that form the Big Island of Hawai’i.
- Kīlauea has been erupting episodically since December 23rd, 2024. The most recent eruption to the writing of this article included seven hours of lava fountaining on June 27th, 2026.
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