Volcano National Park, Hawaii, USA
Airing Date: Nov 14th, 2005
The Big Island of Hawaii is home to the awe-inspiring Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, which is one of the best places in the world to view these incredible landforms. Blue Hawaiian Helicopters will fly you around the volcano and take you to the area where the lava pours straight into the ocean.
The flight lasts about an hour and offers great views directly into the Pu'u 'o' o vent. On top you can see the hornitos, through which you are able to see all the magma, or molten rock, which becomes lava when it reaches the surface. It's not unusual to see the lava travelling over three kilometres to reach the sea.
You can get on the ground for a very close look with Hawaii Forest and Trail on their Kilauea Volcano Adventure, a 12-hour guided tour into the very heart of the island.
The Kilauea Volcano is the world's most active volcano. It's 1200 metres high, and has erupted nearly every day for the past 20 years. Hawaii Forest and Trail will take you to the heart of the volcano where you can smell the sulphur and feel the immense heat radiating from the volcano. The heat is 10 times hotter than boiling water, and can get pretty hard to bear.
The main crater is known as the Hale Mau Mau crater. Eighty years ago, this crater was a lake of bubbling lava, and it could fill up again at any time. The Kilauea is a shield volcano, which means the lava oozes from the sides with most of the action occurring underground.
Because of this, the lava flow creates lava tubes, like Nahuka, the Thurston Lava Tube hidden in the forest. These are formed when the pouring rivers of lava eventually cool off on the surface but remain hot underneath, creating a river of lava.
When the eruption stops it leaves a 'lava tube'. Scattered around the island you'll come across various lava moulds or lava trees, which is where the lava has engulfed the tree and left behind a skeleton.
For accommodation you can stay at the Volcano House, the oldest hotel in Hawaii. The restaurant has won a couple of awards and its log fire has been burning non-stop for 125 years. However, the biggest attraction of this place is its location - right on the edge of the volcano!
Further information
Hawaii Forest & Trail Kilauea Volcano Adventure starts from $220 for adults & $168 for children, includes transport, guide, meals & gear.
Hawaii Forest & Trail
Website: www.hawaii-forest.com
Hawaiian Airlines fly to Honolulu from $1215 ex Sydney, $1411 ex Brisbane & $1413 ex Melbourne. Includes taxes. Blockout dates & conditions apply. Includes $170 spending money. Book by 31/3/06. Contact your local travel agent for details.
Standard room at Volcano House start from $126 & deluxe rooms from $299.
Volcano House
Website: www.volcanohousehotel.com
Prices correct 14/11/05
