First of all, what is the true definition of a volcano? Many of us imagine a giant hole in the earth spewing hot molten lava and people running for cover, leaving cities covered in dust and hardened earth. Fortunately, some of the world’s most active volcanoes are not the case. Many volcanoes can actually be visited on hikes offering magical experiences to its’ visitors. A volcano is technically a mountain or hill with a large crater or hole that is a vent where lava, hot vapor, gas, and rock bits are currently or have been erupted from the very inner earth’s crust.
Hawaii itself was formed millions of years ago from extreme underwater volcanic activity that pushed the islands to the Pacific’s surface. If you’re traveling to Hawaii to see a volcano you’re going to have to make your way to the island of Hawaii and visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The Big Island also known as the island of Hawaii is home to the most active volcanoes in Hawaii. On Hawaii island you will find one of the world’s most active volcanoes, Kilauea. The Hawaiian Volcano National Park is a major tourist attraction to visitors from all over the world, this park stretches over a 377 mile vicinity. Kilauea is an attraction and a mystery to not only tourists but science and discovery, you’ll find endless documentaries and television close ups exploring the marvel of Kilauea.
There are officially three active volcanoes located in the state of Hawaii. The names of the volcanoes in Hawaii, some active some not, are Kilauaea, Maunaloa, Haleakala, Leahi, Punchbowl.
On the island of Hawaii is Kilauea and Maunaloa. The last eruption from Maunaloa was in 1983 and Kilauea continues to erupt since 1983. The third volcano is Loihi off the southern side of Hawaii island, except this volcano is located under sea water. Other than these active volcanoes, there’s a few dormant volcanic craters that are a sight to see and great to hike, such as Haleakala on Maui, Leahi also known as Diamond Head Crater, National Memorial of the Pacific at Punchbowl all located on Oahu. While visiting some of these volcanic craters or active volcanoes, it is said that the visitor feels a very intimate and spiritual connection to the land, what Hawaiians called “great mana”.
So, if it is on your agenda to see a volcano Hawaii is the place to be. Although if you do not make it to Oahu, Maui, or The Big Island be at peace with the fact that you’re standing on what was once just an aftermath of a major volcanic eruption of our mysterious and exciting planet earth.
spent 5 days in Haleakala in 1972 It was wide open didn’t need permission. 3 cabins at the bottom , spread out. had to reserve those. So we slept outside COLD fun time very spiritual specially on mushrooms !
Five! Hualalai is considered active, as well as Haleakala on Maui, according to the USGS. Hualalai last erupted in 1801, which in geologic time seems pretty recent.