Park Guides
Hawaii’s Black Sand Beaches: How Volcanoes Make Them
Hawaii's black sand beaches form when lava hits the ocean and shatters into tiny grains. Learn how black sand is made, why…
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Park Guides
Pahoehoe vs A’a: Hawaii’s Two Kinds of Lava
Pahoehoe vs a'a: Hawaii's two kinds of lava. Learn why one is smooth and ropy and the other rough and jagged, how…
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Park Guides
Kilauea vs Mauna Loa: Hawaii’s Two Active Volcanoes
Kilauea vs Mauna Loa: how Hawaii's two active volcanoes differ. Kilauea is smaller and very active with a glowing summit; Mauna Loa…
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Park Guides
The Chain of Craters Road: A Drive From Summit to Sea
The Chain of Craters Road descends 3,700 feet from the volcano summit to the sea through vast lava fields, past the Puu…
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Volcano Tours
How to Get to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (From the Big Island and Oahu)
How to get to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: about 45 minutes from Hilo, 2 to 2.5 hours from Kona, or a same-day…
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Park Guides
The Ohia Lehua: The Sacred Tree of Hawaii’s Volcanoes
The ohia lehua is the first tree to grow on fresh lava and a sacred symbol in Hawaiian culture. Learn its role…
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Park Guides
What Is Vog? Hawaii’s Volcanic Haze Explained
What is vog? It is volcanic smog formed from Kilauea's gases reacting in sunlight. Learn how it affects a Hawaii Volcanoes National…
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Park Guides
Is It Safe to Visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park?
Is it safe to visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park? Yes, for visitors who follow the rules. The park is monitored and marked.…
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Park Guides
Can You See Lava at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park?
Can you see lava at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park? It depends on Kilauea's activity. Learn when the lava glow appears at Halemaumau,…
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Park Guides
How Much Time Do You Need at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park?
How much time do you need at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park? A few hours covers the summit highlights, a full day is…
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