Kilauea Volcano is Hawaii’s Hottest Attraction Right Now
Imagine witnessing one of the greatest natural shows on
earth? On The Island of Hawaiʻi
(Big Island), you’ll have front row seats.
Hawaiʻi’s
most active volcano, Kilauea is living up to its name, (‘much spreading,
spewing’). It burst into life on 23rd December 2024 and has been erupting every
few weeks since (it’s latest – and 18th eruption on 22 April 2025).
Now is the perfect time to view this spectacular molten display in all its raw,
mind-blowing glory.
Located in Hawaiʻi
Volcanoes National Park, a Unesco World Heritage Site, lava fountains, some as
high as 700ft, have been spewing out from the vast Halema’uma’u crater inside
Kilauea’s summit and dribbling down its cone.
Volcanoes are unpredictable, yet wonderfully exciting and
frightening at the same time. They’re a dramatic reminder that our earth is
continually evolving.
For a glimpse of the spectacular, fiery show, visitors can
hike along the Crater Rim Trail, which encircles the summit of the Kilauea
caldera. At the vantage points hikers will hear the hissing and gurgling
emanating from deep within the earth and see fountains of lava burst into the
air. Check the NPS website for viewing and safety details when planning a visit
https://www.nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/eruption-viewing.htm
Hawaiʻi
Volcanoes National Park, open all year round, is also home to Mauna Loa, the
world’s largest volcano, which rises to 13,679ft. It was last active in 2022.
Stroll along the Kipukapuaulu Trail, part of over 150-miles of trails, which
takes hikers through a unique Hawaiian forest known as a kipuka.
Surrounded by grey charcoal lava flows, it is a hotspot of biological diversity
with the largest collection of native plant species in Hawai’i. Finally, at the
epic summit, hikers will be rewarded with an impressive view into the
Halema’uma’u Crater (eruptions permitting).
While Kileaua and Mauna Loa are Hawaiʻi’s only active ones, the Hawaiian islands were
formed by volcanoes. Though they are now dormant, they are still very much
worth visiting.
Oʻahu
island also packs a punch when it comes to volcanic adventures. Over 50
different trails on the island all offer spectacular, widescreen-moment views
of Honolulu's skyscrapers, iconic Waikīkī’s golden sands and the
glistening Pacific.
The island’s most famous landmark, Diamond Head is an
extinct volcanic crater, formed over 300,000 years ago. The hike to the
top is just 0.8 miles. After a series of stairs and passing through a volcanic
tunnel, hikers arrive at an old military bunker and stupendous views.
On the island’s south shore, Koko Crater, the smaller of two
adjacent volcanos, involves a steep climb up 1,000 steps. The route, up an old
railway track from WW2, is a serious test of endurance.
In contrast to bustling Oʻahu,
Kauaʻi , known
as the Garden Isle, is blanketed in greenery, from the top of the rugged
mountains to depths of the valley floor. It’s a hiker’s paradise.
Home to several ancient volcanoes, the island can thank the
Kohala volcano for creating the striking 16-mile Na Pali Coast. A heli tour is
a breathtaking way to see it. Carved by lava flows it features razor-edged
emerald-green cliffs, cascading waterfalls, glistening white sandy beaches and
stunning lush valleys.
Inaccessible by car, the intrepid can hit the wild 22-mile
Kalalau Trail where they can really immerse themselves in the island’s rugged
beauty. Alternatively the four mile Hanakapai’ai Falls Trail taking in part of
the Kalalau Trail, is just as satisfying.
Both traverse streams and pass through bamboo forests,
before arriving at a 300ft waterfall and a refreshing emerald swimming hole.
After experiencing the breathtaking landscapes of Kauaʻi, visitors can continue their
island adventure on Maui. The Haleakala (‘house of the sun’) volcano is
synonymous with the sunrise. As dawn breaks, hikers make their way to the
summit to witness the first hues of golden light rise out through the clouds
shrouding the massive crater of this dormant volcano. It’s simply breathtaking.
From active lava flows to rugged dormant slopes, viewing
Hawaii's volcanoes is a unique experience.
It’s impossible to say how active Kilauea Volcano will be
when you visit. Only Pele, the Hawaiian Goddess of Fire and Volcanoes
knows that.