Well-known Volcanoes in Hawaii – Hawaii Aloha Journey

Individuals journey from throughout to see the various well-known volcanoes in Hawaii. Adventurers hike throughout the craters, sightseers marvel on the magnificence, and curious souls examine the various scientific wonders. 

From the glowing lava of Kilauea to Kauai’s long-extinct cliffs, Hawaii is the place to go for anybody who needs to understand the magnitude of volcanoes. All of Hawaii was fashioned by volcanoes, and its well-known landscapes and world-class magnificence exist due to eruptions. 

So let’s journey by historical past and throughout the islands to find Hawaii volcanoes, well-known and obscure, previous and new. 

Hawaiian Volcanoes: A Temporary Historical past

To understand the well-known volcanoes in Hawaii, you first want to grasp that each one of Hawaii was fashioned by volcanoes. These eruptions started about 70 million years in the past, and thru the ages, the Hawaiian islands fashioned. Niihau is the oldest island, adopted by Kauai, and so they get youthful and youthful as you progress east. 

Hawaii Island is the “child” of the islands, in the event you’re measuring by age. It’s a younger one at simply half one million years previous (so younger, proper?!). However Hawaii Island can also be the biggest – and it’s regularly rising! Since there are nonetheless energetic volcanoes on the island, lava is increasing its landmass through the years. 

The islands fashioned lengthy earlier than people arrived to Hawaii. It was round 1000 AD that Polynesians settled right here. However volcanic eruptions continued, particularly on Maui and Hawaii Island. And volcanoes grew to become an integral a part of Hawaiian legends and tradition. 

The Most Well-known Volcanoes in Hawaii

If you wish to see a volcano in Hawaii, you’ll need to go to Hawaii Island (AKA the Huge Island or the Island of Hawaii). That is the place you’ll discover Hawaii Volcanoes Nationwide Park and two of the world’s most energetic volcanoes. And, in the event you time your journey proper, you’ll be able to see the energetic eruption of Kilauea. 

Preserve studying to study extra about Hawaii’s well-known volcanoes and how one can see them. 

Kilauea (Hawaii Island)

The youngest and most energetic volcano in Hawaii is Kilauea. That is the go-to vacation spot for anybody desirous to see a volcanic eruption, since lava usually oozes out of this geographical hotspot. 

In reality, Kilauea erupted nearly nonstop from 1983 to 2018. Throughout that point, Halema‘uma‘u crater grew to become a lava lake. Guests got here from world wide to see the lava glow, or to face over a steam vent, or to marvel on the sights on the volcano’s summit. 

Kilauea has continued to erupt on and off through the years. Even when it’s not erupting throughout your Hawaii trip, it’s nonetheless well worth the go to. There are huge volcanic landscapes that you could drive or stroll by. Highlights embrace elevated overlooks, mesmerizing lava caves, and an array of wildlife that decision the volcano dwelling. 

Mauna Loa (Hawaii Island)

Mauna Loa covers half of Hawaii Island and is the biggest energetic volcano on Earth. It erupted most just lately in 2022, and scientists are watching it carefully, prepared for an additional eruption quickly. 

Since current lava flows have come near highways and cities, a Mauna Loa eruption poses a risk to Hawaii Island. 

Mauna Loa has many mountain climbing trails, and a one-lane highway takes you thru among the volcano’s most iconic sights. The Mauna Loa Scenic Drive is 17 miles lengthy and is one in every of our favourite Hawaii highway journeys!

Mauna Kea (Hawaii Island)

The tallest level in Hawaii is the Mauna Kea Summit. Mauna Kea is a dormant volcano that final erupted 4,000 – 4,500 years in the past. This volcano is known for its stargazing. One of the best night time sky views are from the guests heart, however if you wish to get as excessive as potential, you’ll be able to ebook a guided tour all the best way to the summit. 

Although Mauna Kea is dormant, it’s removed from extinct. Scientists predict that Mauna Kea will erupt again, and estimate that it’s statistically due for an eruption each 1,000 years. 

Enjoyable Truth: For those who measure from the ocean flooring, Mauna Kea is the tallest mountain on Earth (33,500 ft). It’s greater than a mile taller than Everest!

Haleakala (Maui)

Let’s journey to Maui, the place you’ll discover the towering mountain of Haleakala. This well-known Hawaii volcano final erupted about 500 years in the past, and it’ll probably erupt once more. 

This isn’t the place you’ll go to see an energetic lava circulate, however it’s a common vacation spot for anybody visiting Maui. Haleakala Nationwide Park has unbelievable wildlife, mountain climbing trails, vistas, and stargazing. 

One of the well-known issues to do on this Hawaii volcano is watching the dawn. Make sure you make a reservation if you wish to entry the summit for dawn viewing, or come at sundown for fewer crowds (and no early wake-up alarm!). 

Different Hawaii Volcanoes

4 volcanoes have a tendency to draw probably the most consideration and guests in Hawaii: Kilauea, Mauna Loa, Mauna Kea, and Haleakala. However they’re removed from the one locations the place you’ll be able to study volcanic exercise on the islands. 

Listed below are a couple of extra volcanoes you need to find out about earlier than your subsequent Hawaii trip. 

Kamaʻehuakanaloa – Previously Loihi (Hawaii Island)

Off the southeast coast of Hawaii Island, there’s a younger, underwater volcano that would in the future create a model new island. Kamaʻehuakanaloa (previously often called Loihi) final erupted in 1996. Its summit reaches about 3,000 ft under sea degree, however inside the subsequent 200,000 years, it may attain the ocean’s floor, extending the Hawaiian island chain even additional. 

Hualalai (Hawaii Island)

You don’t hear as a lot about Hualalai, although it’s one in every of Hawaii’s most just lately energetic volcanoes. Hualalai final erupted in 1801, and it probably will erupt once more inside the subsequent 100 years. So, although Hualalai is a much less well-known Hawaii volcano, it nonetheless is a mighty drive. 

Why doesn’t Hualalai get as a lot consideration? Possibly it’s as a result of it appears to dwarf under its towering neighbors. Its elevation is 8,271 ft, whereas Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa attain over 13,000 ft excessive. 

Or, possibly it’s as a result of Hualalai is on personal property. You must ebook a guided mountain climbing tour to entry it. This might be expensive for some Hawaii vacationers, but it surely does make the go to appear particular. You’ll be one of many few strolling upon its slopes and wandering at its majesty. 

We suggest visiting Hualalai in the event you’re a frequent Hawaii customer who has visited (and liked!) the opposite well-known volcanoes in Hawaii. Mountaineering right here will probably be a brand new expertise in a brand new place. However, if it’s your first time visiting a Hawaii volcano, Kilauea or Mauna Loa could also be extra beginner-friendly. 

Extinct Hawaii Volcanoes

There are not any energetic or dormant volcanoes on Oahu or Kauai, however you’ll be able to definitely see the remnants of historic volcanic exercise.

Two acquainted names have their origins as volcanos: Waianae and Koolau. Sure, these two mountain ranges have been as soon as volcanoes. Tons of of 1000’s of years in the past, eruptions and erosions fashioned Oahu’s diverse panorama. 

Among the greatest locations to marvel at Oahu’s extinct volcanoes are its craters, like Diamond Head and Hanauma Bay. 

You can too see proof of historic volcanoes on Kauai. Almost 5 million years in the past, Wai’ale’ale erupted and fashioned the island of Kauai. Right now, you’ll be able to witness its putting magnificence and distinctive form by taking a crusing tour of the Napali coast or mountain climbing alongside Waimea Canyon.

Pele: The Well-known Volcano Goddess of Hawaii

For those who’ve ever studied Hawaii’s volcanoes, there’s one title you’ll be able to’t keep away from: Pele. The Hawaiian Volcano Deity is embodied by lava and sometimes seems in legends with a fiery mood. However she destroys and creates, simply as volcanoes have cleared the panorama of Hawaii and introduced forth new shapes and development. 

As historians and scientists examine volcanic exercise in Hawaii, they usually align the recognized eruptions with the oral tales of Pele. 

FAQ About Hawaii’s Volcanoes

Is it secure to go to a volcano?

The Nationwide Park Service takes nice steps to make sure security whereas visiting the well-known volcanoes in Hawaii. They’ll monitor seismic exercise and eruptions and make closures out of an abundance of warning. You might even see roads or mountain climbing trails closed throughout your Hawaii trip or discover guidelines that appear excessive. It is because volcanoes might be harmful locations, and never simply due to eruptions. 

Tough landscapes, slick or slender roads, various climate, and rugged paths could make volcanoes unsafe for guests. These widespread security dangers are a a lot greater risk than an eruption. So all the time use warning when driving or mountain climbing by Hawaii’s volcanoes, and all the time obey the foundations. 

Ought to I fear about volcano eruptions throughout my Hawaii trip?

No. Even in the event you’re vacationing close to one in every of Hawaii’s energetic volcanoes, an eruption isn’t a basic danger. 

What’s the most effective volcano to go to in Hawaii?

Kilauea is the preferred volcano to go to in Hawaii. The views of the Halema‘uma‘u crater, together with the incredible trails and driving routes, make it an unforgettable expertise that highlights the facility of volcanoes all through the state. 

What’s the most effective time of day to see a Volcano?

We suggest timing your go to so that you’re on the volcano throughout each daylight and darkish hours. It will permit you to see among the most distinguished sights, witness the sundown or dawn, and get in some stargazing, too. And, if Halema‘uma‘u crater is crammed with lava, you’ll be capable of see its glow at nighttime. 

Planning a Hawaii Volcano Trip

Do you need to go to the Huge Island of Hawaii and see a few of its well-known volcanoes? Hawaii Aloha Travel can help! Plan a complete trip round volcano viewing, or island hop to spend the day at Volcanoes Nationwide Park. 

Our staff of native Hawaii journey brokers might help with flights, lodging, Bg Island activities, and itineraries so that you could merely look ahead to your journey!