Every tourist destination has its attractions. However, because every tourist is different, these attractions have greater or lesser value. In this series Gary gives his reasons for traveling to a particular place. Hopefully some of his thoughts will entice you to consider adding this particular location to your itinerary. The entire series is being categorized under the heading, “Spotlights.” However, you may find more about these locations in the archives of this website, under headings such as, “Great Places,” “Things to Do in,” “Best of,” “Top 10” and “Places of a Lifetime.” In addition, “Walking Tours” of many of these destinations may be available for purchase on the website for the low price of $1.49 each.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is one of the only places on Earth where people can see an active volcano erupting. It is actually possible here to walk on cooled lava which is only hours old. The active volcano, Kilauea, has been erupting since 1993. The area is an important open-air laboratory for scientists who study these phenomena. Everyone should visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park for at least the following reasons:

1. Walk out on the lava field at the end of Chain of Craters Road to see molten lava flowing.

Molten Lava

I was fortunate to have someone take my picture here.

Gary with Molten Lava

2. The origin of the lava flow is Kilauea, the most active volcano on the planet.

Kilauea Crater

3. It is easy to see how these active lava flows have affected the national park when you explore some of the stops along the main park road.

Road Closed by Lava Flow