Hawaii Volcano Tour

A Hawaii volcano tour can be a most memorable experience,and is readily available (short of eruptions!) year round.While each island boasts some volcanic heritage, The BigIsland is where all the action is.

A Hawaii volcano tour of necessity begins in HawaiiVolcanoes National Park, established in 1916. This park,containing more than 218,000 acres, is open daily and offersguided tours and more. It encompasses both the world's mostmassive volcano, Mauna Kea, at 13,796 feet, and Kilauea, theworld's most active volcano. Mauna Kea, which in Hawaiianmeans literally "white mountain", gets this name from thefact that it is quite often snow-capped. It is also thoughtto be the world's tallest mountain when measured from it'sundersea base to the summit. Currently dormant, Mauna Keahas also become the home of an important astronomicalcenter, where astronomers from all over the world vie forspots atop the summit to view the heavens.

Kilauea, which has been in continual eruption since 1983,gives visitors on a Hawaii volcano tour stunning views ofmolten lava flows, steam vents, and vast lava fields. It issaid that this eruption has added more than 500 acres to theBig Island since it's eruption! One more fascinating tidbitabout Kilauea, is that perched atop the crater rimoverlooking the caldera is the Volcano House, Hawaii'soldest continually-operated hotel, dating from 1846.Probably not hard to keep warm at night!

On Maui, one volcano not to overlook is Haleakala, a dormantvolcano in the middle of the island, long renowned for it'sfantastic sunsets. It's also a great place to hike or camp,and especially ride a bike down! (Very Cool!) Good reason togo to Maui. (As if you needed one!)

When you plan your Hawaii volcano tour, be sure to plan sometime to take in some or all of these sights. You'll beforever changed!

Keith Thompson is the webmaster at http://www.Hawaii-Vacation-Directory.com, where you can find all sorts oflinks and resources to make your Hawaii volcano tour one you'llremember!