(an eruption of Kilauea
(a fiery explosion of Mauna Loa)Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Within this park are the volcanoes Kilauea and Mauna Loa, two of the most active volcanoes on earth. The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is so amazing that it was made a World Heritage Site and an International Biosphere Reserve. It is located on the island Hawaii in the Pacific ocean (sorry, driving directions are only good from the airport).
(map of Hawaii, the blue flag is the entrance to the park)
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The islands of Hawaii were formed almost entirely from volcanoes and solidified lava, and some of those volcanoes are still active today. The coast of the islands are always changing as new lava continues to flow. As the molten lava runs off the land into the water it hardens into rock. The volcanoes have recently added over 500 acres of new land to the island! In many cases, new build up is eventually washed away by the tides.
(a video showing lava flow entering the ocean)
Visitors to the park are able to journey very close to certain lava flows and areas of activity that aren't too dangerous. In the past there have been explosions and lava flows that have destroyed towns. One town in particular, Kalapana, was almost completely buried by lava.
(Kalapana, a town almost completely destroyed by lava)
(more destruction in Kalapana)Other attractions in the park include the Thurston Lava Tube and a museum. Oddly enough, the park is also a good destination for hiking and camping.
Weather in the park, like the rest of the island, is very unpredictable. The climate differs depending on where you are in the park. On the summits of the volcanoes it can be about 15 degrees cooler than at sea level. Also, near where the lava is running off into the water it can be very hot, dry, and windy (though there are frequent passing showers).
