Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Part 2 - Everything Else

01. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Part 2 - Everything Else

Last week I talked about the attractions within the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park around Crater Rim Drive. If you missed it, it is available here http://www.andhawaii.com/hawaii/hawaii-travel/i/080601.html

Today's article is about:

Hilina Pali

Lava Flow

Footprints Trail

Namakani Paio Campgrounds

Tree Molds

Various Rift Zones

Within the park, most of the attractions are around Crater Rim Drive, but access or viewing of the lava flow itself is actually a 45 minute drive from Crater Rim Drive down Chain of Craters Road. This road is just past Keanakako'i Crater on the right if you are coming from Halemaumau.

Both sides of Chain of Craters road are lined with old craters, rift zones, and lava flows. Most of them just look like big holes in the ground - but there are some areas more dedicated visitors might be interested in. Check at the visitor's center for your interest level, or take this virtual ground tour.

Hilina Pali will be of most interest to campers - there is a spectacular ocean view, but you'll see just as good from the "Pizza Hut" so don't bother making the trip to the right for just that.

Continuing on the road, you will eventually see the ocean, and the road will start to curve to the left. On your right will be the "Pizza Hut". This is actually a scenic point of some kind with a parking area and pavillion, that has a roof like the Pizza Hut restaurants. You can stop here for panoramic ocean views - as you are high above the ocean.

Continuing on, you'll pass the hairpin turn in the road. The pullouts at the far end sometimes offer glimpses of lava or steam plumes in the distance.

Past the turn, when you are almost at sea level, you'll see the petroglyphs turnoff. The hike is about a mile each way, and you'll be treated with some great petroglyphs.

Continuing on, you'll eventually come to the end of the road, where lava last covered the highway in 1995 or 1996.

Update** As of October 2002, lava is again flowing over the end of Chain of Craters Road! Check with the National Park for the most current conditions, they change often.

--------------

The rest of the attractions are actually outside of the National Park main entrance. You would need to get back on Hwy 11, and head towards Kona. A short way in on your right is Namakani Paio Campgrounds where you could pitch a tent or stay in one of the A-frames.

Also on your right will be Mauna Loa Road, the entrance to Bird Park and the tree molds. The tree molds are similar to the ones at Lava Tree State Park, just smaller. The holes in the ground are where living trees once stood while lava flows surrounded and killed them. The lava couldn't go in the whole, but the tree eventually decomposed and left the hole. Worth a look if you aren't going to the Lava Tree State Park.

Continuing on the highway, the Footprints and Kau Desert Trails will come up on your left. This 1.6 mile trail will lead you to ancient Hawaiian Warrior footprints preserved in ash from an eruption that may have killed them. Past the footprints are trails to Kau Desert and Mauna Iki - probably only for the visitor with plenty of time.

Well, that is it for the major attractions - there are plenty of other less popular attractions that take more time and energy, but focus on these for your first trip.

Internet Travel Deals Watch

03. Hawaiian Word of the Week

04. Hawaiian Article/Information Watch

05. Hawaiian Coffee History

06. Hawaiian Website Watch