Lava Tube and Crater in Volcanoes National Park

Posted by Joan Wallner on Friday, November 22, 2013 Under: Travel

This blog post contains photos for two weeks - Thurston Lava Tube and Halema'uma'u Crater in Volcanoes National Park, Hawai'i.

Thurston Lava Tube
If you go early in the morning, you can experience the Thurston Lava Tube at Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park all to yourself.

The red glow at the entrance of the tube.
(Image # 5050)

Inside the Thurston Lava Tube at Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park looking out the entrance.

In this photo, we're trying to set up a camera on the railing to take a photo, which helps to see how large the lava tube is.
(Image #5054)

Inside the Thurston Lava Tube at Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park.

You can see tree roots hanging down from the ceiling of the lava tube.
(Image #5063)

The blue glow is the exit at Thurston Lava Tube at Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park.

If you want to tour the lava tube without tons of people, get there early!
(Image #5061)

Here is the entrance to another lava tube - Kaumana Caves - located just outside Hilo on the Island of Hawai'i. This one, you enter at your own risk and need to bring your own flashlight.

At the bottom are some people visible through tree roots.
(Image #4944)

Halema'uma'u Crater
If you have never been to Volcanoes National Park, you'll want to add it and Halema'uma'u Crater to your must-see list.

Halema'uma'u Crater is inside Kilauea Caldera. Basically, it's a crater within a crater! By day, Halema'uma'u Crater spews volcano steam and smoke into the air.

This photo was taken from Kilauea Iki Trailhead, almost 3 miles away.

Tomorrow, we'll get a little closer!
(Image #5564)

Halema'uma'u Crater from Jaggar Museum about a mile away. This is taken just before sunset so you can see the circular edge of the crater.
(Image #5664)

Here's a video of Halema'uma'u Crater just before the sun sets. Not earth shattering or anything (I wish though), but you can see the steam/smoke billowing out of the crater.

Most people who visit the park don't realize the real fun begins when it starts to get dark...