Hawaii Volcanoes’ is Hawaii’s only National Park and is appropriately located outside of a small town called Volcano on the “big island”. There are a number of attractions to see here and some of the attractions change (the lava flows for example). The Crater Rim drive is only partially open due to every changing lava flows. Be sure to stop at the main visitor center, just past the main park entrance. Rangers can give you updates on where the closest lava flows are located and other important park information. Merely a few minutes drive from the visitor’s center you will find a plethora of steam vents – all located fairly close to the main road accessed by short hiking trails. Sometimes the lava hits the ocean or crosses pavement. Both scenarios produce a lot of steam.
Other highlights include the Kilauea Overlook where you will see gases coming out of the Halema’uma’u Crater, the very informative Jaggar Museum (same location), Thurston Lava Tube (well lighted walk through) and the Chain of Craters Road.
For information visit: www.nps.gov/havo/index.htm or http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov/kilauea
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