Volcano Trekking in Hawaii

Hawaii islands still growing

Geologists confirm that the island of Hawaii is still growing. This is because Volcanoes Mauna Loa and Kilauea are two active volcanoes that keep on erupting. It is reported that between January 1983 and September 2002, lava flows added 543 acres which is equivalent to 220 hectares to the island. These two active volcanoes particularly Kilauea volcano has destroyed several towns such as Kapoho in 1960 and Kalapana and Kaimu in 1990 while in 1987 lava filled in Queen’s bath, a large L0shaped freshwater pool located in the Kalapana area. Trekking down these lava filled areas are a sure bet for an adventure.

Lava flow: A dynamic sight

With dynamic active volcanoes, lava flowing is an everyday occurrence in Hawaii islands. Trekkers can see steam plume as Kilauena red lava enters the oceans, at Waikupanaha three oceans entries and one at Ki lava ocean entry. Some lucky day can have trekkers see some surface lava. It is estimated that two ancient volcanic shields Ninole and Kulani were all buried by the younger Mauna Loa and now these lava “outcrops” are said to be part of the Mauna Loa build up. Lo ‘ihi is an erupting seamount that reaches 3,200 feet, an awesome sight below the ocean surface. Continued activity from this volcano will likely cause it to breach the surface of the ocean with estimated 10,000-100,000 years from now. 

Magnificent crater and cracks

The Great Crack as it is called is an 8-mile long, 60 feet wide and 60 feet deep fissure in the island, approximately in the district of Ka’u. It is the result of crustal dilation from magmatic intrusions into the southwest rift zone of Kilauea. It remained unchanged despite substantial earthquakes in 1868 and 1975. In 1823, lava welled out  of the lower  10 kilometer of the Great Crack These lava enters the Pacific at Hawaii Volcanoes national park in April of 2005, causing increase in the island’s land size. Trekkers can find trails, rocks walls and some archeological sites from as old as the 12^th century around this magnificent Great Crack. 

To give protection to its artifacts and to provide sanctuary for local wildlife, former President Bill Clinton Administration initiated the purchased of 7.90 km of private lands. These land areas are now in government administration providing safe and secured sites for trekkers and campers.

Hawaii is an archipelago of more than nineteen volcanic islands located over a geological “Hot spot”. Its magnificent geographical location makes Hawaii a top choice for island trekking and camping vacation packages. Out of its eight major islands, six of these are open to tourism and still hold the title of “The Island Paradise”.