virtual field trip to hawaii volcano

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Virtual Field Trip: Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park

• Jessie Scott
• May 8, 2020

Hawai’i Volcanoes Virtual Tour

I have wanted to travel to Hawaii for as long as I can remember. I still haven’t made it all the way out to those beautiful islands, but this virtual tour of the Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is helping me explore the world from my couch! Join me on this tour led by Park Ranger Andrea Kaawaloa-Okita to learn more about the fire goddess, Pele-honua-mea, and the geological processes that are expanding Hawaiʻi ( National Park Service ).

Hawaii is an archipelago, or a group of islands, located over the Hawaiian hotspot, which is a magma source from deep under the crust beneath the Pacific Ocean ( National Park Service ). As the tectonic plate under the Pacific Ocean moves northwest, the hotspot under Hawai’i remains in one spot, continuously releasing magma and making new land, causing the Hawaiian archipelago to expand. Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park includes two active volcanoes, Kīlauea and Mauna Loa ( National Park Service ). On this tour you will get to see inside a lava tube, witness what happens when flowing lava meets the sea, fly over an active volcano, and see how life slowly transforms the new land formed from volcanic eruptions.

(Figure demonstrating the formation of the Hawaiian islands from the Hawaiian hotspot. Image Source: Robinson, USGS )

Step inside a lava tube on this virtual tour! Lava tubes form as molten lava flows from a volcanic eruption. As the lava flows, the slower moving lava on the surface of the flow hardens, forming a layer of solid rock, which insulates the molten lava below. This causes the molten lava under the rock to become superheated, and to start carving into the stone beneath it in a process called thermal erosion. As the eruption ends, the lava eventually flows out of the lava tube, leaving behind an open cave that you can walk through if you visit Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park! For more information and illustrations of this process, follow this link to the National Park Service website.

Kīlauea Crater

At the crater, you can take a flight over Kīlauea, listen to the deep rumblings that a volcano makes, and witness the 1959 eruption! Explore the damage that lava can cause and the new plant growth that colonizes and covers the fresh rock.

I hope you enjoyed virtually visiting this incredible National Park as much as I did! It is pretty neat to see so much lava from the safety of my couch.

More to Explore:

If you would like to learn more about Hawaii and see some beautiful pictures of sites that are outside of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, check out Atlas Obscura ! Here you can find beautiful images of and information about the Kalalau Trail, fascinating black and green sand beaches, as well as cultural and historic sites located on the Hawaiian islands!

SciShow Kids did an episode about volcanoes – this is a great resource for younger kids.

For more information about volcanoes and science activities to try, check out the free Educator’s Guide produced by SK Films!

Stay connected! Be sure to subscribe to Down to a Science— The Official Blog of the Connecticut Science Center and follow us on social media.

Jessie Scott is a STEM Educator who enjoys encouraging students’ enthusiasm for science. She teaches classes to students visiting the Science Center and brings STEM lessons to schools across Connecticut. Jessie completed her Master of Science degree in Microbiology at Dartmouth College and worked as a science educator at the Montshire Museum of Science before coming to the Connecticut Science Center. Her scientific interests are: biology – how living things have adapted different strategies to survive in their environments, insects, and plants. In her free time, Jessie likes to go rock climbing, hiking, and skiing.

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This Virtual Tour of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park Will Make You Feel Like You're on an Epic Island Hike

You deserve a virtual trip to Hawaii.

While you may not be able to hop on a plane to Hawaii right now you can still pay the islands a visit right from your couch.

The National Parks Service did us all a favor a few years ago by recording several truly stunning virtual experiences in spaces across the nation . The tours, each guided by an expert ranger, bring people inside and through some of America’s most treasured and unique places. And that includes this intimate tour of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park .

“Explore the land shaped by the world’s most active volcano,” the narrator begins, before introducing park ranger Andrea Kaawaloa-Okita, who grew up just down the street from the park.

“Compared to the rest of the planet, Hawaii is very young,” Kaawaloa-Okita says. “It’s constantly changing and still growing.”

Upon starting the virtual tour, guests are transported to the park’s entrance, where Kaawaloa-Okita explains its “vibrant ecosystem” that comes with many native plants, birds, insects, “many of which can’t be found anywhere else in the world.”

Then, virtual visitors can enter right into the volcano’s incredible lava tubes.

Kaawaloa-Okita explains inside, that “lava tubes are like the veins of a volcano, transporting lava from the heart of an eruption.”

She adds, “what does lava do when it runs out of land? It starts becoming it.”

Visitors can then use their mouse to explore the gorgeous cave structure, simply clicking around to see it all as if they were right there with Kaawaloa-Okita.

From the caves, visitors head out to the coastal cliffs, where Kaawaloa-Okita explains, “over 500 new acres of land has been added to the island in the last 30 years alone.” She adds, “With new land comes new life,” explaining birds have already begun to nest in the cliffs, laying their eggs and raising their young right there.

Finally, the tour heads to a spectacular area to view the park’s active volcano. But, we don’t want to give it all away, so you’ll have to just go take the tour for yourself and feel what it’s like to stand next to Mother Nature’s newest creations.

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Take a virtual tour of hawaii volcanoes national park with this video.

Hawaii Volcanoes, a time-lapse video newly released on Vimeo, takes you on a sea-to-summit journey to the volcanoes of Hawaii, where you'll witness some of the the most dynamic landscapes on Earth.

Shot mostly in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park , the video by noted national park photographer QT Luong features awe-inspiring nature scenes ranging from lava flowing to the ocean as clouds of steam rise from the meeting of fire and water to a sunrise from the top of 600-foot cliffs overlooking the immense Mokuaweoweo caldera on the top of Mauna Loa, the world's largest volcano.

Filmed using time-lapse photography and DSLR video in 2011 and 2013, the video's production required backpacking on difficult volcanic terrain, including overnight stays near an active lava flow and on the 13,700-foot Mauna Loa summit in sub-freezing temperatures.

(Note: If the video doesn't immediately appear, refresh your page.)

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i relly like the music express the type of place it is and the pictures are so intresting acurte i love it

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I loved it so much that I need to write a history report 

I love it so much

wow that was inredible

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But the National Park Service has teamed up with Virtual Field Trips to allow virtual travelers to discover this first-rate herbal marvel. Choose between an unguided exploration and discover.

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Virtual Field Trip to Hawaii

Aloha! Let's go on a virtual field trip to Hawaii! A virtual field trip to Hawaii is a journey full of stunning islands, adventure, and volcanoes! So whether you are looking for a fun Friday activity or standards-based, this incredible virtual field trip to Hawaii was designed to captivate and educate students. 

Virtual field trips have revolutionized the way educators can bring the world into their classrooms. Among the countless virtual destinations, Hawaii stands out as a captivating and educational journey for elementary school students. Through the immersive experience of a virtual field trip to Hawaii , teachers can unlock a multitude of benefits for their students. From cultural appreciation and geographical understanding to sparking curiosity and fostering engagement, this article explores the numerous advantages that such virtual expeditions offer to elementary school teachers.

Virtual Hawaii Field Trip

A virtual field trip Hawaii allows elementary school students to gain a deep appreciation for the diverse cultural heritage of the islands. Everything you need to travel to Hawaii is included in this resource. Interactive links are included and slides are bright in color. Students will love this virtual field trip to Hawaii. This Hawaii virtual field trip includes Youtube.com links so be sure you and students have access to Youtube.com. I use AdBlock to block unwanted ads while streaming Youtube.com in my classroom.

Here's what's included:

• PowerPoint and Digital Presentation
• Virtual Field Trip Links
• Virtual Field Trip Reflection

Presentation Includes:

• Google Earth View (link included)
• Hawaii's State Flower
• Hawaii's State Bird (link included)
• Hawaii's State Fish (link included)
• Hawaii's State Anthem (link included)
• Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (link included)
• History of the Tiki Torch
• Pineapples (link included)

and more! Click here !

Let's learn more about Hawaii's history! From the rich traditions of the native Hawaiian people to the contributions of various immigrant communities, such as Japanese, Filipino, and Chinese, students can explore the unique tapestry of Hawaiian society. Through virtual tours of historical landmarks, museums, and traditional arts and crafts, students can develop an understanding and respect for different cultures. By promoting cultural appreciation, virtual field trips to Hawaii foster global awareness, preparing students to become more open-minded and empathetic citizens of the world.

Hawaii Virtual Field Trip

Hawaii's stunning landscapes and unique geographical features make it an ideal destination for teaching geography and environmental awareness. Through virtual field trips, elementary school teachers can introduce students to the concept of volcanic activity, showcasing the mesmerizing power of Kilauea and Mauna Loa. They can also explore the diverse ecosystems found in the islands, from lush rainforests to vibrant coral reefs. By studying the delicate balance between land and sea, students gain a deeper understanding of environmental conservation and the importance of protecting fragile ecosystems. Virtual field trips to Hawaii offer an immersive platform for teaching geography and nurturing a sense of responsibility toward the planet.

The waters surrounding Hawaii are home to a diverse range of marine life, including vibrant coral reefs, sea turtles, dolphins, and whales. A virtual field trip can introduce students to the wonders of the ocean and raise awareness about the importance of marine conservation. Through virtual visits to marine protected areas, such as Hanauma Bay or Molokini Crater, students can learn about the fragile ecosystem, the impact of human activities, and measures taken to preserve these underwater habitats.

Virtual field trips Hawaii have a remarkable ability to ignite curiosity and enthusiasm for learning among elementary school students. By virtually exploring the islands' rich history, unique flora and fauna, and engaging cultural experiences, students become actively involved in their education. The interactive nature of virtual field trips allows students to ask questions, conduct research, and connect with experts, all of which fosters a sense of discovery. Whether it's virtually hiking through Hawaii Volcanoes National Park or participating in a traditional Hawaiian dance workshop, students are encouraged to explore their interests, paving the way for deeper engagement and a lifelong love of learning.

Virtual Field Trip Hawaii

Virtual field trips offer elementary school teachers the flexibility to integrate engaging experiences into their curriculum without the limitations of time, distance, or budget constraints. By leveraging technology, teachers can provide their students with a high-quality educational experience without leaving the classroom. Virtual field trips to Hawaii eliminate the need for expensive travel arrangements, reducing costs and making them accessible to schools with limited resources. Additionally, these virtual expeditions can be tailored to suit different grade levels and learning objectives, ensuring that every student can benefit from the experience. The flexibility and cost-effectiveness of virtual field trips to Hawaii empower elementary school teachers to enhance their curriculum and provide unique educational opportunities for their students.

Virtual field trips Hawaii offer elementary school teachers a wealth of benefits, ranging from cultural appreciation and geographical understanding to sparking curiosity and promoting flexible education. Through these virtual experiences, students develop a global mindset, deepen their knowledge of the world, and nurture a sense of wonder. By integrating virtual field trips into their curriculum, teachers can create engaging and immersive learning environments that expand horizons beyond the boundaries of the classroom. As technology continues to advance, the educational potential of virtual field trips will only grow, opening new doors of exploration and learning experiences for students.

As you can see, a virtual field trip to Hawaii is great to incorporate and offers great experiences for students. So, what are you waiting for? Let's go!

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Left image You are invited to find your park as the National Park Service continues into its second century.

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National parks offer extraordinary experiences, but it’s not always possible to get to a park in person. Fortunately we have ways to connect with national parks from a distance through digital opportunities and activities to do in your own home or neighborhood. There are enough activities to keep you occupied for days! Find some suggestions below to engage with parks remotely and check for additional opportunities on park and NPS program websites. NPS partners also have interesting ways to stay connected with national parks on their websites and social media, including live tours, kids activities, reading lists, digital suggestions, and more. Check out the National Park Foundation's suggestions for  Park Activities You Can Do from the Comfort of Your Home  or  Take a Virtual Visit to a National Park . 

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It’s not just pretty pictures (although we have plenty of those!). Join the conversation and connect with a national park anytime on social media. Share stories, photos, trip ideas, park experiences, and more with park staff and fellow park enthusiasts. Take a virtual tour, talk to a ranger, or participate in a live presentation. Use #FindYourVirtualPark or #FindYourPark / #EncuentraTuParque .

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Enrich your curriculum with an interactive virtual field trip to hawaii by paradise helicopters..

If you are looking for a truly unique experience for your students and faculty, join Paradise Helicopters on one of our amazing and enriching virtual education experiences.

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Thank you so much for your time and the amazing tour of Hawaiʻi that you gave our ETS Scholars yesterday. Can you also thank the rest of your staff and the pilots from us… Selma De Anda, Education Specialist Office of TRIO Programs, University of Nebraska–Lincoln

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Virtual Hawaii Island Adventure

Ala Kahakai, “trail by the sea”, is a geographically, historically, and culturally significant series of trails used by ancient Hawaiians to navigate the rugged terrain. Join us to traverse the entire coastline of Hawaiʻi Island by air. See dramatic waterfalls, breathtaking valleys, active volcanoes and craters, spectacular coastlines, and amazing green, black, and white sand beaches. We leave 15 minutes for questions, so that students can get answers from the two hosts, one of whom is a pilot.

Lava & Volcanoes Of Hawai’i

Witness the destruction and creation of land. This educational experience includes footage shot by award-winning videographers of the historic 2018 Kīlauea Volcano eruption as well as present-day footage of the volcano, live narration provided by our two hosts, including one pilot who’s flown over the active eruptions.

Our Educational Team

Aerial videography, mick & ann kalber, tropical visions video, inc. ****.

Mick & Ann Kalber have documented the eruptions of Kīlauea, the world’s most active volcano, for over 30 years. They have covered live sports and created highlights or background videos for events in the U.S. and around the world for ESPN, such as Hawai’i’s Ironman World Championship Triathlon and the NFL Pro Bowl. They also provide news media coverage for journalism giant, Reuters, including critical events such as Chinese President Jiang Zimen’s arrival to Honolulu.

Bruce Omori, Extreme Exposure

Bruce Omori is an international award-winning photographer and photojournalist who has been honored with the Windland Smith Rice Award twice so far in his career. His images have been featured in the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C. and the Natural History Museum in London. Bruce’s images have been published in just about every major newspaper and magazine across the globe. Bruce operates his photography business, Extreme Exposure, which has a fine art gallery located in downtown Hilo that is a must-see.

Volcanologist Consultant

Jack lockwood.

Jack Lockwood is a celebrated volcanologist and author of over 140 scientific articles and abstracts. Jack is a Registered Geologist (CPG-9806) with over twenty-five years of full-time work in geology and volcanology. His work has provided him with a wealth of personal experience and knowledge of most volcanic areas of the world. He has particular expertise in the assessment of geologic hazards and risks. Jack is relied upon by the U.S. government to provide accurate hazard information for long-range planning and reduction of geologic risk. For example, he has helped design lava flow diversion structures for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Narration & Media Contributor

Andrew richard hara.

Andrew Richard Hara is a professional photographer born and raised in Hilo, Hawaiʻi. During the recent massive eruption of Kīlauea on the Big Island, Andrew was onsite day in and day out documenting the destruction and beauty of this historical event. He received his formal training from the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California. Among Andrew's many clients are National Geographic Society, NASA, Department of Defense, Vanity Fair, BBC, Time Magazine, Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, W. M. Keck Observatory, and the Akaka Foundation for Tropical Forests.

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Vacation like ali'i.

The Kona region of the Island of Hawai'i was where Hawaiian royalty, or ali'i, vacationed. In the 1800s, Hulihe'e Palace in downtown Kona hosted many reigning monarchs. You can still visit it today in person, or view it from the air on one of our Kona tours.

Did You Know?

Hawaiʻi is the only U.S. state that grows cacao beans to produce chocolate.

The lush emerald-green rainforests of Hilo are nurtured by an average annual rainfall that is more than three times that of Seattle.

Aloha is more than a catchphrase; it is a way of conducting oneself that is encoded in the people-- and even the law-- of hawai'i..

In 1986, Hawai‘i lawmakers passed the “Aloha Spirit” law (Hawai‘i Revised Statutes, section 5-7.5) that outlines the expectations that people will be kind, work together, agreeable, humble, and patient.

Strawberry guava is actually an invasive species, thought to be introduced as a residential landscaping plant.

It bears small red strawberry guava fruits about 1.25" in diameter that are delicious and much sweeter than their larger, yellow regular guava cousins. Two of our tours land in a guava forest in Kohala which has many of these trees, Kona: Kohala Coast Waterfalls & Remote Hike and Waimea: Doors-Off Kohala Waterfalls & Hike.

Hawaii Virtual Field Trips

Please note, Year Round Homeschooling uses affiliate links. For more information see our disclosure policy .

While you may not be able to visit ‘The Aloha State’ with your kids in person, there are many ways to explore the islands together using these Hawaii Virtual Field Trips!

Do you or your kids know what ‘Aloha’ means? The Hawaiian word is used as a greeting, much like Texans use the word ‘Howdy’.

Another important Hawaiian word to know is ‘Mahalo’. This is the Hawaiian way to say thank you and express gratitude. 

The first virtual field trip I knew I wanted to find to share in Hawaii was the Pearl Harbor National Memorial . If I ever have the opportunity to visit Hawaii in person, this will be my first stop. 

Along the way, I was excited to find amazing waterfalls, hiking opportunities, historical museums and so much more! 

Thanks to today’s technology, we have the amazing ability to travel the world without leaving our homes. This is such a gift and I am thankful to have these opportunities. 

Are you ready to travel and see the Hawaiian islands? I hope you have as much fun as I did! 

25+ Hawaii Virtual Field Trips

Hawaii – The Big Island

Wailua Waterfall 

Waikiki Walking Tour

Lahaina Banyan Tree

Akaka Falls State Park

Lava Tree State Monument

Keahiakawelo/Garden of the Gods

Sharks Cove  

Halona Blowhole & Cave

Diamond Head Crater Hike

Air Maui Helicopter Tour

Nahuku Lava Tour

  History

Kalaupapa Leprosy Settlement

Pearl Harbor 

Kawaiahao Church  

Old Sugar Mill of Koloa

Russian Fort Elizabeth State Historical Park

Queen Emma Summer Palace

Iolani Palace

Bishop Museum Virtual Tour   

Byodo-In Temple

USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and Park

Hawaii State Art Museum

Hui No‘eau Visual Arts Center

Road to Hana/Hana Highway

  The Royal Hawaiian (Pink Palace of Hawaii) 

What is your favorite virtual field trip in Hawaii?

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Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park

Review Highlights

“ You will learn so much and have some cool adventures into lava fields, lava tubes, volcanos and rain forests. ” in 308 reviews

“ You've got to spend time at the crater and if you have time, hike down into the crater for a surreal experience. ” in 194 reviews

“ It's a long drive all the way to the sea arch so you prob want to use the facilities at the tube stop. ” in 39 reviews

Location & Hours

Suggest an edit

1 Crater Rim Dr

Volcano, HI 96718

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Is park open tomorrow ?do we need reservations in advance?

Open no Rez needed

Can anyone tell me which day , Sunday or Monday is preferable for visiting the park? I know everyone recommends getting there early but is one day less crowded than the other?

Monday would be less crowded.

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826 reviews

This is a must when visiting the Big Island. Our B&B had a book "HAWAII THE BIG ISLAND REVEALED The Ultimate Guidebook" and it described in detail how to go about this excursion. Upon reaching the Visitor Center, a volunteer gave us a pamphlet Nd he was very helpful recommending what not to miss for the duration we planned to spend. Thumbs up to how this park designed parking and restrooms around the craters and volcano sites making it easy for short walks for those who didn't plan to hike especially on a rainy, cold day. Definitely recommend reading about it first to tackle all interesting points.

It was great timing that we happened to be in Hilo when the volcano was erupting as it literally stopped the day after we visited. Wanting to get the full experience, we decided to go closer to evening so we can see it with the contrast once the sun went down. It was beautiful and although I didn't get a picture of it, we met a local that showed us one captured by her friend that looked like the image of Pele. Since we saw it from the parking lot overlook, it was in the distance, but it was still a spectacular sight especially once it got darker. Do note that it is not warm or hot up here and in fact gets quite windy so bundle up and don't show up in shorts and a t-shirt and bring snacks or food. Nothing beats seeing the lava flow from the water, but this is still memorable.

See all photos from Joyce Z. for Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park

Visiting Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park was one of the main reasons we decided to come to the Big Island on our trip (National Park #22!). This park is so incredible that it was 100% worth it. There is so many different things to do and see here that I would definitely plan your trip in advance to make sure you can hit all the different things you want to experience - there are some good hiking trails that I wish we could've included. If you're staying in Kona, you'll definitely need either a rental car or to book a tour to get to the park and it's a good 1.5 hour drive (as the quickest estimate). They have a wonderful visitor center here - lots of information about the park, a small but nice bookstore, and a beautiful little art center/shop. They also have a water bottle refill station and nice bathrooms, so definitely worth a stop when you enter the park. The Kilauea Overlook is a must-stop on any visit to the park. You will get an absolutely beautiful view of Kilauea. We came the day after a major storm, so it was still super overcast and cloudy, but still a beautiful view despite there being no lava activity while we were there. Try to stick to the trails and stay away from edges just to be safe. The nearby Steam Vents are also a fun stop to see this natural phenomenon. It was also cold while we were there, so it gave us a little warm-up while we experienced them! The Volcano House is also a fun stop - this historic hotel was initially built in 1846 and has a couple restaurants, a little coffee stand, a couple nice gift shops, a pressed penny machine, and beautiful outdoor views of Kilauea as well as nature walks. Nice stop for a rest, a drink, or a bite to eat. Next stop was the Chain of Craters Road - such a fun drive to see a bunch of craters throughout the park. We stopped at the Luamanu Crater and the Pauahi Crater. Luamanu is a quick stop to take a peek, but the Pauahi is definitely worth the little walk to see the landscape and take in the full magnificence of the crater. Our last stop was at the Thurston Lava Tube. Definitely wanted to stop here but wasn't quite sure what to expect - exceeded all my expectations. It's a short hike uphill to the tube and then a short hike back down once you've finished the walk inside - about 0.4 miles roundtrip. It's so beautiful and with the lighting, it really gives it an ethereal feel. Visiting it after dark is the way to go. Overall, Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park is truly magnificent and completely worth a visit when visiting Hawai'i.

Kilauea Overlook

Thurston Lava Tube

This is a world class park with tons to offer. It's always open so you can drive in at any time. If you do that before or after hours then you won't be charged an entry fee at the entry ranger station. The visitor center has ab exhibit hall and souvenir shop but parking fills up quickly. There's an art gallery and small trail to steam vents starting from that parking lot. The overlooks at Kiluea fill first so arrive early and get there before 10 am when the tour busses arrive. Then go across the top of the park to the lava tubes and get one of the few parking spots near that trail head. You can also use that spot to hike down into the crater. Skip the sea arch and spend more time hiking around the main crater.

See all photos from Michael B. for Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park

This was my wife and I first visit to Hawaii. We stayed 7 days on Kona. Anyway you have to see the Volcaneo National Park. Pictures really do not capture what you actually see, it is immense. Be prepared to spend at a minimum1/2 day and then you will not see maybe the other 60%. Will we return, probably not but it was a bucket list experience e.

No volcano eruptions or lava flows on our visit, but still an enjoyable time. And another National Park under my belt! We did see hula dancers, steam pits, rain forests and a lava tube to hike down to, and huff it through( quite a respiratory attack incident for me getting to and through that lava tube ). Fortunately I carried an inhaler with me. Hawaii also has the best tour buses to get you around in, in the entire South Pacific; by far.

See all photos from Ronald M. for Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park

The Park is fantastic!!! Even though my partner and i wasn't able to hike all of the trails (in one day), enjoying the beautiful nature on a good weather day was amazing enough. Not to mention, Kīlauea has been erupting!!! What an awesome experience to see. At the entrance of the park, you receive a map for all of the trails and legends of where things are located. There are some areas for bathrooms, picnic tables, a camping site, trails, etc. around the park. This is my first time flying to one of the sister islands (i know, finally yeah) and big island was a trip! We came to the park on September 23rd. Note: September 23 is a "national publics lands day" meaning that the national parks across the US have (or should have) free entrance! For one personal vehicle, you would pay $30 to park. Each lot before you start your journey has a trash bin and a porta-potty. Note: make sure you have PPE just in case! The inside is quite huge which could probably fit a stroller in there + TP & hand sanitizer inside the portable was included. We mainly hike Kīlauea iki to see the crater. It's not as hard as you think it might be. It was a great hike! The hike scenery changes as you shortly pass through a forest feel, through some sinkholes, a -- what i call a "black desert", and then through another forest, then rock bottom, literally. Will definitely come here again and hike the rest of the trails Preferably on a holiday because all holidays have free entrance to the park! Their website about the park is super informational too! High note: wear sunscreen even if it might be cloudy!

See all photos from Avi M. for Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park

HAWAI'I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK IS AMAZING DURING ERUPTIONS ========================================================== I was on the Big Island visiting my sister from June 13, 2023 to June 21, 2023 and I really wanted to go up to Kilauea at some point to see the lava flow. I didn't really want to drive by myself, but my sister wanted to go to Hilo to the Farmer's Market and lunch on Father's Day. We decided to take the southern route back to Kona and stopped by Hawai'i Volcanoes Park on the way back. We decided that if it was busy we wouldn't pay to enter the park, but it was not busy and the Park Ranger at the entrance told us there was plenty of parking which was great. She also told us we could see the flow from the Volcano House, so I was ecstatic. We parked right by the Visitor Center and walked over to the Volcano House to the rim and the view was great. Even during the day. I could have stayed there for hours, but my sister can only handle so much touristy stuff. Two days later the flow stopped. If one of the volcanoes in the park is erupting I would highly recommend visiting. It is pretty cool.

See all photos from Cydney M. for Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park

Cool unique national park with lots of options for things to do. We stayed for about 3 hours, and saw the sulfur steam vents, the lava tube, and did the 4 mile loop hike across the bottom of the crater. We found the whole park to be somewhat underwhelming, but it was still fun and interesting. The entrance fee was $30 and is good for a week. We also tried to come back after dark to stargaze, but it was too cloudy to see anything. The park is probably a lot more cool when there is lava flowing, but unfortunately there was none when we went.

See all photos from Grace X. for Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park

This National Park is magnificent and offers many things to see and do related to the volcanoes. The central sight is the the Hale Ma'uma'u crater of Kilauea, which has several viewing points around it, including the Kilauea Overlook and Uekahuna Overlook on the north side, reachable by car to the parking lot, or by a walk on the trail on the crater rim from the Volcano House Hotel. There is a visitor centre, the hotel with restaurants, and other places to stay at the old Kilauea Military Camp. There are steam vents and lava tubes to explore, the Kilauea Iki crater with a hike across it,other trails to the south, the Chain of Craters Road going to the Holei Sea Arch, and more. A thorough exploration would take a few days. We stayed two nights here on this trip. We explored the steam vents, walked around the crater to the Kilauea and Uekahuna Overlooks, explored the Chain of Craters Road and walked out to the petroglyphs and the sea arch.

See all photos from Wulfstan C. for Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park

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Video courtesy Hawaiʻi DLNR, edited by BIVN

by Big Island Video News on Apr 1, 2024 at 5:43 pm

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ISLAND OF HAWAIʻI - Students across Hawai‘i are being offered rare access to the Keauhou Bird Conservation Center near Volcano through a virtual field trip produced by the Hawaiʻi DLNR.

(BIVN) – Rare access to an endangered Hawaiian bird sanctuary on the Island of Hawaiʻi can now be enjoyed by everyone, online. 

Through the Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources website , a virtual field trip can now be taken to the Keauhou Bird Conservation Center near Volcano – home to bird species struggling for survival, like the ʻAlalā and the Palila. 

The production of the virtual field trip was featured in a Monday news release from the the Hawaiʻi DLNR:

Students across Hawai‘i are being offered rare access to learn about endangered Hawaiian forest birds. The Keauhou Bird Conservation Center (KBCC), near Volcano, on Hawai‘i Island is one of two centers operated through a partnership between San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife, for the care and perpetuation of numerous critically endangered Hawaiian forest birds.

During this ‘Year of the Forest Birds’ (ka Makahiki o Nā Manu Nahele), the focus is on five species that are really in trouble. One way to spread information and to educate keiki is through the production of what is known as a virtual field trip: a collection of 360˚ images, videos, and interviews that allow students to learn about places and species they might not get to see in person.

image from the virtual tour on the Hawaiʻi DLNR website

Dr. Josh Atwood, DOFAW Information and Education Specialist, is the guy producing the latest field trip, as well as several others over the past four years. “We really started this program during COVID, thinking people were unable to get out of their classrooms and to see different places around Hawai‘i,” Atwood said. He explained that after the pandemic virtual field trips remained a good educational tool because not everyone can visit ecologically sensitive places like KBCC in person. Other entries in the virtual field trip program include visits to closed areas like the laboratory for the Snail Extinction Prevention Program or the site of Kamehameha III’s summer palace at Kaniakapūpū, where in-person classroom visits would not be possible. “With a virtual field trip, a class anywhere in Hawai‘i can experience the center and develop an appreciation for the state’s forest birds.” In late February, armed with a collection of cameras and technology, Atwood worked with the ‘host’ of the KBCC virtual field trip, wildlife care supervisor Lisa Mason. First standing outside the facility, Atwood records Mason as she delivers her introduction. “On your field trip today, you’ll get to see our facility and some of the birds who call this center their home. ʻAlalā, Palila, ʻAkikiki, ʻAkekeʻe, and Kiwikiu,” she says into the camera.

“By putting a tour into a virtual format, it not only makes it available to a broader number of classrooms, but students can explore it at their own pace. It’s a great way to have something that would be good in-person and enhance it by having it as a virtual field trip experience,” Atwood added. Once inside the center, taping continues, first in the center’s “keiki corner” surrounded by a floor-to-ceiling mural of forest birds, gifted by local artist Kathleen Kam. “Here on this mural, you can see many of the birds that live across our islands, represented in their native habitats,” Mason explains. She and the cameras then moved into the library which features the second part of the mural. It’s dedicated to the native Hawaiian crow (ʻAlalā), which viewers will see in real life, once the shades are raised. In addition to ecological education, the virtual field trip also addresses the importance of forest birds and culture. Mason said, “To Kānaka Maoli, our native Hawaiian birds are very important to us. They have many roles in the forest as forest engineers. They help to pollinate plants and to spread seeds to regenerate forests.” According to Atwood, acceptance and utilization of previously produced virtual field trips has been good, and his team is currently working with the Department of Education to align the virtual field trips with curriculum standards. “We’ve only had our virtual field trips online for a few years and we have something like 70,000 page views. We’ve heard from teachers and students how useful the virtual field trips are. There are clearly places where entire groups of people cannot travel, so this educational tool allows us to provide the next best thing.”

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