Day 5 Volcanoes

Other condo members advised against it. But we did it and it worked great. We drove over to Volcanoes Nat’l Park, spent the day, and drove back tonight. The roads aren’t the best, but we felt they were adequate. It’s two hours each way (90 miles), some over narrow mountain roads, some over a volcanic landscape home to the one of the greatest resort ownership debacles of all time. At one point you look up at 11,000 acres of volcanic flow and you see houses doted across the landscape. The promoters sold one acre lots, promised great infrastructure that never materialized. Interestingly, about 3,400 people live (it was supposed to be 22,000 with a luxury golf course) there.

The mountains and lava fields change to fertile plains dotted with fields of grass and trees. The Black Sand Beach was a wonderful stopping point as several giant sea turtles were resting in the sun.

black sand beach

turtles resting on black sand

Volcanoes National Park is located on the southeast part of Hawaii. Kilauea dominates the park but unlike our mountains, you drive to an elevation of 4,000 feet and look down into the smoking caldera. We took a short hike through an area with steam vents and another through a lava tube. We also drove down another dead end road to the sea where the lava flow closed the highway. At one point you could see in the distance steam rising from the ocean where Kilauea’s lava is flowing into the sea. Currently, red hot lava is not visible on land.

entry to lava tube, lush area

road ended at lava flow

We stayed till nightfall to view the fiery caldera of Kilauea. The sun set over the flanks of Mauna Loa behind us. (Again, not like our mountains. The slopes are even and extend for miles, steadily upward to 14,000 feet making Mauna Loa the largest mountain on earth in terms of mass.) As the sky darkened the fiery Kilauea Caldera was revealed. An eerie red glow rose from deep within the caldera.

Kilauea Caldera

A Park Ranger stood near us as the sky darkened. Again, I was reminded as to why I enjoy our National Parks so much. He told stories of native Hawaiians who still hike to the cliff to give homage to the Goddess Pele. He skillfully answered some dumb questions like, “Where is the mountain?” “Duh, you are standing on it.” He also adeptly described the geological activity, the environmental impact of the volcanoes emissions, and the life that still flourishes in the area. I think the National Park system represents the best of organizations. There is no hype, no advertisements, and little commercialism. The Rangers let the landscape speak the loudest. The process of Creation is evident and still on going. God is not done yet. We spent a good part of the day driving and walking on land that is younger than we are. Yes, we are now older than a rock.

Land, much younger than me.