Evening Volcano Explorer

OVERVIEW

View the effects of the 2018 eruption of the Kilauea volcano and hear commentary that describes the volcanic history of the Big Island. The volcano erupted in two places, resulting in earthquakes, fissures and a continuous lava flow toward the ocean for three months. It was a catastrophic event. As you travel the southeastern portion of the island, you will see where the rivers of lava destroyed the entire village of Kalapana and buried Kaimu Beach under hot molten rock. Nearby, you will find the Star of the Sea Painted Church, which had to be moved twice to avoid previous lava flows. You will discover more about volcanoes at the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii’s only UNESCO World Heritage site. You can look down into the Kilauea Iki Crater and view still-active steam vents before stopping at the Volcano House, a historical hotel that overlooks the Kilauea caldera. Dinner follows at the aptly named Lava Rock Café.

HIGHLIGHTS
• View areas of Hawaii that were devastated by the 2018 eruption of the Kilauea volcano.
• See a village that the lava destroyed and a beach that the lava completely covered.
• Browse exhibits at the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park for greater insight into volcanoes.
• Gaze out over the Kilauea caldera, which collapsed in the 2018 eruption.
• Dine at the Lava Rock Café on the outskirts of the national park.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Closed-toe shoes are mandatory.