A Trip to the Volcano

Approximately two hours from Waikoloa Resort area where we stay there is an active volcano, and it's definitely worth the drive over there to see what it's all about.

We began with a walk through the steam vent area, then proceeded over to walk around the crater rim.

The smell of sulphur was all around as we walked through the area.

From there we walked across to the crater rim, seeing a lot of dead vegetation everywhere.  

Steam coming from the centre of the crater

Kinda creepy

We took a long hike down to the floor of the crater, which together with all the dead trees/bushes and the fact that we only saw one other person - felt weird.

Sign advising the area was closed due to dangerous gases

We didn't spend too much time hanging around there

Ted found a piece of grass that he felt safer on!

 Then we headed back up to the crater rim off the volcano floor, headed for the Thurston lava tube.

Lava tube entrance

Inside the tube it was very moist, I wondered if we'd see some bats.

On the crater rim there is a historic site called Volcano House, which although was rebuilt after a fire is still quite rustic and is a great place to see the volcano at night once dusk falls.  Years ago Mark Twain stayed here. 

Here's a picture I took of Volcano House from across the crater rim. The large picture windows from the restaurant and sitting area are a great viewing point.  Unfortunately the weather became foggy and misty; we waited until dusk to see the red glow of the volcano at night but it wasn't visible. Next time!