Lava Flows, Lava Tubes, and the Volcano That Never Sleeps
Ancient History, One Lava Flow at a Time
Although the volcanoes that formed the Hawaiian islands date back over 70 million years, an ongoing process of geological formation, they are still alive and active. This is particularly true of the two volcanoes that form the centerpiece of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Mauna Loa and Kilauea. Between those two volcanoes alone, they have erupted over 60 times during the last century. And although Kilauea is only a third of the size of the towering shield volcano Mauna Loa, it is the one that has seized the attention of people around the world for the last 35 years, during which it has been erupting nearly constantly. Its relatively slow-moving lava flows have captivated visitors to the park, and although there is no active eruption currently, it’s still astonishing to get up close to the remnants of such recent volcanic activity.
Forever in Flux: Kilauea Transforms in Front of Our Eyes
After erupting on and off for over three decades, the months-long period of intense volcanic activity in 2018 was particularly noteworthy. The east rift zone, which cuts a line along one edge of Kilauea, tore apart from the effects of internal seismic activity and lava flows oozed out from the fractured volcanic cone. Pulled by gravity down from the summit and towards the ocean, lava flows created acres of new landmass, raw and smoldering. At the same time, the summit of Kilauea collapsed in grand fashion, consuming a lava lake which had once been a place to see magma gathering and churning. All of this underlines the fact that Kilauea is as active as volcanoes come, forever in flux.
Lava Tubes: A Rare Peek at Kilauea’s Power and Reach
Of the numerous geological landmarks within the park boundaries and just a few miles from Volcano Village Lodge, one of the most unique is the Nahaku-Thurston Lava Tube. Affected by the 2018 eruption, and then shut down due to Covid, it has recently reopened to visitors again. Beginning with a half-mile approach hike through lush rainforest, you then arrive at the underground formation, where you walk through the inside of a previous lava flow. Lava flows like the Thurston create a tube, with the top layer providing insulation for the still-flowing lava within, resulting in a hollowed-out cave like the Thurston Tube. The site is open 24 hours, so those who are particularly adventurous can go after-hours and avoid the crowds while getting a quiet and intimate look at how Kilauea has transformed the land around it.
Book your stay today and witness Kilauea up close!
JOIN OUR MAILING LIST
Send us your email and stay updated on our news, new experiences and specials at Volcano Village Estates.