Volcanoes National Park, Big Island of Hawaii Photos

Sitting over the Pacific Ocean hotspot which created the chain of Hawaiian Islands, the volcano that formed the Big Island is active, though in a constant & low-keyed way which makes it possible for visitors to view it with minimal danger. Perhaps the best vista is from the air while the caldera glows red & lava flows into the sea, causing massive steam columns. The National Parks Service provides not only volcanic viewing opportunities, but also provides several driving & hiking trails around the encompassed ecosystems.

See also: Hawaii

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Mauna Loa volcano at Volcanoes National Park.	Volcanoes National Park seen from air.	Halemaumau Crater within Kilauea Caldera in Volcanoes National Park.	Halemaumau Crater in Volcanoes National Park.

Halemaumau Crater detail in Volcanoes National Park.	Flower offerings to Halemaumau Crater in Volcanoes National Park.	Kilauea Rift in Volcanoes National Park.	Steam escaping from Kilauea lava field in Volcanoes National Park.

Lava colors in Volcanoes National Park.	Sulfur vents in Volcanoes National Park.	Sulfur deposits in Volcanoes National Park.	Sulfur crystals in Volcanoes National Park.

Small plants on lava in Volcanoes National Park.	Chain of craters nature trail in Volcanoes National Park.	Wildflowers on lava in Volcanoes National Park.	Ferns along devastation trail in Volcanoes National Park.

Tree fern forest in Volcanoes National Park.	Tree fern forest in Volcanoes National Park.	Volcano Art Center (former park lodge) in Volcanoes National Park.	Aerial view of crater on chain of craters road in Volcanoes National Park.

Steam rises as lava flows into sea in Volcanoes National Park.	Buckled lava on sea in Volcanoes National Park.	Holei Sea Arch in Volcanoes National Park.	Kilauea folded lava in Volcanoes National Park.

Patterned lava in Volcanoes National Park.	Lava colors in Volcanoes National Park.	Reflective lava in Volcanoes National Park.	Pu'u Loa road cut by lava in Volcanoes National Park.

Trekkers traverse lava at road's end in Volcanoes National Park.	Hikers on lava in Volcanoes National Park.	Steam where hot lava meets sea from air in Volcanoes National Park.	Aerial view of hot lava meeting sea in Volcanoes National Park.

Smoke from a volcano seen from air over Volcanoes National Park.	Volcano from air over Volcanoes National Park.	Aerial view of smoking volcano over Volcanoes National Park.	Looking into mouth of live volcano from air in Volcanoes National Park.

Flowers along bird park trail in Volcanoes National Park.	Twisted pines along bird park trail in Volcanoes National Park.	Giant Koa tree along bird park trail in Volcanoes National Park.	Foliage along bird park trail in Volcanoes National Park.

Aerial view of lava flow meeting the sea.	Aerial view of waves meeting desert land.	Aerial view of Big Island of Hawaii seacoast.	Aerial view of crater on farmland on Big Island of Hawaii.