Hawaii Island] About the Five Volcanoes of the Big Island of Hawaii Highlights of each volcano and recommended tours to enjoy observing the volcanoes

Known as the Big Island.
Hawaii (island)

Hawaii Island's nickname is "The Big Island," which is also used as the name of a luxury meat brand and a candy store on Hawaii Island.

The Big Island of Hawaii is the largest of the Hawaiian Islands and is blessed with great natural beauty.

There are frequent scheduled flights from Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (Honolulu International Airport), so visitors to Oahu who come to Hawaii for sightseeing can

More and more people are visiting the island for sightseeing.

The main purpose of tourism is to visit what are known as power spots, with volcanoes and sacred valleys listed as World Heritage sites being the most popular.

We will introduce you to the Big Island of Hawaii, both in terms of the scale of its beautiful nature and its big island.

 

What is the Big Island of Hawaii like?

The climate is temperate and, like the other Hawaiian Islands, the seasons are divided into dry and rainy seasons.

However, snowfall can be observed at higher elevations on Hawaii Island, and rainfall is heavy in some areas, so compared to the other Hawaiian Islands, there are a variety of

It can be said that the island has a climate.

The island has also experienced many natural disasters in the past, so it is a place where many scholars have studied tsunami research and volcanoes.

The high elevation of Mt. Kilauea provides ideal conditions for construction and observation, which has led to the construction of observatories around the world.

It is one of the few islands where tourists can visit a place that is treated as a research subject by the world.

 

How to get to Hawaii Island

Since many people visit Oahu from Japan, we will start with how to get to Hawaii Island from Oahu.

From Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (Honolulu International Airport), there are scheduled flights to Hilo International Airport and Kona International Airport.

There is a regular service every 30 minutes to an hour, which is very convenient.

The flight time is only one hour.

Next, we will show you how to visit the Big Island of Hawaii directly from Japan.

Direct flights are available from Narita and Haneda Airports to Kona International Airport on the Big Island of Hawaii.

This direct flight is convenient for those who want to enjoy Hawaii Island at a leisurely pace.

Once you arrive on the Big Island of Hawaii, you may want to rent a car or take a cab.

Public buses are available, but are infrequent and not very convenient.

Hotel and tour pick-up and drop-off services are available, so inquire when making your reservation.

 

Attractions of the Big Island of Hawaii

In recent years, books such as photo books and TV specials on spectacular scenery have become popular.

The Big Island of Hawaii is an island where such spectacular scenery can be seen everywhere.

Active volcanoes and dynamic canyons, which are cherished as sacred places by the locals, offer spectacular views like you have never seen before.

If you actually see the spectacular scenery on the Big Island of Hawaii, you will be moved hundreds of times more than you can see in photo books or on TV.

The charm of the spectacular and spectacular scenery can only be felt by those who visit.

In addition to spectacular scenery, there are also tourist destinations that offer visitors a taste of Hawaii's history and culture.

The Hawaiian Islands are the perfect place for a trip to discover the origins of Hawaii.

 

Spectacular, untouched wilderness

The pristine wilderness of the Big Island of Hawaii has long been considered sacred by the locals, and many legends have been handed down.

You will find the air and atmosphere different from other places in the landscape, where mystical legends have been preserved.

We are protecting the great outdoors as it is, so one day you may not be able to see it anymore.

Before that day comes, we recommend that you visit Hawaii Island to view its natural beauty.

 

A powerful volcano

The island of Hawaii was formed by a number of volcanoes.

Kilauea Volcano, which has been erupting regularly since 1950, is an active volcano and is located right above a hot spot.

There are tours all over the world that take visitors to dormant volcanoes, but there are not many places in the world where you can go sightseeing to active volcanoes.

There are also traces of lava flows and black sand beaches created by the eruption, allowing visitors to observe the traces of the volcano outside of the mountain.

Gazing at the dynamic volcanoes, you will feel that the earth is alive.

On the Big Island of Hawaii, volcano sightseeing is a power spot that should not be missed.

 

Beautiful Beaches

After enjoying the great outdoors, many people may also want to enjoy the ocean, which is typical of beach resorts.

The Big Island of Hawaii also has beaches with white sand and clear emerald green waters.

Some beaches are good for snorkeling, and there is a high probability of seeing sea turtles, so we will introduce a few.

Kahaluu Beach is a beautiful beach where snorkeling can be enjoyed.

Sea turtles frequent this beach, and tropical fish and other fish are abundant.

Because of the rocky terrain, it is recommended to wear marine shoes for safety and enjoyment.

Another beach facing relatively calm, clear emerald green waters is Kauna'oa Beach.

The beach, where SUP and snorkeling can be enjoyed, is crescent-shaped when photographed from above.

The sea is crystal clear, so even small children can enjoy this beach.

Other beaches include the famous Hapuna Beach and Magic Sand Beach.

 

Shopping and dining are also recommended.

The island of Hawaii has many shopping destinations, ranging from large shopping centers to souvenir stores in tourist areas.

Souvenir stores at tourist attractions have many original products, which can only be purchased in certain places, so some people visit tourist attractions for these products.

There is also a supermarket frequented by locals, so you can easily buy lunch and drinks when touring the Big Island of Hawaii in a rental car.

There is no outlet mall, but there are discount stores.

Many restaurants on the Big Island also use local ingredients in their Hawaiian gourmet offerings.

Some restaurants clearly state on their websites that they use local ingredients whenever possible.

A growing number of restaurants are also catering to gluten-free and vegan menus.

There are also sushi restaurants that locals love to eat in Hawaii.

 

Let's learn about culture and history.

The island of Hawaii is closely associated with the beginnings of Hawaiian culture and history.

There are tourist attractions where you can learn about history and programs to experience culture, so when you visit the Big Island of Hawaii, you should also visit places related to history and culture.

In addition, there are certain manners that should be observed when visiting sacred places, so let me introduce a few.

In the temple, there are many manners: do not touch anything around you, do not sit on stones or rocks, do not enter the cupped area as it is a no-entry sign, refrain from loud private conversations, put your smart phone on silent mode, do not take pictures unnecessarily, and thank the place when you walk away.

Many Hawaiians value old traditions, so be sure to observe good sightseeing etiquette.

 

Hawaii Island offers volcano observation

Volcano sightseeing is popular on the Big Island of Hawaii, home to five volcanoes.

There are dormant and active volcanoes, both of which offer spectacular views.

Many of the volcanoes on the Big Island of Hawaii are relatively gentle because the lava is silty, and the summits are easily accessible.

If you visit Hawaii Island as a tourist, it is interesting to tour the volcanoes and observe the differences between dormant and active volcanoes.

Enjoy the spectacular scenery and the history related to volcanoes.

 

Volcano Attraction

Many visitors to volcano tourism are probably moved by the mysteries of the dynamic earth.

It is a wonderful sensibility to be thrilled by a view one has never seen before.

When we delve into the fascination of volcanoes, they make us imagine the birth of the earth.

In the first place, the island of Hawaii was created by undersea volcanoes that caused the volcanoes to rise.

And the island is still growing, and it is said that in 10,000 years a new volcano will emerge from the sea.

The sight of volcanoes attracts more people because they can feel the life force of the earth.

 

Feel the mystical power!

Kilauea Volcano is said to be home to Pele, the goddess of volcanoes.

A goddess of Polynesian mythology, she is beautiful and passionate, but is also said to burn people with jealousy and anger.

She is especially deeply revered in Hawaii, and it is well known that it is forbidden to eat her favorite food, the wild strawberry ohelo.

Today, research is progressing to understand how volcanoes work, but for people in the past, volcanoes were thought to be the wrath of God.

The volcano, which is so full of energy that one might think it is the power of God, is and always has been mysterious.

 

Sunrise Sunset
Star gazing is also recommended.

Sunrise, sunset, and stargazing tours are popular from the volcano's location.

Both sunsets and sunrises are beautiful in volcanoes where the weather is stable and the air is clean.

Mauna Loa Volcano is also a certified stargazing destination, as observatories from around the world have been built on the volcano.

Be sure to view the sunrise, sunset, and stargazing from the volcano, which makes the spectacular view even more special.

 

Enjoy trekking in a powerful landscape.

More and more people are taking up outdoor hobbies, and mountaineering and trekking are becoming the purpose of their trips.

Basically, mountain climbing is about reaching the top of a mountain, while trekking is an outdoor activity aimed at enjoying the scenery.

The volcanoes on the Big Island of Hawaii offer a number of trekking trails, allowing visitors to walk on the lava and observe the native vegetation in the surrounding area.

You will be able to feel the breath of the earth while trekking, as you can watch water vapor blow up from the cracks in the ground caused by the volcano.

The trekking course may also have a difficulty level written on it.

Please be sure to choose a trekking course that is appropriate for your fitness level.

Normal shoes are fine for the less difficult courses, but the more difficult courses can be dangerous without equipment such as hiking shoes and poles.

Some tours offer rental hiking shoes and warm clothing, so those who are unsure about their equipment should take a tour.

 

Five volcanoes on the Big Island of Hawaii

There are five volcanoes on the Big Island of Hawaii, including dormant and active volcanoes.

Still active are the Kilauea and Mauna Loa volcanoes.

Hualalai and Mauna Kea volcanoes are also active volcanoes, but many sources classify them as dormant volcanoes because they have not erupted for a long time.

Kohala volcano ended its activity 30,000 years ago, so it is clearly marked as a dormant or extinct volcano.

The five volcanoes have been spewing magma fed by hot spots for at least 80 million years.

Since the island of Hawaii was formed from these five volcanoes, we will introduce a few characteristics of each volcano.

 

Kilauea Volcano

Kilauea Volcano is so famous that it is still active today.

The volcano is a popular tourist destination, and helicopter rides and trekking tours are popular.

Hawaiian-style eruptions with gently flowing lava flows are characterized by very few explosive eruptions, making sightseeing possible even during eruptions.

At an elevation of 1,248 meters, lava flows from Kilauea volcano expanded Hawaii's land mass and the island grew.

The new underwater volcano, Loehi Volcano, is still active, and the island of Hawaii is expected to continue to grow significantly.

 

thing to note

The vast Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, which includes Kilauea Volcano, is protected as a World Heritage Site.

Many trekking trails are available, but some trails are closed due to the 2018 eruption, so check the website before visiting.

The Kilauea Visitor Center has up-to-date information on the volcano and a map of the park, so you should first learn about Kilauea Volcano here before trekking.

There are restrooms and a souvenir store here for easy access.

There are also a variety of tours available, including a trekking experience in the crater and lava fields, and helicopter and boat tours to observe the volcano, which are also popular.

 

Access

From Hilo International Airport, it is one hour by rental car or cab.

From Kona International Airport, it takes 3 hours by rental car or cab.

 

Mauna Loa Volcano

Mauna Loa Volcano is the heaviest volcano in the world in terms of mountain weight (volume) at 4205 meters above sea level.

It is said that Hawaii Island is sinking a little bit because over 80% of its total land area is occupied by Mauna Loa volcano, which weighs 50 times as much as Japan's Mt.

Mauna Loa volcano has a military facility and various observatories where carbon dioxide levels and solar observations are made.

Mauna Loa volcano is also a Hawaiian-style eruption, so there are not many explosive eruptions, but the 1984 eruption of Kilauea volcano took three years to eject

It is a volcano that once discharged its magma volume in only three weeks.

Although they are seldom active these days, vigilance is said to be necessary.

Although it is a volcano, one aspect of the rain that falls at higher elevations is that most of it turns to snow.

It is best to dress warmly for the summit of Mauna Loa volcano.

 

thing to note

From Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, there are trekking trails that allow visitors to enjoy parts of Mauna Loa volcano.

When there is no eruption warning, it is also possible to climb the mountain, and there are three climbing trails.

There are southeast, east, and northeast courses, and the northeast course is the one that can be climbed on a day trip.

We will drive to the Mauna Loa weather station and climb about 9 km to the top.

In winter, it is not possible to climb the mountain due to the possibility of snow accumulation.

Bring winter gear and water and food, as the altitude is high even outside of the winter season.

Because of the high altitude and the risk of altitude sickness, portable oxygen is recommended.

 

Access

From Hilo International Airport, it takes 1 hour and 30 minutes by rental car or cab.

From Kona International Airport, it is 3 hours by rental car or cab.

 

Hualalai Volcano

Volcanic gases and smoke from Kilauea Volcano are carried by the wind, and Mount Hualalai is enveloped in a haze known as vog.

Vog is a coined word from Volcano and smog, meaning air pollution.

Hualalai is a Hawaiian word meaning "shy" or "middle child," and Kona coffee is grown at an altitude of 400 meters.

It last erupted in 1801 and is an active volcano like Kilauea and Mauna Loa.

 

thing to note

Hualalai Volcano is privately owned from the middle to the top of the mountain.

There are no trekking trails and no individual climbing to the summit is allowed, but some tours are available to observe the pit craters.

Hiking tours to the mid-slope are also popular, allowing visitors to see the lush rainforest and idyllic coffee plantations.

You will probably enjoy it more if you take a tour than if you visit on your own.

The area around Hualalai Volcano is a resort area, so you can also enjoy Hualalai Resort.

 

Access

From Hilo International Airport, it takes 1 hour and 35 minutes.

From Kona International Airport, the trip takes 15 minutes.

 

Mauna Kea

Mauna Kea, the highest peak in Hawaii, is 4205 meters above sea level.

Measured from the sea floor, it is more than 10,000 meters high, making it the highest mountain in the world.

Because of the clean air and stable weather, observatories around the world have been built here.

Many tourists visit this mountain because they can drive to the top.

Sunrise and stargazing are popular, and many tours are available, making it a popular tourist destination.

The starry sky is so beautiful that it has been likened to "the closest place in the universe.

According to discussions with the Hawaiian natives, no more than 13 observatories can be built, and when new observatories are built, the existing ones must be torn down and built.

The Subaru Telescope, installed by Japan's National Astronomical Observatory of Japan, is also located here.

 

thing to note

Mauna Kea attracts many tourists because of its high elevation and spectacular views.

The Onizuka Visitor Center is located around 2,800 meters above sea level and has restrooms and a souvenir store.

To avoid altitude sickness, most people take at least an hour's rest here to acclimate their bodies before heading to the summit.

In addition, silversword, a rare alpine plant, grows wild around the Onizuka Visitor Center.

Acclimate your body by walking around the area, looking at the exhibition panels, and relaxing in the rest area.

Those who are worried about altitude sickness even after acclimating their bodies need not worry, as beautiful stargazing can be enjoyed from this location as well.

While you can enjoy sightseeing of the volcano on your own by renting a car, those who are not confident in their driving skills or are worried about altitude sickness should take a tour.

The tours will provide you with rental of warm clothing and schedule management to avoid altitude sickness.

Sunrise from stargazing is a view too beautiful for words.

The sunrise from the sea of clouds below the mountain will be an unforgettable view.

 

Access

From Hilo International Airport, it is 50 minutes by rental car or cab.

From Kona International Airport, it takes one hour.

 

Kohala Volcano

Kohala Volcano is a 1670-meter-high mountain at the northwestern tip of the Big Island of Hawaii.

It is a dormant volcano that ceased activity about 30,000 years ago and is also known as an extinct volcano.

The oldest of the five volcanoes, it has been eroded by rain and wind and has deep valleys.

Waipio Valley, a popular sacred power spot, is located at the northern base of the island and is one of the beneficiaries of the Kohala Volcano.

Dairy farming is also thriving in the surrounding area.

 

thing to note

Waipio Valley, at the northern base of the Kohala Volcano, has become a popular tourist destination.

It is a sacred place, called the "Valley of the Kings," and has been an important place since the dynastic period.

Anyone can go to the observatory, but permission is required to descend into the valley, so many tourists take tours to enjoy trekking and horseback riding.

The caves in the cliffs contain royal tombs and various legends and myths.

It is a place that is deeply connected to the history of the Big Island of Hawaii, so be sure to visit.

 

Access

From Hilo International Airport, it takes 1 hour and 30 minutes by rental car or cab.

From Kona International Airport, it is 50 minutes by rental car or cab.

 

Clothing and precautions for enjoying volcano observation

Here are some tips on what to wear and what to look out for to make volcano observation safer and more enjoyable.

The minimum requirement for any volcano is athletic shoes or other shoes that allow you to walk well.

Hawaii has a strong image of T-shirts, shorts, and sandals. Of course, there is no problem at resorts, but sandals are definitely not recommended for sightseeing at volcanoes.

The volcano has rugged lava paths and slopes with rolling pebbles, making sandals very dangerous.

Furthermore, when it comes to more difficult trekking courses, mountaineering shoes are recommended for greater safety.

Also, temperatures will be cooler on the volcanoes at higher elevations, so warmer clothing is recommended.

For tours, you can rent winter clothes, but if you are visiting on your own, a warm body warmer will also be helpful.

Also, before sightseeing at the volcano, it is necessary to check the eruption information.

Depending on eruption information, the area may be closed or become a no-go zone.

Volcanic gases are gushing out in some areas, and people with weak respiratory organs should stay away.

Other than that, lava is not allowed to be taken home, so please do not bring it back to preserve the environment.

There are many precautions that must be taken, and they should be followed to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

 

If you want to enjoy observing volcanoes safely
Take a tour!

Volcano sightseeing tours on the Big Island of Hawaii are plentiful.

He has many years of experience as a volcano tourism guide and will be able to help you with a variety of problems.

You can also rent winter clothes without having to buy new ones.

Some plans include drinking water and a boxed lunch, so you don't have to spend a lot of time preparing.

You can choose the plan that best suits your needs from a wide variety of tour contents, so if you want to enjoy yourself safely, take a tour.

 

summary

What do you think about the volcanoes on the Big Island of Hawaii?

Volcanoes have been held in awe by people because of their mighty energy.

On the Big Island of Hawaii, the volcanoes are made into tourist attractions, and many people are made aware of them and their terrifying nature and the mystery of life.

It is a valuable experience, and a visit to the volcano is recommended when you visit the Big Island of Hawaii.