By Rachel Puryear

The beautiful Hawaiian islands are known for their warm tropical weather, beaches, abundant rainforests, and laid-back culture – but did you know that these islands are home to some pretty magnificent volcanoes, too? Hawaii’s two national parks both showcase these volcanoes fantastically, and this post will cover Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, on the big island of Hawaii.

If you’re lucky, you might get to see some lava erupting while you’re there, but don’t worry about it harming you – the viewing points in the park are safe to view the volcanoes from, even when the lava is erupting. Plus, the lava looks pretty darn cool! (On rare occasions where there is danger, they would close the park until that has cleared.)

A guide told us that the lava is about 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit (1,093 degrees Celsius). When you consider that your oven broiler is 500 degrees Fahrenheit (260 degrees Celsius), that’s unimaginably hot!

Even if the volcanoes are not erupting lava, though, they’re still well worth seeing – the clouds of smoke puffing from them are also quite an awesome sight!

Pele, the Hawaiian Goddess of Volcanoes and Fire

In Hawaii, Pele is revered as the Goddess of volcanoes and fire, and as the creator of the Hawaiian islands. The Hawaiians believe that her spirit resides in the Kilauea Volcano. In Hawaiian culture, she embodies both the creative and the destructive forces of nature. Indeed, one does very much feel a spiritual presence when witnessing these volcanoes.

In general, good visitors to natural areas refrain from collecting any natural items from there, and leave no trace. This helps protect ecosystems, preserve these beautiful areas, and ensure that future generations can also enjoy them just as much later on.

In Hawaii, however, leaving natural places as you found them takes on a spiritual meaning, as well. The Hawaiians view these majestic places as a physical embodiment of their ancestors, and see taking items from there as taking pieces of their ancestors. Not only is this very disrespectful to the indigenous Hawaiians, but many also believe that there are spiritual consequences for doing so.

According to legend, if one steals items from these natural places, Pele will curse them with much misfortune – unless and until they return the item back to its home where it belongs, that is. You might think that that’s just a legend, but apparently, Hawaiian post offices receive thousands of parcels per year with returned items that were stolen from parks and other natural places; often with letters of apology included, sometimes explaining and detailing frequent misfortunes since their theft; and/or gifts and money for Pele.

Whether you believe in the legend or not; it’s the right thing for nature and the environment and fellow visitors, as well as respectful to local cultures, to leave these natural items where they belong – where you found them. Thank you.

Punalu’u Black Sand Beach Park

When visiting Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, be sure to also check out the nearby Punalu’u Black Sand Beach Park! Yes, it really does have black sand, which looks quite striking – and that’s made from basalt, created by volcanic lava flowing in and then cooling in the ocean. Pretty neat!

Plus, it’s a gorgeous place, and a great place to get your beach fix in Hawaii. The neighboring community has thus far resisted drastic development, so it feels small and relaxed, rather than overrun with resorts. It’s also a haven for endangered sea turtles, whom you can often see enjoying the beach as well.

Paradise Meadows Orchard and Bee Farm

If you’re hungry for delicious treats on your way to or from the volcanoes on the big island, I recommend checking out Paradise Meadows Orchard and Bee Farm, off of South Point Road.

Sample their wide variety of macadamia nuts, honey, chocolates, coffee, and other goodies – you’ll definitely want to buy some once you’ve had a taste. It’s delicious, and locally made, direct from farmers.

They also sell artwork made by a local artist. You can also browse the grounds, see the farm, and be greeted by their parrots, ducks, and other cute farm critters.

See here for more about visiting Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

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