Kilauea Volcano of Hawaii - A must visit spot

The majestic Mount Kilauea on the Big Island of Hawaii is a shield volcano that began erupting in 1983 and still hasn't stopped today. Being one of the largest active volcanoes in the world, Kilauea (which means "spreading) continues to be the main attraction that draws visitors to the Big Island. Located in the famous Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Kilauea's current on-going eruption draws its lava from 60 kilometers in the earth, through the volcano's own internal plumbing system. The fiery molten ooze explodes from the tip of the volcanic cone (called "Pu'u'O'o" meaning "high point on the skyline") and cascades 11 kilometers down the volcanic surface (or "Pulama Pali") into the Pacific Ocean. This breathtaking image of black rock surface, orange fire, rollicking sea waves, and the smoky volcanic fog that surrounds this natural wonder is an absolute must-see for anyone who visits the Big Island.

Mount Kilauea's first known eruption was probably about 300,000 to 600,000 years ago; and aside from the eruption that began in 1983, it has erupted 34 times since 1952; these eruptions add about 40 acres of new land every year, explaining the moniker "Big Island," which if measured from the ocean floor is higher than even Mount Everest. Hawaiian folklore is replete with stories of Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of fire, volcanoes, violence, lightning, and dance, who lives at Mount Kilauea (and was, incidentally, cast as a villainess in DC Comics' 1990s title, "Superboy"). Legend has it that due to some familial squabbles in a house with more 15 siblings, Pele escaped from her home in Kuaihelani and came to the Big Island's Mauna Loa. Endowed with great powers by the Fire God, Lono-makua, Pele was famed for her deep love and rage towards her family and her many love affairs, also oftentimes marked by rage: many of the young mortals she seduced were not lucky enough to escape the fistfuls of molten lava she hurled at them during her fits of jealousy and anger.

Even after the old religion was abolished in 1823 by the missionary, Reverend Ellis, locals continued to worship and pay homage to the goddess Pele, making offerings of fruit, flowers, and fish to soothe her fury and to thank her for her generosity in expanding the great land of Hawaii with her perennial eruptions. It is believed that the perennial lava flow from Kilauea can pave a road three times around the earth!

On your "Hawaii best things to do" list, the Big Island's Kilauea Volcano should be near the top of your list.

It's one of the hottest things in Hawaii - so to speak!

As a matter of fact, some tourists notice a funny smell while walking around Kilauea, only to find the soles of their shoes have melted!

Since the ground under your feet can get pretty toasty, be sure to wear comfortable, thick soled walking shoes. Sandals and flip-flops are definitely out - that is unless you're into walking on hot coals.

As the world's most active volcano, Kilauea Volcano is a Hawaii best things to do must and is incredibly exciting any time of the year.

Found on the southeastern tip of the Big Island, about 30 miles southwest of Hilo and about 96 miles southeast of Kona, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is Hawaii's Number one attraction.

Once you visit, it's easy to see why. There are few places in the world like Kilauea, where you can view such amazing volcanic landscapes and get so close to the awesome power of nature at work.

Kilauea has been continuously flowing for over 20 years.

According to the National Park Service, between 250,000 and 650,000 cubic yards of lava flow every day. That's enough to pave a 20 miles high, 20 miles long road. That's a lot of lava.

And Kilauea's lava has spread over a total of 40 square miles adding over 500 acres to the Big Island's southern shore.

Begin your visit to Kilauea at the park entrance visitor's center. Lava flow conditions change daily and the park rangers can tell you the best and safest ways to enjoy your visit on that particular day.

Jagger Museum, Thurston Lava Tube, Volcano House and the Halema'uma'u Crater are some of the highlights recommended.

If you have the time and energy for a four-mile hike, Kilauea Iki trail is magnificent. It winds through a rain forest and across steaming lava flows down into a crater that erupted about fifty years ago.

Kilauea Iki trail gives you a full experience of the incredible power of Madame Pele - Hawaii's goddess of volcanoes.

The rangers can tell you about other hiking trails too. They're rated from easy to strenuous and run from a quarter a mile to over four miles in length. Overnight camping is also allowed with a permit.

Before you start on your hike or drive through, make sure you get a map of the park and a list of ranger rules, regulations and safety tips.

Kilauea is an active volcano and not without it's dangers. Be sure to stay on the road, watch where you're walking and avoid lava flows, earth cracks, thin crusts and volcanic gasses.

Kilauea is expected to continue to flow for at least another 100 years. So you have more than enough time to cross this once in a lifetime experience off your Hawaii best things to do list.

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