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Thursday, May 29, 2014

Muliwai ā Pele - Chain of Craters Road - Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park


Continuing our February 2014 drive down Chain of Craters Road in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, we stopped at mile 7.4 to get one of the first views of the ocean as well as an unobstructed view of Mauna Ulu.  The views are courtesy mainly of the 1969 and 1974 lava flows that destroyed the forest and left behind wide open vistas.  A short trail to a raised platform provides an even better view.

1974 lava field and the Pacific Ocean

A closer view of the coastline

Mauna Ulu is almost three miles north

400 foot high Mauna Ulu

As the lava cooled, it formed these jagged piles of rubble

The forest continues to flourish beyond the lava fields

Rough, jagged pumice from the Mauna Ulu eruptions

An entrance fee of $10 provides a seven-day pass to visit the park.  Other entrance options include the Hawai`i Tri-park Annual Pass for $25 for twelve month access to three parks in Hawai'i, an America the Beautiful Annual Pass for $80 for twelve months access to most national parks and forests or a Senior Pass for a one-time fee of $10 for those age 62 or over for access to most national parks and forests.

The park website is http://www.nps.gov/havo/index.htm.

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