Trip Report: A Tale Of 4 Volcanos

Departing from the cruise ship from sea level on the island of Maui, we traveled to our first volcano of the trip via Hawaii State Road 37. That's Haleaukala straight ahead but you can't see it here because of the cloud cover.

Switching to State Road 378, just 22 more miles to go up a steep, winding road climbing ultimately up to over 14,000 ft elevation. Reservations are required between 3AM and 7AM because of the popularity of being at that elevation to watch sunrise. 

 

No need to worry about those clouds because eventually the road takes us above them!

There's a Haleakala National Park visitor center near the entry toll booth and another up there near the peak where there are numerous weather stations and astronomical observatories.

 Take care of the Nene, the state bird which is a protected species. Because it is generally fearless, it does not know to run away from approaching cars.

The trade winds bring in moisture and clouds mostly from the northeast side of each Hawaiian island. The famous "Road to Hana" down below can be a rainy drive because it traverses the northeast side of Maui.

 

 Climb, Climb! For the most part, we've left vegetation behind in favor of volcanic rocks and cinder cones.

The rare Silversword (Ahinahina) only grows on the slopes of Haleakala. A related plant only grows on the slopes of Mauna Kea on Hawaii, the big island.

The caldera of Haleakala. While not currently active, the volcano is considered to be Hazard Category 3 and thus very much alive. They believe it last erupted around 400 years ago.

Those clouds kept creeping closer.

Signs remind you to take it easy at this elevation! The air is thin here and you don't want to experience altitude sickness which can impact people above 8,000 ft.

A small observation building at the peak. Definitely worth the drive.

While we went to Haleakala National Park via a rental car from Maui Airport, our journey from Hilo to Hawaii Volcanos National Park on the island of Hawaii was via a ship's excursion. (Rental cars are much-cheaper.)

The route to this National Park is via Hawaii State Road 11. And from the moment you depart Hilo, the road is a mostly straight climb slowly uphill with no curves or switchbacks like the previous national park. You're going from sea level to only about 4,000 ft. to this park.

From a distance, you can see this volcano is much lower.

But the caldera is far more interesting. This is the Kilauea Volcano that was erupting just a few years ago, spewing lava upwards and down towards the ocean and destroying entire neighborhoods of homes such as the Leilani Estates. You may have seen it on the news.

Cinder cones scattered everywhere. This is a Hazard Zone 1 volcano and she's active!

That's steam coming out of the ground. Sadly, no sulphur smell. 

This is called Hawaii Volcanos National Park (plural) because there's a second volcano too. That's Mauna Loa over there which is 13,679 ft. tall. There's no road to the top but there is a hiking trail. It too is a Hazard Zone 1 volcano. Active.

Further off in the distance is Mauna Kea, a dormant volcano at 13,803 ft. and not part of the national park. There is a road to drive up there as there and it's a great place to view stars at night. Both Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea had 10" of snow on them this past January. It doesn't typically snow here at Kilauea. Both national parks are excellent and a good time was had by all.