Today we traded biking for hiking in Volcano National Park. We did do a short 5 mile round trip bike ride to get to/from the park. We hiked the Halema’uma’u Trail, the Waldron Ledge, and a section of the Crater Rim Trail for a total of 3.2 miles. We stopped numerous times along the hike to view the just recent eruption. Just the day before, there was no eruption and when we reached the Visitor Center we were made aware of the newest eruption. As the day progressed, we could see the lava spewing higher into the air, and even a second small spew next to the first. Everyone we encountered throughout the day were super thrilled to see the eruption; even the National Park Rangers were excited to share the views. To be clear, we were a very long distance away, and at times my phone telephoto blurred the photos. After visiting the park, we treated ourselves to a late lunch at the Lava Rock Cafe.
At our evening rider meeting, the ride leader shared that the locals told her she should go back in the dark to see the lava flow. So we did go back and it was incredible. Even as we cycled to the National Park, we could see the whole sky was red. It was a once in a lifetime experience.
A view of the eruption at 12:22pm. It may look like a fire, but it is the lava erupting.
Along the Halema’uma’u Trail.
On the Waldron Ledge trail that crossed over some of an old lava field.
Along the Crater Rim Trail and the view at 11:47 - the second smaller eruption on the left is not yet visible.
At 11:53 the eruption to the left is now visible.
Alan pointing to the eruption in the very distant background.
The eruption at about 8pm.
Volcano Post Office.