Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, the United States 13th National Park established in 1916 by Woodrow Wilson, displays the results of 70 million years of volcanism, migration, and evolution -- processes that thrust a bare land from the sea and clothed it with complex and unique ecosystem and a distinct human culture. The park encompasses diverse environments that range from sea level to the summit of the earth's most massive volcano, Mauna Loa at 13,677 feet.

Because the eruptions of Hawaiian volcanoes are gentler than those of most other volcanoes around the world, the edges of active vents are frequently accessible, allowing people to come pay their respects to Pele, the Goddess of Hawaiian Volcanoes. The early Hawaiians revered her and made offerings to placate her wrath.  Often written about in magazines of the day, Mark Twain visited Kilauea Volcano, home of Pele’s fiery lake, in 1866 and enthusiastically wrote, “Here was room for the imagination to work!”

Lorrin Thurston, publisher of the Honolulu Pacific Commercial Advertiser at the turn of the century, loved to explore the volcano lands. Among his discoveries was a giant lava tube, formed when a river of hot lava cooled and crusted over and the still-molten interior continued to flow downhill. Eventually, the lava drained out, leaving a cave-like shell. The Thurston Lava Tube (Nahuku), which you will view today, is a major attraction on the Crater Rim Drive.  You will also see the Sulphur Banks, Steam Vents, Kilauea Volcano, the Halemaumau Fire Pit and the Volcano House.

Today, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park protects 377 square miles of the island's volcanic wonders and is a refuge for surviving native plants and animals.  Over half of the park is designated wilderness and provides unusual hiking and camping opportunities. In recognition of its outstanding natural values, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park has been honored as an International Biosphere Reserve and a World Heritage Site.