Hawaii Volcano National Patk is 90+ miles Southeast of Kailua-Kona, this is a day trip or an over night trip at best if you really want to spend quality time seeing all there is to see.
This picture is of Kileaua Caldera and the main source of the VOG that the Big Island has had to deal with for the last 25+ years. There is a piston vent (a circular vent of lava that rises and drops like the piston in a motor) that belches Sulfur Dioxide into the atmosphere and at times closes the Chain of Craters Road.
Also close by the main gate of the park is the Thurston Lava Tube, wear good walking shoes and bring a flashlight, it is a small hike along a paved path to the entrance through some wonderful lush jungle. The walking path through the tube is uneven and puddles of water to walk through, but it is a great experience.
At the bottom of Chain of Craters Rd. you will find the Sea Arch, a lava structure that was carved by the ocean. A little walk down the closed part of Chain of Craters Rd. you will find the lava flow from the 80's that has closed the road, (see below).
This lava flow closed the through route for this road and it reclaimed about a 20 mile stretch of road and land in the process. In some places the lava is 6 to 8 feet deep.
The Chain of Craters Rd. is only open with the levels of Sulfur Dioxide are at an acceptable level and not harmful to people. This trip is the one "Not to Miss" while on the Big Island, and is at least a two day trip to really experience all it has to offer.
Aloha, A Hui Hou
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