Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
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Encompassing over 200,000 acres, the park exists in a unique and diverse landscape that ranges from the ocean to the summit of the earth's most massive volcano, Mauna Loa, elevation 13,677 feet above sea level. Included in this region are lava flows, curling steam clouds, vast lava fields, steam vents, sulfur banks, ancient laval tubes, a huge caldera, some of the most desolate land on earth and rainforests. Weather can range from tropical, to desert to extreme cold. At the 4000 foot level, sunny warm conditions can give way to cold rainy conditions very quickly and at any time of the year.
The park was established in 1916 and in more recent years has had an almost continuous flow of lava since January 1983. It has been estimated that almost 500 acres of land has been added to the Big Island since this recent flow began. Program trips into this area are usually associated with three activities: hiking through various areas of the park, observing lava flows, and bike riding on the Chain-of-Craters Road to the ocean (mostly downhill).
Regular Hikes
Hikes
normally range from a couple of miles and upward. Treks can begin in
warm-tropical weather but change quickly to rain and cold or the opposite.
Layered clothing helps participants remain reasonably comfortable in
such varying conditions. Hats, jackets, sunglasses, backpacks, a long-sleeve
shirt, long pants, shorts, energy food, sun screen and at least 2 liters
of water should be consider the minimum with which to begin. Cell phones
usually don't work very well in these areas. Because conditions are
so varied, it is sometimes difficult to know exactly which trail or
park location will be used. prior to the day of the trip.
Lava Flow Hikes
Lava flows in the park are as dependable as the weather. Sometimes
the hot flows are in easy walking distance, but there are other times
when a considerable hike is necessary to get close. Also, the more recent
continuous flows do have periods when they may seem to have stopped.
Volcanic gases, changing winds and hot lava are not the only concerns when going near shore flows. Because of the build-up of lava formations near the shoreline combined with the cooling effect of the ocean, overhangs or benches are commonly formed. The accumulating weight can evenually cause large sections to break-off and sink underwater quickly and without warning, Park rangers try to identify potential dangerous sections marking them with caution signs, ropes and orange cones, but it would be impossible to ID all or even most of these areas. Under no circumstant should participants breath the steam clouds associated with these sites since they contain poisonous gases.
Viewing flows during daylight hours are great but are even more impressive at night. However, the danger in walking any distances in the dark on the uneven footing everywhere is challenging. Long pants, shirts, gloves and a flashlight for each person should be considered an absolute necessity, even if the walking distance is quite short.
Bicycling (mostly downhill)
Our
volcano bicycling programs have been pointed out as a favorite among
students who have done them. Each student furnishes their own bike which
is loaded onto a trailer. Participants are then taken to the park where
they board their bikes for the almost all downhill ride around the back
side of the Crater Rim Road. They turn right at the Chain of Craters
Road and continue their downhill run to the ocean. The van and trailer
follow along behind the riders to provide assistance if a bike breaks
down or the rider becomes tired. Once at the base of the hill next to
the shoreline, the bikes and students are loaded for the ride back to
campus.
All bike riding is done on park paved roads (no off-road riding). It is important that participants check their bikes carefully to make sure they are in good shape, especially the brakes. Although this is not a demanding bike trek, riders need to have considerable bike riding experience with proficient handling skills. For personal protection, participants should wear appropriate bicycling attire including helmets. Repeated stops along the way will give participants a chance to enjoy park views and catch their breath.
For more information on Hawaii Volcanoes National Park visit their web site at www.hawaii.volcanoes.national-park.com.
Inherent Risks
It is the responsibility of each participant to evaluate the various risks that they may be exposed to if they decide to participate in this program. Volcanic activity is unpredictable. This fact and the unpredictability of changing winds and weather can make traveling in the Volcano Park and adjacent areas dangerous. Some of the inherent risks include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Exposure to the sun
- Exposure to volcanic gases and/or extremely hot lava (2000 degrees)
- Falling into the ocean near shorelines and drowning
- Transport to and from the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
- Motor vehicle accident or incident
- Bicycle accident due to failed brakes or other mechanical breakdown
- Regular automobile and truck traffic on the highways traveled in the park
- Dehydration, or motion sickness
- Spinal injury from bicycle crashes especially but not limited to road shoulders and rough terrain
- Broken bones, cuts, scrapes, or bruises
- Contact with lava rock formations
- Falling or slipping
- Strong winds, waves, or ocean currents
- Large land areas (benches) breaking off into the ocean without warning
- Remote location which could require extended time delays in case of emergencies
- No lifeguards or other rescue personnel on duty at the site
Students are required to remain with the group during this program and not go on un-authorized selected activities or excursions without the group. If transportation is involved, participants must wear seat belts if available and are expected to return with the group.