Gallery: Safety on Trails
All CSAV field courses involve hiking. Wherever you are hiking, it’s important to wear proper hiking shoes, stay on the trail, and carry food, water and first aid. But on the Big Island, hikers need to be even more careful, because there are additional hazards. Some of these are illustrated in this Gallery.
Pay close attention to signs. This one warns of volcanic fumes, seen in the background, near Halemaumau.
The fumes in Kilauea Caldera contain sulfur, and are especially hazardous to asthmatics.
A student wears a gas mask while working near volcanic fumes. Sulfur in the fumes has precipitated and left yellow deposits on the rocks.
Within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, many dangerous areas have railings to keep visitors safe. Stay behind the railings for your protection.
Some cracks are conduits for superheated steam. Stay away from these.
Signs throughout the National Park provide helpful safety advice.
Although aa is sharp to walk on, pahoehoe can also be treacherous. Shelly pahoehoe looks smooth on the surface, but breaks under your weight.
It’s always a good idea to have a hiking buddy. You also should let someone know where you are hiking and what time you expect to return.
Many trails are extremely rough, as they pass through recent lava flows. Stay on the trails; the adjacent areas do not provide secure footing.
Signs near the ocean describe current conditions, and should be taken seriously.
Pay close attention to your surroundings when you hike.