Trail Blazing in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Many people stay at Volcano Village Lodge because of its close proximity to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. We’re only a few miles from some of the world’s top rated hiking trails. And what’s even better, our innkeepers can tell you all about Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Both of the main innkeepers worked in the national park and one innkeeper has hiked hundreds of miles in the park. So whether you’re looking for easy, moderate, or hard hikes just ask away. Want to go on trail where it’s just you, huge giant tree ferns, and wildlife? We have plenty of recommendations. But for now I want to recommend a great, moderate hike. The destination is Pu’u huluhulu. Take Chain of Craters Rd to the Mauna Ulu trailhead and parking lot. For me this trail is exciting. It’s pretty flat but has lots of neat surroundings to check out. First off, Mauna Ulu is a recent eruption site (1970′s)! While hiking on “fresh” lava, look for amazing tree molds. Tree molds are made from the lava engulfing a tree. The tree slowly burns and the lava cools, creating a cast of that tree! Once you get away from the tree molds, the lava fields are all different colors, shapes, and textures. Stop and look at the different colors from onyx black to blue to yellow to red lava! You may even see lava tubes! After hiking 1.5 miles you’ll notice Pu’u huluhulu, a small hill. Take the trail up to the top and don’t be discouraged by the uphill. After all this is what you came to Hawaii for. The view from the top of this Pu’u is absolutely breath taking. You get a 360-degree view with the two eruption sites in Hawaii. Look one way you can see Pu’u O’o and it’s smoldering, steaming caldera. Look the other way and see the summit of Kilauea with Halemaumau plume. If you want a completely different experience, try this on a clear night. The trail has reflectors the entire way. Make sure to bring a headlamp/flash light and wear sturdy shoes. At night you can the see glowing of both eruption sites, thousands of stars, and the milky way.