Creation

• Not violent eruptions but the slow oozing of lava from cracks and fissures created this ancient shield volcano and its moonlike landscape.
  
  

Thurston Lava Tube

• Thurston Lava Tube
  
  The Thurston Lava Tube is about a third of a mile long. As you walk it, remember that bubbling lava once flowed through.
  
  

Thomas A. Jaggar Museum

• The exhibits at this fascinating museum on volcanology include specimens of various volcanic rocks and provide a good introduction to the world of volcanoes.
  
  

Hiking and Driving

• There are many well-marked trails for hiking, including the Kilauea Iki Trail, a four-mile-long, moderately difficult walk. For those short on time, the 11-mile-long Crater Rim Drive is an excellent alternative. There are marked viewpoints where you can walk to the points of interest.
  
  

Helicopter Tour

• Where fire and water meet
  
  For a truly dramatic view of the fiery lava flow meeting the ocean, a helicopter tour cannot be beat. Many companies offer tours of varying durations.
  
  

Precautions

• A volcano is a shifting, hazardous environment. The National Park Service website (see Resources) gives excellent information on volcanic activity and area closures.