This week we turned our attention to volcanoes on Hawai’i, which is saying a mouthful. That’s because the entire state of Hawai’i owes its very existence to the volcano. Each island consists of at least one primary volcano, although many islands are composites of two or more–even tiny little Ni’ihau has its own volcano. The Big Island is the volcanic showoff, with five volcanoes dotting the landscape. They are: Kilauea, Mauna Loa, Mauna Kea, Hualalai and Kohala. While Mauna Loa is the largest active volcano on Earth, Kilauea produces the most lava each year.1. Name three volcanoes in the Hawaiian Islands.

A: See above, or check out this cool volcano map and legend.

2. What is the elevation at the top of Haleakala on Maui?

A: At its summit, 10,023 feet. It’s so high that, from here, you can see The Big Island.

3. Describe the “grafitti” written on the black lava rock along the highways on The Big Island.

A: When pieces of white coral and rocks are strategically placed on the ubiquitous black lava rock of The Big Island, the result is perhaps the nicest, kindest type of grafitti possible. You’ll find these carefully arranged messages everywhere on the island where there’s a blank spot in the black rock. But be careful–make sure to drive carefully while you gaze, especially when the wild goats are out and grazing by the road.

4. What is “vog?”

A: Check the Vog Blog entry and find out.

5. Are there any anywhere in the Hawaiian Islands?

There’s still one active lava lake, “a large volume of molten lava pooled in a vent, crater, or broad depression,” on The Big Island. It’s Kupaianaha Lava Lake .

Image by Jody Reale. Lava photo by Flickr–Creative Commons, by lin padgham

Post from: The Hawaii Traveler

It’s believed that Pele is the goddess of fire, lightning, dance, volcanoes and violence. Her mythos is varied, and complicated, but she’s best known on The Big Island, where some of her best work is still on display. It’s in her honor that we test our Hawai’i knowledge this week. Answers are revealed tomorrow, on Wednesday. Here we go:
1. Name three volcanoes in the Hawaiian Islands.

2. What is the elevation at the top of Haleakala on Maui?

3. Describe the “grafitti” written on the black lava rock along the highways on The Big Island.

4. What is “vog?”

5. Are there any lava lakes anywhere in the Hawaiian Islands?

Image by Jody Reale

Post from: The Hawaii Traveler

We were at Hapuna Beach at dusk, and stayed until well after the sun dipped down past the earth’s curve. I could see the moon’s reflection in the wet sand and looked upward and inland, and pointed to a blue star. I said, “I wonder if that’s Venus.”

As it turns out, it’s the observatories at the top of Mauna Kea, a dormant volcano, and also the highest peak in the world, when measured from its base at the sea floor. From the edge of the island, and way down at sea level, I got an indication of just how high thirteen thousand feet above sea level is. At that height, it’s no wonder you can ski on it.

It was no matter. I made a wish and said, “Star light, star bright…” anyway. We’ll see if wishing on Mauna Kea works just as well as wishing on a real star. The next time I’m in Hawai’i, we’ll know it did.

Post from: The Hawaii Traveler