Hawaiian Islands are volcanic

The Formation of the Hawaiian Islands The Formation of the Hawaiian Islands [ HCV Home ][Formation of the Islands][ Active Hawaiian Volcanoes ][ General Info ]    The Hawaiian Islands are volcanic in origin. Each island ismade up of at least one primary volcano, although many islandsare composites of more than one. The Big Island, for instance,is constructed of 5 major volcanoes: Kilauea, Mauna Loa, Mauna Kea,Hualalai and Kohala. Mauna Loa is the largest active volcano onEarth. Kilauea is presently one of the most productive volcanoeson Earth (in terms of how much lava it erupts each year). The primary volcanoes on eachof the islands are known as a shield volcanoes, which are gently sloping mountains produced from a large number of generally very fluid lava flows.    Hawaiian volcanoes primarily erupt a type of rock known as basalt. When molten, basalt produces liquids of relatively high fluidity, compared to volcanoesthat erupt more silica rich magma types such as andesite, dacite or rhyolite. The fluidity of molten basalt favors the formation of lava flows,which is why the Hawaiian volcanoes generally have gentle sloping sides. Bycontrast, lavas with higher silica content are more viscous and commonly produce either thicker, shorter lava flows, thick blocky deposits and/orthick beds of ash that fall from the sky following explosive eruptions.These other types of volcanoes (common outside of Hawaii) are typically steepersided.    The Hawaiian volcanoes were produced by the Hawaiian hot spot, which is presently under the Big Island of Hawaii.The image below shows the islands of the Hawaiian chainand the intervening shallows, banks and reefs along a line from southeastto northwest. Note that the islands of Lanai and Kahoolawe are not shownbecause they would "overlap" with Molokai and Maui, respectively( see the map of the Islands on the Hawaiian Volcanoes page )In general, when you move along the island chain from southeast (Hawaii) to northwest, (Kure), the volcanoes become older and older.     The aging of the islands with distance from the current hot spotis demonstrated in the diagram below, where distance along thechain is approximated as distance away from Kilauea volcano (theyoungest above-sea-level Hawaiian volcano). In fact, even beyond Kurethe Hawaiian chain continues as a series of now-submergedformer islands known collectively as the Emperorseamounts. The two primary volcanoes that make up Oahu (where Honolulu is) have not erupted for well over a million years!    The age trend of the volcanoes is thought to be due tothe way in which the islands are built on the moving sea floor of the NorthPacific Ocean: the Pacific Ocean is mostly floored by a single tectonic plate(known as the "Pacific Plate")that is moving over the layer in the Earth known as the Asthenosphere.This movement takes it to the northwest compared to the layers below itat a rate of 5 to 10 cm/yr (the rate depends on where you are on it). As theplate moves over a fixed spot deeper in the Earth where magma (moltenlava) forms, a new volcano can punch through this plate and createan island. The Hawaiian Islands are believed to be formed from onesuch 'hot spot'. As the plate moves away, the volcano stops eruptingand a new one is formed in its place. With time, the volcanoes keepdrifting westward and getting older relative to the one active volcanothat is over the hot spot. As they age, the crust upon which they sitcools and subsides. This, combined with erosion of the islands onceactive volcanism stops, leads to a shrinking of the islands with ageand their eventual submergence below the ocean surface.    Importantly, the time over which various active volcanoes on the islandsremain active is long (hunders of thousands of years) so that significantoverlap in ages occur on neighboring islands. For instance although Haleakala volcano on Mauiis a great distance away from the presently erupting Kilauea, Haleakalalast erupted only about 200 years ago. Currently there are 3 Hawai'ian volcanoes that we can easily classify as active: Kilauea, actively erupting since 1983 Mauna Loa, which last erupted in 1984 and is building for a new eruption inthe next few years Loihi, which erupted in 1996   All three of these active Hawaiian volcanoes sharethe Hawaiian hot spot, but retain unique volcanic histories and compositions.You can view a schematic representationof the geometry of this situation HERE The most likely Dormant volcanoes are: Hualalai, which last erupted in 1801 Haleakala, which last erupted in about 1790 Mauna Kea, which last erupted about 4,000 years ago.    Here is some additional general age information from USGS Professional Paper 1350 , Chapter 1 by Clague and Dalrymple, pages 5-54 (1987). Data from that source has been augmented by data and information in Garcia et al. Lithos , vol 20, pages 323-336 (1987) and Clague (1996) in The Origin and Evolution of Pacific Island biotas, New Guniea to Eastern Polynesia, patterns and processes (Keast and Miller, editors), pages 35-50. Ages of some of the Hawaiian Islands and outer seamounts Volcano Number (see note at table bottom) Volcano Name Distance from Kilauea along trend of chain (km) Best K-Ar age (Ma) Data Source (tabulated below) 1 Kilauea 0 0-0.4 -- 3 Mauna Kea 54 0.375 + 0.05 1 5 Kohala 100 0.43 + 0.02 2 6 Haleakala 182 0.75 + 0.04 3 7 Kahoolawe 185 > 1.03 + 0.18 3 8 West Maui 221 1.32 + 0.04 4 9 Lanai 226 1.28 + 0.04 5 10 East Molokai 256 1.76 + 0.04 3 11 West Molokai 280 1.90 + 0.06 3 12 Koolau 339 2.6 + 0.1 4,6 13 Waianae 374 3.7 + 0.1 6 14 Kauai 519 5.1 + 0.20 7 15 Niihau 565 4.89 + 0.11 8 15A Kaula 600 4.0 + 0.2 21 17 Nihoa 780 7.2 + 0.3 9 20 Unnamed 913 9.2 + 0.8 20 930 9.6 + 0.8 22 23 Necker 1,058 10.3 + 0.4 9 26 La Perouse Pinnacles 1,209 12.0 + 0.4 9 27 Brooks Bank 1,256 13.0 + 0.6 20 1,330 13.0 + 0.6 22 30 Gardner Pinnacles 1,435 12.3 + 1.0 20 1,460 12.3 + 1.0 22 36 Laysan 1,818 19.9 + 0.3 10 37 Northampton Bank 1,841 26.6 + 2.7 10 50 Pearl and Hermes Reef 2,281 20.6 + 2.7 11 52 Midway 2,432 27.7 + 0.6 12 57 Unnamed 2,600 28.0 + 0.4 11 63 Unnamed 2,825 27.4 + 0.5 11 65 Colohan 3,128 38.6 + 0.3 13 65A Abbott 3,280 38.7 + 0.9 13 67 Daikakuji 3,493 42.4 + 2.3 14 69 Yuryaku 3,520 43.4 + 1.6 11 72 Kimmei 3,668 39.9 + 1.2 14 74 Koko (southern) 3,758 48.1 + 0.8 14,15 81 Ojin 4,102 55.2 + 0.7 16 83 Jingu 4,175 55.4 + 0.9 17 86 Nintoku 4,452 56.2 + 0.6 16 90 Suiko (southern) 4,794 59.6 + 0.6 18,19 91 Suiko (central) 4,860 64.7 + 1.1 16 Data Sources: 1. Porter and others (1977) 12. Dalrymple and others (1977) 2. McDougall and Swanson (1972) 13. Duncan and Clague (1984) 3. Naughton and others (1980) 14. Dalrymple and Clague (1976) 4. Mcdougall (1964) 15. Clague and Dalrymple (1973) 5. Bonhommet and others (1977) 16. Dalrymple and others (1980a) 6. Doel and Dalrymple (1973) 17. Dalrymple and Garcia (1980) 7. McDougall (1979) 18. Saito and Ozima (1975) 8. G.B. Dalrymple (unpub. Data, 1982) 19. Saito and Ozima (1977) 9. Dalrymple and others (1974) 20. Garcia and others (1986b) 10. Dalrymple and others (1981) 21.Garcia and others (1986a) 11. Clague and others (1975) 22. Garcia and Others (1987) Other Notes: "Volcano Number" refers to the number in sequence along the HawaiianChain. Loihi, the youngest expression of the Hawaiian hot spot isnumber 0, Kilauea is number 1, etc.. Note that not all volcanoesare listed in the table (e.g., number 2 = Mauna Loa and number 4 =Hualalai); also note that further up the chain, the numbering schemebecomes more subjective. HCV Home Hawaiian Volcanoes Loihi Kilauea Mauna Loa Hualalai This page created and maintained by Ken Rubin ©, krubin@soest.hawaii.edu Other credits for this web site. Last page update on 4 Apr 2005

Hawaiian quilting festival this

Honolulu Star-Bulletin Features The caption goes here. Photo by Photographer, Star-Bulletin ----------------------------------------------- Photos By Craig T. Kojima, Star-Bulletin Lee Wild shows a pattern by the late master quilter, Meali'i Kalama. Below, a quilt on display this weekend. Stitches in Time One of the goals of the Hawaiian quilting festival this weekend is to perpetuate the cultural art form By Catherine Kekoa Enomoto Star-Bulletin IT'S a quilting bee to beat the band. This weekend's inaugural Hawaiian Quilt Festival at Blaisdell Center offers a patchwork of activities. Displays, exhibits, demonstrations, lectures, workshops, a marketplace and hands-on practice cover each step in the quilting process - pattern tracing, cutting, laying out, pinning, basting, hemming or appliqueing, and quilting. "We'll have old quilt patterns and dressmaker's tracing paper for purchase at $2 for a two-yard sheet," said Augusta-Helen "Aunty Gussie" Bento, president of the Hawaiian Quilt Research Project and co-chair of the three-day festival. "It's enough to trace one large quilt design and a couple of small designs. The patterns themselves stretch out to 40 or 48 inches." Bento said different quilt patterns will be available Saturday and Sunday, plus pencils for general use. "Then, people will be able to quilt on a horse that's there for community quilting," she said. Oahu and neighbor island quilters will lead workshops, such as stencils, Hawaiian tropical placemats, Hawaiian quilt pillow, miniature Hawaiian quilt, and designing a Hawaiian quilt. Cost will range from $26.50 to $75. Co-chair Elaine Zinn said festival goals are three-fold - "to help the public understand what the Hawaiian Quilt Research Project is about, to perpetuate the art of Hawaiian quilting so that it continues to grow, and to let people know how to take care of their quilts, because our environment and insects are so threatening to textiles." The 16-year Research Project has documented and registered more than 900 quilts and 700 quilt patterns on all islands. People will be able to sign up at the festival for future registries. "The project is important to preserve the history of Hawaiian quilts," said Zinn, who produced the 13-part public television "Hawaiian Quilting" series, "and to preserve the actual quilts that are still with us, so they will last a few more generations. They are very precious." "It was the greatest show of friendship to share one's quilt patterns," said Elizabeth Akana, who can conjure a genteel picture of tutu (grandmothers) with flowers in their hair, gathered on a porch to share snitches of gossip and stitches of colorful threads. "The quilts are enlightening us about our history and bringing about a love of history, because when you're dealing with a quilt you've got to have love in your heart," Akana said. Meanwhile, people can take their own paper and pencil, and trace quilt patterns at Waianae Library, which has a prodigious collection of 400 patterns, with more patterns yet available at Kailua Library and Brigham Young University-Hawaii collections. Akana said of Hawaii's unique quilting process and product: "We're looking at love in fabric and thread." Historical threads Event: Hawaiian Quilt Festival Place: Blaisdell Center Times: "Preview" 5:30 to 9 p.m. Friday, festival 9a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday Admission: $15 for Friday preview; $5 Saturday and Sunday; $20 special festival package. Information: 239-9766 Text Site Directory: [News] [Business] [Features] [Sports] [Editorial] [Community] [Info] [Stylebook] [Feedback]

Maui Snorkeling

Maui Activities - Suggestions for Must-Do Maui Activities HOME Advertising Press Privacy Visitors Currently Online: 138 Activities Island Info Where to Stay Maui Weddings Spas Coupons iNews Forum Maui Cams Maui Video Maui Activities at discount prices from your maui activity source Paradise Maui. We have links to all the great fun Maui has to offer. Maui TOP 3 Ask Tom.. Tom's TIPS . Maui Land Old Lahaina Luau Maui Marriott Luau Wailea Marriott Luau Feast of Lele Warren & Annabelle's Pony Express Ironwood Ranch Aloha Bicycle Tours Maui Downhill Maui Cave Adventures Haleakala ATV For Teens For Children Ask Tom.. Tom's TIPS . Maui Ocean UFO Parasailing Ultimate Rafting Tradewind Kayaks South Pacific Kayaks Gemini Charters Trilogy Excursions Teralani Charters Pacific Whale Found. Friendly Charters Marlin Mischief Piper Start Me Up ReefDancer Atlantis Submarines Ask Tom.. Tom's TIPS . Maui Air AlexAir Sunshine Helicopters Temptation Tours ProFLYght Hawaii Ask Tom.. . Tom's TIPS . Maui Weddings ALOHA! Welcome to Maui Activities in Paradise We are a full service reservation agency. We extend our vendor prices directly to you with many discounts. How is this possible? Unlike other companies, we share our commissions with you and are thus able to bring the pricing lower. Our savings are passed on to you in the form of DIRECT VENDOR fares! We have been doing business since February 1975 and are specifically recommended by the vast majority of travel guides published today. We would like to extend our appreciation and say THANK YOU for booking here and making us a part of your vacation. To get your simply make your Maui activities selections from our site and either call us to order or make an e-request. There are so many ways to have fun on Maui, and so many activities that are completely unique to the island that you could pack your days for a month and still have a full itinerary for a long time to come. Many Maui activities are free or very reasonably priced. Others are relatively expensive and are worth every nickel. It is our contention that every vacation will be greatly enriched by experiencing at least one activity on our list. Not every activity on this list is right for every visitor, but we're pretty sure that you'll be thrilled with those Maui activities that strike you as interesting. A word about "free" or heavily discounted programs: you may be offered substantial discounts, in exchange for your most welcome attendance at a hammering session designed to put you and your newly thinned wallet into a long-term time-share obligation. You probably came to paradise to relax: Unless you've already devoted a lot of thought to such a purchase, and have come here for that purpose, we strongly recommend against wasting your precious time.. You don't have to spend a lot of money to have a great time on Maui. Poke around, follow the back roads, walk the highlight areas, hang out at the beaches, and magical sights and occurrences are bound to happen. Whales leap from the surface just offshore, tail-slapping the surface on reentry. Bamboo forests harbor hidden oasis', with abundant, wild fruit falling off the trees, for the taking. Sunsets rippled with colors that challenge the human processing senses mesh with intricate cloud formations that hug the mountains, and make Haleakala shimmer. Maui invites exploration, by car and or by foot. It's walker and driver friendly. We offer our clients free recommendations directions and details to the best hikes, beaches, and other hidden outposts that open doors to all sorts of adventure. It is a good idea to book your Maui activities ahead of time so that you are assured space on the best activity or tour. You will be able to spend your precious moments on Maui Hawaii actually enjoying your vacation!! There is certainly plenty to see and do on Maui; at last count over 400 vendors providing some 30 different types of activities and tours which we handle for you. If you're having trouble choosing an activity or simply haven't the time to conduct a search on your own, visit our Maui Activity Desk and we will assist you in finding what you need! The Activity Desk is open from 8 am to 8 pm HST every day. I will get back to you TODAY in one way or another. You don't have to spend a lot of money to have a great time on Maui. Poke around, follow the back roads, walk the highlight areas, hang out at the beaches, and magical sights and occurrences are bound to happen. Whales leap from the surface just offshore, tail-slapping the surface on reentry. Bamboo forests harbor hidden oasis', with abundant, wild fruit falling off the trees, for the taking. Sunsets rippled with colors that challenge the human processing senses mesh with intricate cloud formations that hug the mountains, and make Haleakala shimmer. Maui invites exploration, by car and or by foot. It's walker and driver friendly. We provide our clients with free Tip Sheets that give details and directions to the best hikes, beaches, and other hidden outposts that open doors to all sorts of adventure.It is a good idea to book your Maui activities ahead of time so that you are assured space on the best activity or tour. You will be able to spend your precious moments on Maui Hawaii actually enjoying your vacation!! There is certainly plenty to see and do on Maui; at last count over 400 vendors providing some 30 different activities and tours which we handle for you. If you're having trouble choosing an activity or simply haven't the time to conduct a search on your own, visit our Maui Activity Desk and I will do the searching for you! The Activity Desk is open from 8 am to 8 pm HST every day. I will get back to you TODAY in one way or another. Maui Activity Suggestions for Must-Do Activities (Courtesy of Maui Activities) With so much to see and do on Maui, our Activities staff is here to help you make the most of your precious time. Please keep in mind that all tours and activities must be booked in advance. Reservations are made at Maui Activities Booking . There are no vouchers to pick up. We will email you a confirmation with all relevant information. We are providing this service free of charge and can assure you the very best activities at the very same prices that you would be charged by calling each vendor directly. Have a wonderful, exciting vacation! Maui Luau (Hawaiian party) Activities POLYNESIAN STYLE LUAU RIGHT ON KAANAPALI BEACH AT THEMARRIOTT Open bar with tropical cocktails, Imu and torchlighting ceremonies, luau buffet, authentic hula show, magnificent oceanfront seating, and an exciting fire knife dancer are all included with this beachside luau. This luau is excellent for kids of all ages and therefore one of the Maui activities for the family. Maui Sail Activities GEMINI CHARTERS PICNIC SNORKEL SAIL Explore the pristine waters of Honolua Bay (summer) or an equally nice West Maui snorkel spot in the winter on the 64' catamaran Gemini! 4 & 1/2 hours of snorkeling, sailing, hot buffet lunch (mahi mahi, teriyaki chicken, rice pilaf, veggis/dip, chips, pb&j for the kids, cookies), and open bar await you with the friendly, fun crew of the Gemini. Easy beach boarding right in front of the Westin hotel on Kaanapali Beach. Other features include glass bottom ports for non-snorkelers, shaded/large central cabin, all snorkel gear (instruction included) and floatation devices, fresh water rinse and complimentary parking at the Westin Hotel. CHAMPAGNE SUNSET SAIL Beachloading in front of the Westin Hotel on Kaanapali Beach. 2 hour sunset sail, includes cocktails and pupus. TERALANI CATAMARANS WEST MAUI SNORKEL SAIL ON THE TERALANI From the beach in front of Leilani's at Whaler's Village in Kaanapali. Four and a half hours on the water as we explore the Westside of Maui in clear, unspoiled water. We provide all equipment, snorkeling lessons, deli style lunch, beer, wine, Mai Tais and sodas. PREMIER SNORKEL SAIL AND DOLPHIN SEARCH on the BRAND NEW TERALANI 2 From the beach in front of Leilani's at Whaler's Village in Kaanapali. Six hours on the water as we explore the island of Lanai in clear, unspoiled water. For these activities we provide all equipment, snorkeling lessons, BBQ lunch, beer, wine, Mai Tais and sodas. ORIGINAL SUNSET SAIL From the beach in front of Leilani's at Whaler's Village in Kaanapali. 2 hour sunset sail, includes cocktails and pupus. DINNER SUNSET SAIL From the beach in front of Leilani's at Whaler's Village in Kaanapali. 2 1/2 hour Sunset Sail, includes cocktails and buffet dinner. Maui Whale Activities WHALE WATCHING (seasonal from December through May)Whale Watching is one of the most impressive Maui activities. From the beach in front of Leilani's at Whaler's Village in Kaanapali. MORNING WHALE WATCH: Two hours from 8:00am-10:00am with continental breakfast. ORIGINAL SUNSET WHALE WATCH: Two hours from 4:00pm-6:00pm (times vary with the sunset) with cocktails and pupus. Experienced naturalists will give you an up close and personal look into the lives and curious behaviors of the humpback whale. DINNER SUNSET WHALE WATCH: Two and 1/2 hours from 3:30pm-6:00pm (times vary with the sunset). Maui Tour Activities SAIL TO MOLOKINI TO SNORKEL ON THE WORLD FAMOUS TRILOGY TOURS Enjoy this 5 hour cruise to the infamous, marine preserve Molokini Crater. This crescent shaped island is home to thousands of tame fish and other marine life. The crystal clear water can provide up to 200 feet of serene visibility! Sail aboard the first class tour company Trilogy. Service is impeccable and you will be enjoying a hot cinnamon roll breakfast, and then snorkel the wonderful waters of Molokini. A BBQ lunch and beverages are included in these activiteies as is all snorkel gear and instruction on this deluxe ocean adventure. Sail back to Maalaea Harbor! Certified and Introductory dives also available on this trip for an additional cost. SNORKEL LANAI WITH THE WORLD FAMOUS TRILOGY TOURS! Get away for a day on a sailing catamaran departing Lahaina Harbor. Hot cinnamon rolls/continental breakfast served on board. A van tour of Lanai town is next on the agenda for those who wish followed by snorkeling in the unspoiled waters off of the island of Lanai in Manele Bay with a scrumptious BBQ lunch served on Trilogy1s own private pavilion in Manele Harbor. Icy cold refreshments available throughout. Enjoy sailing back to Maui. Certified and introductory diving available for an additional cost. Maui Sea and Water Activities BEYOND MOLOKINI AND LA PEROUSE--A BLUE WATER RAFTING ADVENTURE For those who like the wind in their hair and the seas a little wilder, this is the snorkel trip for you. Three Maui activities to choose from. The Kanaio Coast trip (4 hours), the Molokini Express trip (2 hours) or thecombination of the two (5 hours). The weather dictates the snorkel sites on the Kanaio Coast portion with possibilities of the La Perouse Bay, Ahihi Bay or Turtle Arches. Lunch and beverages are included on the Kanai Coast trip. The Molokini Express trip goes straight out to Molokini after most of the other boats have left to go to their second destination leaving Molokini much less crowded than an earlier morning trip. Includes beverages. The combination tour obviously combines the above two tours with 3-4 snorkel spots. Snorkel gear is provided for all tours. You can plan on getting wet on these rafts and going for a wild ride so no folks with bad backs, neck problems, or pregnant women please! Departs from the South Kihei Boat Ramp at 7:00 am. Kanaio Coast/Molokini: UFO PARASAILING Right on Kaanapali Beach, soar above it all with an experienced crew and the latest in lift-off and landing technology. Fly away in ease and comfort, alone or with a companion. 400 feet for seven minutes: 800 feet for ten minutes: Available from 8:00am - 5:00pm. DEEP SEA FISHING WITH MARLIN MISCHIEF REEL in a big one! Prime Hawaiian game fish include Mahi Mahi, Ono, Ahi, and the Pacific Marlin. ATLANTIS SUBMARINE RIDE This 46 passenger, air-conditioned submarine dives down to 120 feet in order to show you the marine life for which Hawaii is famous. On the 45 minute dive, enjoy the excitement of being on a real submarine! SEA KAYAKING WITH SOUTH PACIFIC KAYAKS Explore the beautiful coastline of Maui and encounter sea turtles and dolphins and do some snorkeling during these activities! Two and half hours to six hour trips available in South Maui including locations such as La Perouse Bay and Makena Landing (Turtle Town). Sodas/snacks/snorkel gear provided. ADVENTURE RAFTING WITH ULTIMATE RAFTING FULL DAY LANAI DOLPHIN SNORKEL ACTIVITIES Snorkel usually 3 different spots around the pristine coastline of Lanai. Search for dolphins and cliff dwelling birds along with turtles and fish found nowhere else in the world. All gear and instruction included. Breakfast, deli style lunch, snacks and beverages are also included. 7:00 am-1:30pm. 1/2 DAY LANAI DOLPHIN SNORKEL: Same as 3/4 day with a minimum of 2 spots. Snacks and beverages are included. 8:30am-12:30pm or 12:30pm-4:30pm. SNORKEL MOLOKINI WITH THE NATURALISTS OF PACIFIC WHALE FOUNDATION! Enjoy this 5 hour cruise to the infamous, marine preserve Molokini Crater. This crescent shaped island is home to thousands of tame fish and other marine life. The crystal clear water can provide up to 200 feet of serene visibility! Enjoy a continental breakfast, and then snorkel the wonderful waters of Molokini. A deli style, lunch, beer, wine and beverages are included as is all snorkel gear and instruction on this deluxe ocean adventure. SEMI-SUBMARINE EXCURSION ON THE REEF DANCER Every seat is a window seat on this air-conditioned semi-submarine vessel with surround viewing in its underwater cabin. The 60 or 90 minute tours are expertly narrated and include a dive show with the diver bringing underwater critters right up to the underwater cabin windows. Direct boarding from Lahaina Harbor. 60 minute tours at three times daily and one 90 minute tour daily. Under water Maui activities without getting wet. Maui Land Activities UPCOUNTRY OR HALEKALA CRATER HORSEBACK RIDING WITH PONY EXPRESS Experience the quiet beauty of Maui and leave the crowds behind in this relaxing activity. Meet at their upcountry booth on the drive up to Haleakala Crater to check in for all rides. Introductory Rides at 3:00 pm. Picnic Lunch Rides at 11:30 am. Paniolo Rides at 9:00. Half Day Junction Rides in the crater at 9:15. BIKE DOWN THE VOLCANO WITH MAUI DOWNHILL Ascend the 10,023 feet of Haleakala"s summit in order to see one of the most beautiful dawns on earth. Then, enjoy a 38-mile bicycle tour that is all downhill! Glide through several climate zones, with incredible views, as you coast all the way to sea level. Tours include round-trip transportation, riding attire, breakfast, and instruction. Sunrise: Approx 2:30am-11:00am. Day Tour Approx. 7:00am - 3:00pm HELICOPTER TOURS WITH SUNSHINE HELICOPTERS One of the Top activities on Maui. Fly in an A-Star helicopter with air-conditioning, stereo headphones, and state-of-the-art video equipment. See Haleakala Crater and the beautiful Hana rainforest by air, or fly to Molokai to see the tallest sea cliffs in the world! Hana and Haleakala (45 minutes); Complete Island (60 minutes) , West Maui and Molokai (60 minutes) Helicopter Rides are available 8:00am - 5:00pm. HANA PICNIC TOUR WITH TEMPTATION TOURS Full day van tours to the Hana rainforest are available daily. See the most beautiful area of the Valley Isle without having to drive the 'Hana Highway' yourself! Magnificent waterfalls, exotic flowers, and black sand beaches provide the scenic beauty you will never forget. Swim in a waterfall and walk on a black sand beach. A gourmet picnic lunch (incl. smoked chicken and pasta salad) is served on china and linen. This is the first-class way to enjoy the road to Hana! Limousine/Van tours. 7:00am to 5:30pm. HANA SKY TREK WITH TEMPTATION TOURS THIS IS THE ULTIMATE LAND/AIR TOUR AT A GREAT PRICE Combine a 40-minute Helicopter tour of Haleakala Crater and the Hana rainforest with a deluxe five hour limo-van tour. See it all from the air and then land in Hana to swim in a waterfall and walk on a black sand beach. A gourmet picnic lunch (incl. smoked chicken and pasta salad) is served on china and linen. Half-day sky trek tours: 7:00am-1:15pm or 11:15am-5:30pm. MAUI CAVE ADVENTURES Hike with experienced guides deep into the huge subterranean passages of one of the world1s largest lava tubes. Witness this ancient cavern system replete with stalactites, stalagmites and beautiful flowstone appearing as if it were still liquid, now solidified for 30,000 years. Enjoy the one hour lava tube tour which is one of the excellent family activities! Most of the cave is easy walking, while certain sections have irregular terrain and natural lava rock steps where the trail ascends or descends. The Two Hour 'Wild' Lava Tube Tour is an exploration unlike anything you've ever done. Geared for the physically athletic only. You'll be crawling through tight spots into pristine passages and climbing a ladder to an 'overtube' on this tour. All participants must be physically fit. Flashlights, gloves, and hardhats provided on both tours and water/energy bars provided on the two hour tour. Children must be 9 years or older for the One Hour Tour and 16 years or older for the two Hour Tour.ALL PRICES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. PRICES DO NOT INCLUDE STATE AND HARBOR TAXES. 24 HOUR CANCELLATION POLICY FOR ALL MAUI ACTIVITIES (A FEW HAVE 48 HOUR CANCELLATION POLICIES). Tom Barefoot Cashback Tours 1-800-580-5933 Your Maui concierge © 1998-2006 ParadiseMaui.Com. All rights reserved

Hawaii Travel Tips Sharing

Hawaii's Official Tourism Site - Travel info for your Oahu vacation Choose a Category Calendar of Events Accommodations Activities & Attractions Dining Golf Services & Information Shopping Transportation Travel Professionals Weddings & Honeymoons Free Visitors Guide Hawaii Travel Tips Sharing Aloha Choose an Island All Islands Kauai Oahu Molokai Lanai Maui Hawaii's Big Island Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 04 05 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 04 05 Help me find... Calendar of Events Accommodations Activities & Attractions Dining Golf Services & Information Shopping Transportation Travel Professionals Weddings & Honeymoons Free Visitors Guide Hawaii Travel Tips Sharing Aloha Alternate Search Oahu is the most popular of the Hawaiian Islands and it’s easy to understand why – there’s so much to do on Oahu! With Waikiki as a central hub, you can explore the legendary North Shore of Oahu one day, and spend the next day on the east side snorkeling at Hanauma Bay, a protected marine sanctuary with tons of colorful fish. It’s clear that Oahu offers just the right amount of diversity for the adventurous as well as the cautious visitor. Thrill seekers can skydive at Mokuleia while daydreamers can relax peacefully on the beach. Exquisite dining and exciting nightlife also entice people to Oahu again and again. > learn more about Oahu M EETINGS & C ONVENTIONS | T RAVEL T RADE R ESOURCES | M EDIA C OMMUNICATIONS Corporate Information | Contact Us | Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | ©2005 Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

Hawaii's Volcano Parks Let Visitors Go With The Flow Welcome to TBO.com. Skip directly to: our Keyword Search , Section Navigation , Content . TBO.com Life TBO.com WFLA The Tampa Tribune Search: Keyword Site News | Weather | Hurricane Guide | Things to Do | Sports | Jobs | Cars | Homes | Shopping | Classified Travel TBO.com Life Travel Hawaii's Volcano Parks Let Visitors Go With The Flow Skip directly to the full story . By TANYA BRICKING LEACH For The Associated Press Published: Dec 18, 2005 ADVERTISEMENT More from this channel: This feature requires the Macromedia Flash Plugin. Please visit http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer to download this plugin. Search our archives: Type keyword(s) 30 days 6 months 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 All Past 7 days most viewed | Tribune archive from 1990 VOLCANO, HAWAII - About the time jagged edges started poking through my T-shirt as I wormed my way through a tight spot in a lava tube, I began to wonder: What am I doing here? We could have been relaxing on the famous Green Sand Beach at South Point of the Big Island of Hawaii. But in the spirit of adventure, we were instead exploring the world underground. I had convinced my husband that it would be neat to go hiking to see flowing lava at the Kilauea Volcano on the first night of our weekend getaway, and then get up early the next morning to go caving in 1,000-year-old lava tubes. He was agreeable, even after twisting his ankle on the initial hiking excursion, which lasted past midnight. Once we got back to our cabin at Volcanoes National Park, we understood why each room had a Jacuzzi. But we weren't about to let our sore muscles get the best of us. Watching the orange glow of waxy-looking lava hiss into the ocean had intoxicated us. We wanted to see tunnels formed by the molten stuff. The Dawn Patrol So we caught just enough sleep to wake at the crack of dawn and drive to South Point in search of a labyrinth of lava tubes at a place called Kula Kai Caverns. To get there, we punched in a pass code and entered a remote neighborhood built on lava rock. Then we saw our guide's landmark, a thatched hut that looked like something out of "Gilligan's Island." Our tour guide, Kathlyn Richardson, led us into the yurt and handed us spelunking helmets, lights, gloves and kneepads to gear up. We looked like coal miners without the soot, and we were about to go on a two-hour spelunking tour. So she tested us a little. Would we like to try shimmying up parts of the cave and crawling around in tunnels? We were game. Let me just say my previous experience in caves was limited to a guided tour years earlier on a heavily traveled pathway at Kentucky's Mammoth Cave. Although it is considered the granddaddy of American caves - and the longest cave in the world - I saw only the easy-access "tourist" part of it. No shimmying through narrow passageways was involved. And I had seen Thurston Lava Tube, a major attraction on the drive around Crater Rim Drive at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. But that was just a peek into a cavelike shell. I had never seen much of caves or could explain the difference between stalactites and stalagmites. Somehow, the idea of exploring a pitch-black volcanic cavern still appealed to me. That's just the kind of tourist Kula Kai Cavern founder Ric Elhard wants to educate. "I started crawling around in caves when I was 12 years old," said Elhard, a California native who bought property on the Big Island because he knew there were caves underneath it. He and other cavers have since mapped out miles of lava tubes that crisscross the area. "We're not doing big numbers, but we saw huge potential," Elhard said. "We want to be more of an educational tour. We want people to learn and understand about the archaeological aspects of caves." Treks Of Your Choice He and other guides lead small groups, even children as young as 5, through parts of the caves on tours that last from easy half-hour strolls to more challenging half-day explorations. When my husband and I were there, it was just the two of us, following Richardson into a braided maze she knew by heart and getting a taste of massive chambers and small spaces formed by volcanic gases rising through cooling magma 1,000 years ago. A National Park tour, it is not. It's a fledgling operation that's loosely organized, and sometimes the battery-powered lights on the well-used equipment go out. But it's definitely an adventure tour. We broke a sweat, despite the cool 68-degree temperature inside the cave, and had to watch our footing navigating craggy rocks that seemed to grow out from above and below. One of the most interesting parts was when we turned off our head lamps and sat in the dark, listening closely to dripping water and the sound of ourselves breathing. I'll admit I liked climbing and scrambling over loose rocks much better than belly-crawling through the tight spots. The crawling part made me think about being swallowed by hot lava as I tried to untangle myself from its pointy fingers. Underground Point Of View But squirming around on my hands and knees gave me a feeling not just for overcoming claustrophobia, but also for looking at a volcanic island from a different perspective. I thought about the cave dwellers who must have used the spaces for shelter. I wondered how long the kukui nuts, which contained oil that Hawaiians used to light like candles, had been left on the rock shelves that we passed. I pictured the lava flowing through the walls I could now touch. The tour captured my imagination. Yes, I could have spent the day relaxing on the beach. What I did instead made me feel like an explorer. And to me, discovering a world I had never seen before made the vacation feel complete. FOR LOVE OF LAVA KULA KAI CAVERNS AND LAVA TUBES: www.kulakai caverns.com or (808) 929-7539. Located off Highway 11 in Ocean View, Hawaii. Tours by appointment ranging from $15 half-hour walking tours to $95 half-day tours. The two-hour spelunking tour is $65. Discounts for Hawaii residents and groups. Wear a T-shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes. WHERE TO STAY: For the full Kilauea experience, stay in a B&B in Volcano Village or in a cabin at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. •Carson's Volcano Cottages: www.carsonscottage.com or 1-800-845-5282 or (808) 967-7683. B&B accommodations, from one-room spaces to family cottages with kitchens and storybook cottages nestled in the tropical rain forest. Breakfast is served in a dining room beside the fire. Rates range from $115 to $170 a night. •Volcano House: (808) 967-7321. This historical hotel sits on the edge of a crater, and the rooms are heated by volcanic steam. Rooms range from $95 to $225. Its cabins are among the few available in the park, but the rooms are a bit worn. Cabins are $50. •Kilauea Military Camp: www.kmc-volcano.com or (808) 967-8333. A joint services recreation center in Volcanoes National Park, open to military members and Department of Defense workers and retirees. Rates are based on rank, and accommodations range from dorms to cottages. WHERE TO EAT: After a spelunking tour, drive to the Kona side of the island for food. •The Coffee Shack: A casual coffeehouse with a sweeping view of the ocean. The staff is friendly, and the portions are big. •Cafe Pesto in Hilo: Whether you're in Kawaihae near the harbor on the scenic South Kohala coast or in historic Hilo on the Big Island's east side, find this restaurant. It has gourmet pizzas, an assortment of pasta and seafood. Most items are about $10. •Ken's House of Pancakes: Ken's is like a local Denny's. It's open 24 hours a day, and most items are less than $7. Write a letter to the editor | Subscribe to the Tribune | Place an Ad Online TBO.com AdLinks Site Tools Advertise with us Web site feedback Make TBO.com my homepage RSS Feeds: Feed for this channel All feeds/RSS FAQ Most Popular: This feature requires the Macromedia Flash Plugin. Please visit http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer to download this plugin. 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