Pele´s Fire and Myths - Kilauea Volcano
J 1: Arrival in Hilo
Arrival in Hilo, transfer to the hotel and welcome dinner; -optional afternoon visit to the National Park and introduction.
J 2: Kilauea Iki eruption site - Volcano winery
Morning hike along the Kilauea Iki trail to discover the volcanic deposits of the spectacular 1959 eruption. After a good lunch in Volcano we visit the local winery and have an early dinner near the hotel.
J 3: Halema´uma´u at sunrise - exploring Kilauea caldera
Night sky observation and sunrise above the caldera is followed by a copious breakfast, exploration of the northern rim of the summit caldera, light lunch in Hilo and a relaxing afternoon.
J 4: Lava caves and Mauna Ulu eruption site
Morning visit of the unique underground world of lava tubes and their intricate features, lunch in Volcano and afternoon exploration of the Chain of Craters Road with the Mauna Ulu eruption site, lava trees and petroglyphs.
J 5: Observing Kilauea´s ongoing eruption
This day is dedicated to trying to spot some red hot lava! Depending on the current activity of Kilauea volcano you can undertake optional excursions such as a helicopter ride, ocean boat tour or overland hike to active lava flows. Parts of this day can also be used to explore areas of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park that have not been covered in the previous days or to visit the Botanical gardens and waterfalls near Hilo.
J 6: Green sand beach and Punalu´u sea turtles
Morning drive to the southernmost point of the Big Island and hike to the famous green sand beach where we have a pick-nick lunch. On the way back to Hilo we take a scenic road and make a stop at the black sand beach to watch sea turtles.
J 7: Departure or own extension
After breakfast you will be transferred to Hilo airport or a nearby starting point for your own extension.
Encadrement
This volcano adventure will be guided by Belgian volcanologist
Ingrid Smet who has a university degree in geology and completed a PhD on active volcanoes in Greece. She likes to share her passion about geology and love for nature with anyone interested to learn more - enthusiastically translating her scientific knowledge to a broad audience.
As the newest member of the VolcanoDiscovery team Ingrid started out helping Tom with the organisation of our tours and the website design as well as co-authoring our ´Volcano Discoveries´ photography book. Meanwhile she is the destination manager for all our tours in Ethiopia, DR Congo, Hawaii and Iceland which she sometimes (co-)guides besides acting as an extra geologist tour guide when we travel with larger groups. Besides her Dutch mother tongue Ingrid also speaks fluent English and she can communicate in French and German.
Ingrid on one of her trips to Stromboli volcano, Italy