Volcano Adventures: Thrilling Outdoor Experiences in Hilo's Natural Paradise

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park serves as the crown jewel of any Hilo adventure. As someone who has studied the heavens professionally, I find equal wonder in exploring Earth's geological processes. The park encompasses two active volcanoes—Kilauea and Mauna Loa—offering accessible glimpses into planetary formation that typically requires powerful telescopes to observe elsewhere in our solar system.

During my most recent visit, I spent three days exploring the Chain of Craters Road, which winds 19 miles from the summit of Kilauea down to the sea. The landscape transforms dramatically along this route, from lush rainforest to barren lava fields where previous flows have consumed everything in their path. For night hiking near steam vents or lava viewing, I rely on my headlamp, which offers both standard and red-light modes—the latter preserving night vision for stargazing afterward.

The Jaggar Museum area, though the building itself remains closed after 2018's eruption, provides the safest and most spectacular vantage point for observing Halema'uma'u crater. I recommend bringing a portable chair for comfortable extended viewing—you'll want to stay for hours as daylight fades and the crater's glow intensifies against the darkening sky.

While the celestial bodies I've studied throughout my career remain distant, Hawaii's lava tubes offer the rare opportunity to literally step inside volcanic processes. Thurston Lava Tube (Nāhuku) within the national park provides an accessible introduction, but for couples seeking more adventurous exploration, I recommend venturing to the less-visited Kaumana Caves just outside Hilo.

During my exploration of Kaumana, I was struck by the parallels between these subterranean passages and the celestial tunnels formed by solar magnetic fields that I once studied. Both represent energy pathways of enormous magnitude, though operating at vastly different timescales. The caves extend for miles, though only the first quarter-mile is easily accessible without specialized equipment.

For such explorations, proper footwear is essential. I've found my hiking boots provide the necessary traction on slippery surfaces while protecting against the sharp volcanic rock. Equally important is a reliable flashlight with extended battery life—the darkness within these tubes is absolute, and cellular signals don't penetrate the dense volcanic rock overhead.

No visit to Hilo would be complete without experiencing Mauna Kea, the dormant volcano that rises 13,803 feet above sea level. As an astronomer who has conducted research at observatories worldwide, I find this mountain particularly special—not only for its world-class astronomical facilities but also for the cultural significance it holds for Native Hawaiians as a connection point between earth and sky.

The summit's high altitude, combined with minimal light pollution and stable air conditions, creates one of Earth's premier stargazing locations. While the professional observatories aren't generally open to the public, the Visitor Information Station at 9,200 feet hosts regular stargazing programs. Here, you can observe celestial objects through provided telescopes while knowledgeable staff explain both the scientific and cultural significance of the night sky.

The journey to Mauna Kea's summit requires preparation. Altitude sickness is a genuine concern, so I always recommend spending at least 30 minutes acclimating at the Visitor Information Station before proceeding higher. For the summit's often frigid conditions, I pack my down jacket which provides exceptional warmth while compressing small enough to fit in my daypack when not needed.

For couples interested in photography, the summit offers unparalleled opportunities for astrophotography. I've captured some of my most treasured images here using a sturdy travel tripod to stabilize long exposures in the often windy conditions.

While Hilo's volcanic features rightfully command attention, the interaction between these ancient lava flows and more recent water systems creates equally fascinating landscapes. Wailuku River State Park, just minutes from downtown Hilo, showcases this dynamic through two remarkable features: Rainbow Falls (Waiānuenue) and Boiling Pots (Pe'epe'e Falls).

Rainbow Falls derives its name from the frequent morning rainbows that appear in its mist when the sun hits at just the right angle. As someone accustomed to analyzing light spectra professionally, I find particular delight in these natural prisms. The waterfall plunges 80 feet over an ancient lava cave that, according to Hawaiian mythology, houses Hina, the goddess of the moon—a celestial connection I find particularly meaningful.

Upstream, Boiling Pots presents a series of large pools connected by cascading rapids. These depressions formed when rapidly cooling lava created bubbles and depressions that were later filled by the river. During heavy rains, water churns through these formations, creating the boiling appearance that gives the area its name.

For exploring these areas, particularly after rain when rocks become slippery, I recommend trekking poles for additional stability. When photographing around waterfalls, I protect my electronics with a waterproof phone case that allows touchscreen use while providing complete protection against both water and volcanic grit.

When Kilauea is actively erupting, few experiences rival witnessing molten lava against the night sky. As someone who has spent decades studying celestial light sources, I find Earth's own luminous display equally mesmerizing. The current eruption activity varies, so checking with the National Park Service before planning your visit is essential.

During active periods, several viewing opportunities exist. The most accessible is from designated viewing areas within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. For more adventurous couples, guided hikes to closer viewing locations are available when conditions permit. These typically depart in late afternoon, arriving at optimal viewing locations as darkness falls.

My most profound experiences have come during these nighttime excursions, where the boundary between astronomy and geology seems to dissolve. The incandescent glow of molten rock—reaching temperatures of approximately 2,000°F—illuminates gas plumes from within, creating ethereal formations against the star-filled Hawaiian night.

For these excursions, I rely on my thermal insulated water bottle to keep hydration readily available without condensation issues in the humid environment. I also recommend a cooling towel for managing heat from both volcanic sources and hiking exertion.