Volcano acting up

[JerryCarr]

Glen, the Bear and I were in the National Park on the 13th, and a ranger told us that the glow was usually visible after dark from the Pu'u Huluhulu overlook. In case you haven't been there before, here are directions:

Take Chain of Craters Road about five miles down to the Mauna Ulu parking area, which is a left turn and is sign posted. Park and go to the far end of the paved area where there is a trail head. There is a sign with a map, but the trail is well marked and fairly easy to follow. The last few hundred yards are a steep climb up to a viewing area.

It is best to go before dark. That way you only have to make the approximately mile and a quarter hike one way in the dark. Of course you will need good flashlights for the return hike. We have been there many times for the Pu'u O'o views and plan to go for the new eruption soon.

BTW. Bear and I have made the hike up to the summit of Mauna Ulu several times. It is stunning! A very deep steaming pit crater, rivers of "frozen" red lava, and fabulous views. Unfortunately the current eruption is not visible from Mauna Ulu. The rangers do not recommend this hike, but neither do they forbid it. Odd, that. Since there is NO marked trail, I would only do this in full DAYLIGHT, and it is another mile and a half beyond Pu'u Huluhulu, making a five to six mile total hike, depending on how much you wander around the summit.

Cheers,
Jerry



Edited by - JerryCarr on 08/20/2007 16:16:51

Edited by - JerryCarr on 08/20/2007 16:18:47

Edited by - JerryCarr on 08/20/2007 16:19:55