*This story was updated on Dec. 24, 2025. A year ago on Dec. 23, 2024, one of the world’s most active volcanoes awoke. That morning, lava fountains spewed from a line of fissures at the base of the summit caldera. Declared episode one, the event was only a prelude to a series of dramatic eruptions at Kīlauea in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Prior to that, the […]
People travel thousands of miles to reach Hawaiʻi—one of the most isolated landmasses on Earth. Its eight main islands help form a 1,500-mile archipelago, the longest island chain in the world. Aptly nicknamed, the Big Island is the largest of Hawaiʻi’s islands and home to one of the most varied climate ranges anywhere. The island itself
Ever heard of the phrase, “Leave No Trace”? It’s an accepted set of seven principles—a mantra in national parks and other protected outdoor spaces—that remind visitors to minimize their impact on the environment. One of those principles can directly be applied to national parks in Hawai‘i: Leave what you find. For decades, people have taken
As the scientist-in-charge at the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory on Hawai‘i Island, Ken Hon has a much more exciting job than most of us. After all, he’s working on an island with two of the most active volcanoes in the world: Kīlauea and Mauna Loa. Hon, who grew up in Colorado, first moved to Hawai‘i Island
Kīlauea volcano erupts once more on the Big Island, this time being contained primarily to Halemaʻumaʻu Crater. The Hawaiʻi Island shield volcano, which last erupted in January of 2023 before showing heightened signs of unrest in May, is once again filling Halemaʻumaʻu Crater with pools of lava and it is quite the spectacle. The eruption
It’s no wonder why Hawaiʻi is considered one of the most romantic places on the planet. Stunning sunsets, secluded beaches, luxurious resorts and intimate restaurants that make you feel extra special—the Islands offer the perfect backdrop for romance. The rest, though, is up to you. Read More: 7 Romantic Spots in Hawaiʻi Perfect for Couples 1.
At a glance, Leʻahi (Diamond Head) amazes visitors and locals with its raw beauty and natural splendor. And the same can be said for many Hawaiʻi landmarks, like Kukaʻemoku (ʻIao Needle) and Mokoliʻi Island. But behind the visual appeal, many of the landmarks hold historic and cultural value to Native Hawaiians, often being important figures
Updated Monday, Jan. 9 at 10 a.m. On Jan. 5, Kīlauea resumed erupting within Halemaʻumaʻu after pausing on Dec. 9, 2022. All eruptive activity has been confined to the crater. KĪLAUEA DAILY UPDATE Sun., Jan. 8, 2023, 7:45 AM HST Eruption of lava from vents in the east-central portion of Halemaʻumaʻu crater floor continued; active lava area
Don’t get confused: Hawaiʻi Island is not where Honolulu is. (That’s Oʻahu.) But this is the island that’s home to an active volcano—Kīlauea—and the world’s tallest mountain (from base to peak)—Mauna Kea. It’s often referred to as the Big Island, and for good reason. Spanning 10,931 square miles, Hawaiʻi Island is nearly twice as big
Following an 18-day closure, the popular Nāhuku lava tube in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park has reopened after the National Park Service deemed it safe enough for visitors to return. The walk-through lava tube—formerly known as the Thurston Lava Tube—had been moving more than usual. Park officials were concerned the tube was widening, making the large
Two areas on Hawaiʻi Island—both ecologically and culturally important—will now be managed by a government agency, with the hopes of protecting these natural resources. A roughly 1,260-acre parcel in Waiea on the western flank of Mauna Loa has been designated as part of the State Natural Area Reserve (NAR) system managed by the Hawaiʻi Department
It seems like everything grows on Hawai‘i Island, from coffee beans to sweet potatoes, and nowhere is that more apparent than in Hilo. Gorgeously lush, the town features a distinctly overgrown aesthetic with small businesses, shops and natural wonders around every corner. And even if you travel a few miles out of town, you’ll find
