Hawaii (Page 1 of 2): The Big Island of Hawaii
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These pictures were taken on the big island of Hawaii on Monday, April 25, 2005 and Tuesday, April 26, 2005.
The first photo is of Akaka falls. This waterfall drops 442 ft. into the water below. It can be found by taking route 19 north from Hilo for about 15 miles to route 220. There are a few more miles of driving on route 220 to reach Akaka Falls State Park.
The second photo was taken just off of route 19 somewhere to the north of Kailua-Kona, which is on the west side of the island. It shows the sharp contrast in weather that exists from one end of the island to the other. This photo shows the dry and desert-like environment that exists on the west (leeward) side of the volcanoes. Tropical rain forests are found on the east (windward) side of the volcanoes.
The third photo shows a lone tree growing out of the hardened lava that now covers what once was the town of Kalapana. Kalapana was completely destroyed by a flow of lava from the Kīlauea volcano in 1990. It is interesting to note, however, that people are again building homes on this site! I spoke to a man who now lives there. He says that he will be able to move his home out if the lava flows return. He also says that he can see the red-hot glows of the lava flows as he looks to the west at night.
The fourth image is of the Pu`u `O`o volcano. I flew over it in a small airplane. The volcano is located approximately 10 miles to the east of the Kīlauea Caldera, and about 20 miles south of Hilo. It is currently active.
The fifth image is a closer look at the Pu`u `O`o volcano. If you look very closely, you will be able to see the red glows of the lava flowing within the crater.
