There are two active volcanoes in the Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park – Mauna Loa and Kilauea. Much of Mauna Loa is closed to visitors due to recent eruption. Kilauea last erupted in October 2023, but there is still a lot of smoke coming out of the crater.This is the state flag of Hawai’i. The Union Jack (British flag) is used because Britain supported King Kamehameha I when he united the Hawaiian islands in 1793. The eight stripes represent the eight major islands of Hawai’i.These are steam vents. The early morning was very dark and rainy, which accented the steam.More steam vents.This is the northern edge of the Halema‘Uma‘U Crater on the Kilauea volcano. Here also, the steam is more pronounced because of the cool, dark and rainy weather.The center of Halema‘Uma‘U Crater.Looking toward the southern rim of Halema‘Uma‘U Crater.This is the entrance to the Thurston Lava Tube.The tube is fairly tall – I did not have to crouch at all to walk through the tube.Just enough light to see my way through the tube.Kilauea Iki crater.Close up of Kilauea Iki crater.Hikers in the Kilauea Iki crater.After the sun came out, we went back to the Halema‘Uma‘U Crater. With the sun out and temperature rising, the smoke was not as pronounced.Close up of Halema‘Uma‘U Crater.Southern rim of Halema‘Uma‘U Crater.From the Volcano House, to the northeast of the Kilauea caldera, this was a pretty impressive view of Halema‘Uma‘U Crater.Zooming in to Halema‘Uma‘U Crater from Volcano House.We were here!
