Crater Rim Trail

There is a trail that runs along the crater rim. We stopped at numerous points along the way. Not all overlooks are named, and as you work your way away from the end of the road, you get further away from the former lava lake. All the views were incredible, but we most preferred the ones that were close to the rim and near the lake 

Kīlauea Overlook

As we made our way from overlook to overlook along the Crater Rim Drive the wind kept up but the sky got clear. 

The views changed perspective and we got further from the former lava lake.

Uekahuna Overlook

It was a rainy morning as we went exploring in Volcano National Park. We decided to go to the end of the Crater Rim Drive to the overlook. This is where the 2018 earthquake took out the road (it fell into the crater) and damaged the observatory. 

It was pretty foggy and super windy at first.

Then the weather started to clear and we could see the former lava lake and steam coming from the crater.

Rainy Evening

What does one do on a rainy evening? We play games. Several rounds of Rummikub and Gin Rummy.

Plus hot beverages. A drastic change in weather from last week on the beach!

Kīlauea Iki Crater

Despite the rain, we did a bit of exploring. This is the small crater adjacent to the main Kilauea crater. It was foggy, but you get the idea.

There is a hiking trail through the bottom. We are hoping to do that another day.

Thurston Lava Tube

Despite the rain, we went exploring in volcano national park. We did the visitor center and then decided to check out the lava tube. The theory was it would be less wet because it’s underground. While the tube itself is huge in diameter, the section that is open to the public is short, and we were a little underwhelmed. We were hoping for a more cavelike experience and less of a short wander through a tunnel. 

We are definitely in the rainforest!

Here we go…

The tube is from an early lava flow and is lit. 

That’s light, not lava!

Kalij Pheasant

These beautiful birds are everywhere in Volcano. Like pretty much everything, they are an invasive species. We kind of like them.