What can I do from Hawaii's Big Island vacation rentals? oSee molten lava flow at Kilauea volcano in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park oPlay in the snow atop Mauna Kea, the world's tallest mountain (measured from the ocean floor) Hawaii emerged from the sea millions of years ago, forged by the power of volcanoes.
Today, Kilauea on Hawaii's Big Island is one of the few places in the world where visitors can come face to face with an active volcano.
This once in a lifetime chance to safely explore one of the world's most active volcanoes makes Hawaii a destination unlike any other.
Remember the volcanoes at your school science fair? Unlike those steep, conical peaks, Hawaii's main volcanoes are "shield" volcanoes.
Shield volcanoes produce generally fluid lava flows that form gently sloping shield-like mountains.
A good example is Mauna Loa, the most massive mountain on earth, deceptively covering half of Hawaii's Big Island.
There are currently three active volcanoes in Hawaii.
On Hawaii's Big Island you'll find Mauna Loa and Kilauea in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
Mauna Loa last erupted in 1984 and Kilauea has been continuously erupting since 1983.
Loihi is located underwater off the southern coast of Hawaii's Big Island.
Erupting since 1996, this emerging land mass may break the surface in about 250,000 years, adding a ninth island to the Hawaiian chain.
Today, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is Hawaii's #1 visitor attraction.
This 377 square mile park on Hawaii's Big Island is a living museum where visitors can witness the power of Hawaii's volcanoes in surprisingly intimate ways.
You'll feel great mana, or spiritual power, here as you hike along rocky trails and desolate deserts that in time will flourish and thrive with new life.
Mauna Kea is a dormant volcano that last erupted approximately 4000 years ago.
Located in the central Big Island near popular Hawaiian vacation rentals, it sits north of Mauna Loa, the world's most massive mountain.
At 13,796 feet above sea level and over 33,000 feet from the bottom of the ocean floor, Mauna Kea is the tallest sea mountain in the world, even taller than Mt.
Everest.
Yes, it does snow in Hawaii.
Mauna Kea means "white mountain" in Hawaiian because its peaks are often blanketed in snow during the winter months.
It is possible to ski here, but due to the high altitude, extreme conditions, and short season, it isn't recommended for the casual skier.
Instead, visitors can travel up Mauna Kea to gain access to unparalleled stargazing.
Because of its combination of high altitude, clear air, and absence of light, Mauna Kea is home to many international observatories.
The W.
M.
Keck Observatory on the summit of Mauna Kea is home to the twin Keck Telescopes, the world's largest optical and infrared telescopes.
Take a guided tour or learn about Mauna Kea and its observatories at the Onizuka Center for International Astronomy Visitor Information Center, which is named after Kona raised astronaut Ellison Onizuka, who lost his life in the Challenger Shuttle tragedy.
Bring the family and see why stargazing atop Mauna Kea is such an unforgettable experience.
And when it comes to unforgettable Hawaii accommodation, come to the acknowledged experts in the Hawaii travel field - us!