Visiting the Volcano

3 different ways to experience Kilauea perfect for you

The Legend of Pele

Growing up in Hawaii, you learn about Hawaiian history, culture and mythology. Lots of scary stories are told around a campfire. Night Marchers are spirits of fallen Hawaiian soldiers that come out when there is a full moon. If you hear them, you’re supposed to lie face down and shut your eyes. Or, there’s the ghost in the ladies' bathroom at the old Waialae Drive-In theater, a pale female figure with no face where her eyes and mouth should be.

By far, the most well known spooky legend is Pele, the goddess of volcanos, creation and dance. Check out this photo taken at Kilaeua by one of Eddie’s friend’s husband’s friend…who wanted to remain anonymous, thus the triple possessive apostrophes. Do you see her, Pele the goddess?

Photographer wished to remain anonymous.

She’s famous for her intense love and fiery jealousy. She supposedly hitchhikes on Saddle Road as you drive from Waikoloa to Hilo towards the volcano. She gets into your backseat as a beautiful woman in white with long dark hair, but after a while driving you look back in your rear view mirror and she’s gone. Pick the wrong flower, and Pele causes it to rain. Pick up lava rock to take home, and Pele causes weird misfortune in your life from flat tires to lost jobs.

Supposedly, Volcano National Park has a return rock mailbox full of sad apology letters with mailed back rocks and notes like “I’m so sorry. Please stop haunting me.”

https://www.waikoloabeachresort.com/naupaka_news/letters-to-a-goddess/

Suffice to say, respect the land and you’ll be just fine!

Is Kilauea the Most Accessible Live Volcano?

Kilauea might have the best ‘fun to chore’ ratio of any live volcano in the world.

Per Grok, the top five most accessible volcanos from Chicago with great lava/eruption for photo/video opportunities are…

1. Kilauea, Hawaii USA: 8-10 hour flight, ~2 hour drive, 10-30 min easy walk

2. Mount Etna, Sicily, Italy: 11 hours flying, ~2 hours drive, 3 hour of hiking

3. Stromboli, Aeolian Islands, Italy: 11 hours flying, 4 hour boat, 1 hour hike

4. Yasu, Vanuatu: 20-25 hours flying, 45 minute drive, 15 min walk

5. Nyiragongo, Congo: 22 hours flying, 6 hour drive, 7 hour hike

So if you’re already planning a multi-family, milestone VRBO trip to the Big Island, visiting the KilaueaVolcano should be on your list.

Here’s how to tailor the trip to you and your party and get the most out of it!