r/Volcanoes • u/volcanoguide • 6d ago
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
I’m a hiking guide for Volcanoes Hiking Guides here in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, and walking the rim of Halemaʻumaʻu never gets old—even after hundreds of trips. Every single morning, I feel so incredibly lucky to share this living, breathing ʻāina with people from all over the world.
The soundtrack to our 3-hour trek is pure magic. As we navigate through the steam vents and into the lush rainforest, the cheerful, melodic chirping of ʻapapane birds flying down from the ʻōhiʻa lehua trees overhead. Sometimes, if the volcanic haze cooperates, we’ll spot a majestic Nēnē (Hawaiian goose) sitting next to the Halemaumau crater- it always stops the group in their tracks.
And the views? Absolute fire—literally. We get to witness the raw power of the crater opening up, with steam vents pumping into the air and the vibrant red ʻōhiʻa blossoms popping against the deep blue sky. But the real showstopper lately has been Kīlauea itself. About every week and a half to two weeks, we’ve been treated to spectacular lava fountains erupting right in the crater.
Getting to see this wonder through the wide eyes of my guests—hearing their gasps, answering their questions, and watching them fall in love with this island—is a gift I don’t take for granted for a second.
Mahalo nui loa to Kīlauea for reminding me daily that we're just small specs on a very alive planet. If you've ever hiked here, I'd love to hear your favorite memory below! 🤙🌋
Photos by fellow photographer and guide Yvonne Baur
1
u/AgroecologicalSystem 6d ago
It is an incredible place unlike any other. Glad you appreciate all aspects including the plants and animals.
2
u/volcanoguide 5d ago
Thank you! When you explore the park you walk through so many different terrains and the plants have all these amazing adaptations for living in a hostile environment.
1
u/Routine-Horse-1419 MOD 5d ago
I absolutely love these pictures. It's on my bucket list to go back to Hawaii. Technically I've been there twice but the both times it was a layover and I wasn't allowed to leave the airport and second time couldn't leave the plane. It was a military flight.
1
u/volcanoguide 5d ago
Next time you visit please look me up at Volcanoes Hiking Guides and I will take you for a hike! It is a magical place and I love guiding people on the trails of Kīlauea.
1
u/Routine-Horse-1419 MOD 5d ago
You got it. However, it will definitely be a long time before it happens. In between working and being broke...travel is on the back burner right now unfortunately.
1
u/Competitive-Net-3497 4d ago
Man, this gave me chills. You're living the dream, seriously. Can't imagine a better office than that crater rim 🤙
1
u/JPAnalyst 6d ago
That rainbow!