One Park, Many Landscapes

I am always amazed by the varying landscapes in Volcano National Park. Chris and I camped down there a few weekends ago. A highlight for me was driving up Mauna Loa Road, which I had never done. Rich green grass and towering native trees thrive on old volcanic soil in kipukas that more recent lava flows failed to engulf. Most of the drive is over new, rough lava and vegetation varies greatly. Inside the park, a wet fern forest gives way to Ka`u desert, huge, steaming craters, mountain views, a rugged coast and even a beautiful white sand beach for those willing to do a little back country hiking. Chris and I walked to a distant overlook of the active Pu`u O`o vent and we also climbed up a volcanic cone where steam escapes from cracks near vent. Crazy weird may be the best way to describe the terrain.

Trees create a tunnel around Mauna Loa Road in one of the kipukas.

Chris prepares to huck a rock into the volcanic crater below.

Enjoying the thick, cushy grass growing in the kipuka.