The Halema'uma'u crater erupting in the early hours, on the slopes of Kilauea. Before sunrise and after sunset, the fiery glow of the lava lake dyes the steam with vibrant reds and oranges.
Photography by: Emily Nathan & Andrew Kearns
Writing by: Charlotte Boates
Script Lettering and Hawaii Illustrations by:
Julianna Goodman
Floral 'ōhi'a lehua trees and tropical ferns surround the desolate Kilauea Iki Trail. As you walk along the narrow, etched path, steam vents and fissures are reminders of the lava flowing underneath.
Nearly every feature in the park is tied to Pele, the Hawaiian volcano goddess. Small lava droplets are "Pele's tears," and the fine strands of volcanic glass littered on the landscape are "Pele's hair." Leis are left throughout the park as offerings, their vibrant tropical flowers a stark contrast to the ashen rock.
A green sea turtle, or honu in Hawaiian, relaxes on the volcanic shore. Nesting beaches are scattered across the Kona coast, resting points from their migration to a coral atoll in northwest Hawaii.
Under the surface of the sandy beaches dotted across the island, turtles, spinner dolphins, and tropical fish make their homes.
Modern Hawaiian fare with a farm-to-table focus, created by innovative Big Island chef Allen Hess. Open all day, including brunch.
A local establishment, Teshima's has been open in Kona for almost one hundred years. Think Japanese classics like sashimi and sukiyaki, and bento boxes for lunch.
Both locals and tourists come together at this classic spot in Waimea. Paintings by local artists adorn the walls, and dishes are multicultural and creative — think ahi with shiso or lilikoi coconut curry.
A cozy bed and breakfast tucked away just outside of Volcanoes National Park. The perfect refuge after a day of exploring the island's volcanoes, black sand beaches, and native Hawaiian rainforest.
The Four Seasons in Hualalai, Kona, was built for taking it easy. Beautiful suites open up to a lawn plentiful with lush, tropical plants. Pools dot the property, providing plenty of opportunities to cool down. A natural pond is carved into the volcanic rock, home to thousands of species of tropical fish, for in-hotel snorkeling. This serene spot also houses a selection of restaurants and a natural spa.
Family-friendly hotel reachable by hotel boat or tram through a lush garden waterway. With a spa, three waterfall pools, and plenty of dining options.
Home to two active Hawaiian volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa. Walk through the 500 year-old Thurston Lava Tube and spot native birds like crimson 'apapane or the lesser common oma'o. See the fiery lava meet the sea and lava flows on the Chain of Craters Road, and explore dozens of miles of hiking trails that wind through this spectacular landscape.
Admire the tropical marine life and spot sea turtles at secluded Kealakekua Bay for some of Hawaii's very best snorkeling.
Take in the sunset at 14,000 feet on Maunakea, then admire the spectacularly clear skies as you learn about the stars and navigation. Hosted by Hawaii Forest & Trail.
Kaloko-Honokohau is an ancient Hawaiian fishing village, home to petroglyphs, fishponds, and often sea turtles basking on the beach. Take in beautiful scenery as you learn about how this early Hawaiian settlement survived on the lava fields along the Kona coast.
