From lava dominated wildlife up close, complex and unique ecosystem, for 24 years continuously active volcanoes: that is the Volcanoes National Park on the Big Iceland, Hawaii. It extends from the Pacific coast up to 4169 meters above sea level with the world's largest volcano, Mauna Loa. The national park is the result of 70 million years of volcanism, protected since 1916 and since 1987 UNESCO World Heritage Site. (more...)

The Volcanoes National Park for most Big Iceland visitor, the highlight par excellence. Where else does one get to see up close an active volcano? We visited the park in January 2009.

Big Iceland is the youngest island in the Hawaiian archipelago - the reason is clear: active volcanoes still form the island. The Mauna Kilauea is now spewing lava continuously for 24 years. Currently, the volcano is in its 56th Eruptive phase. 90% of its surface is covered with lava, which is less than 1100 years old. (more...)