The most active volcano on Earth is also the most visited

So book your ticket to enjoy the distinct possibility to be blown up 20 kilometers into the air :) - Kilauea volcano is one of the five shield-volcanoes that comprise the islands of Hawaii and it's anything but docile.

You can still enjoy the spectacular views in relative peace, however, because the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory monitors all current volcanic activity, which keeps them busy around the clock (a quick look at their website eruption archives proves that)

Pu'u 'O'o cone on Kilauea, Big Island of Hawaii (aerial view) -


(image credit: Jacob)

Explosions in Paradise

Eruptions in the Hawaiian volcanoes are normally preceded by multiple earthquakes which create fissures and facilitate the magma's flow to the surface.




(images credit: Hawaiian Volcano Observatory)

Mesmerizing Lava Flows

The Paoehoe (pah-ho-ay-ho-ay) lava flows reach the seawater and explode, as ocean waves enter the fiery lava tubes.

The semi-solidified lava structures may look as curious lava-lamp oddities, but conceal behind their fanciful shapes a highly dangerous nature. The lava tongues and "tentacles" may look solid but often they remain incredibly hot and unstable for long time.

Like alien bread dough they creep forward, quickly cooling off and adding perplexing shapes here and there. The imaginary sequel to "The Blob" movie could certainly use such visuals:




(image credit: Thomas Reichart)


(image credit: Mamen Saura)

A creeping lava tongue... A fiery waterfall curtain...






(images credit: Hawaiian Volcano Observatory)

The bizarre coloring observed in the lava flowing in the tubes:



Such openings are called "skylights", offering a view into a hellish kingdom below:



Newly-cooled lava solidifies into incredibly sophisticated banded and blobbed shapes, with new ferns sprouting already... as life takes over the blasted landscape.




(images credit: Sparky Leigh)

In some areas you can really sympathize with poor hobbits climbing toward the Mount Doom. Such landscape does indeed exist on a fairy-tale tropical island... unstable reality, poised on the brink of disintegration: