Tag Archives: Lava

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Feel the Lava at the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Lava from Kilauea Volcano flowing into sea

Located on Big Island, the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park was established on the 1st of August 1916, and is home to both the Kilauea and Mauna Loa volcanoes, both of which are active. For those who have been hoping to have the opportunity to see Hawaii’s volcanoes up-close while visiting the island, spending a day at this national park is definitely a must-do.

The Kilauea Volcano
While the Mauna Loa volcano may be the largest volcano on the planet, it is the Kilauea volcano that is the most famous in Hawaii, because even though it is the youngest of the five volcanoes on Big Island, it is also the most active, and has been erupting continuously since 1983. A visit to the Kilauea Visitor Center will teach you more about this, with a 25 minute film to introduce you to the park, as well as updates on the latest eruptions. You can also schedule guided tours and ranger talks from here, which are useful if you would like to learn more about the volcano and the park itself.

The Jagger Museum
For those who would like to learn more about volcanoes and how they work, a visit to the Jagger Museum, which is situated within the park, is a must. This museum is devoted to volcanology, and has a number of exhibits that are dedicated to the volcanoes on the island, showing you how they developed and how they have managed to influence and change the landscape around them. The museum also has an overlook just outside it, and, from here, you will be able to enjoy an extremely advantageous viewpoint over the Halema’uma’u Crater, which is another one that has been frequently active.

Inside the Thurston Lava Tube

Thurston Lava Tube
There are not many places in the world where you can actually walk through lava, but the Thurston Lava Tube is one of these. This tube was created hundreds of years ago, when lava flowed through the area, but was only discovered in 1913 by a local newspaper publisher. The tube measures 600 feet long, with its height ranging from 10 to 30 feet, and appears in quite a surreal way out of a lush green forest.

Leave No Trace
One of the principals that is encouraged at all national parks is to leave no trace, meaning that you should leave the area in the same way that you found it. This is especially important at the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, as this area has already been quite affected by tourists, such as with the lava stalactites that used to hang in the Thurston Lava Tube, but which were then taken away by tourists as souvenirs. While it may be tempting to remove a small amount of lava, or anything else you may find, to take home with you, this is not only detrimental to the environment, but is also illegal under federal law.

The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is definitely a must-visit for those who are visiting Big Island for the first time, as it will provide you with a unique glimpse into the island’s one-of-a-kind ecology. From the incredible Kilauea Volcano to the surreal Thurston Lava Tube, there is so much to see and do around the park, so be sure to leave yourself with a full day in which you can thoroughly explore it.

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Hawaii’s Most Indulgent Spas – OROGOLD Reviews

Woman enjoying a spa session

When in a setting as tropically idyllic as Hawaii, there is nothing better than pampering yourself with a couple of treatments at a luxurious island spa. From a spa without walls to a completely customizable pampering experience, OROGOLD brings you the most indulgent spas in Hawaii.

Pure Kauai, North Shore, Kauai
For a truly indulgent, completely customizable spa experience, head to Pure Kauai, on the north shore of Kauai. With private chefs to cook you healthy meals, yoga instructors, personal trainers, facialists and some of Hawaii’s best massage therapists, you can’t help but feel as though you are in paradise. In addition to the immense relaxation that you will feel at the spa, there is also a large outdoor aspect to Pure Kauai, and OROGOLD absolutely loves the other activities on offer, including surf lessons, all day hikes, canoeing, horseback riding and much more.

The Spa Without Walls, Kohala Coast, Big Island
This al fresco spa without walls has both oceanfront and waterfall treatment huts, where they offer a range of rejuvenating treatments. From the Hawaiian lomilomi massage and foot wrap to the Kahinu body treatment, each session is intensified by the sweet scent of the wild orchids and gardenias all around, as well as by the sound of crashing waves, giving you the ultimate in blissful experiences. There is also a steam room, a dry sauna, and a small boutique for you to purchase any of the signature spa products that you are likely to have fallen in love with.

Spa Grande, Wailea, Maui
Being located in the Grand Wailea Resort Hotel and Spa, an $800 million resort that boasts 780 rooms and 9 swimming pools, means that, even before entering the spa, you can almost guess just how indulgent Spa Grande is going to be. Measuring 50,000 square feet, and with 40 different treatment rooms, Spa Grande offers a variety of experiences, but their speciality is hydrotherapy. In addition to the huge jacuzzi, steam room and sauna, you will also find Japanese furo baths, Swiss showers, waterfall massages, and ‘speciality’ baths, created with local botanicals and mineral salts.

Mauna Lani, Kohala Coast, Big Island
Located amongst the vast lava fields of the Kohala Coast, this spa belongs to the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel and Bungalows, and is one of the most spiritual spas that OROGOLD has found in Hawaii. The walls of the showers, as well as the edges of the pathways, are formed from real lava, and the grounds are filled with beautifully fragrant medicinal herbs and plants. All of the therapists seem to exude a calming, healing energy, many of whom are Native Hawaiian and have been performing authentic massages for years. To indulge even further, take a look at staying in one of the five bungalows, each with their own butler service, as not only can you relax in one of the most exclusive bungalows in Hawaii, but therapists will also come to your bungalow to give you private treatments.

Hawaii is known for its ancient healing powers, and this is reflected in the many traditional spa treatments that you will find on each of the islands. Whether your back is filled with painful knots, or you simply want to relax in a Japanese bath, you can be sure that you will leave Hawaii feeling more rested than ever.