On your "Hawaii best things to do" list, the Big Island's Kilauea Volcano should be near the top of your list.

It's one of the hottest things in Hawaii – so to speak!

As a matter of fact, some tourists notice a funny smell while walking around Kilauea, only to find the soles of their shoes have melted!

Since the ground under your feet can get pretty toasty, be sure to wear comfortable, thick soled walking shoes. Sandals and flip-flops are definitely out – that is unless you're into walking on hot coals.

As the world's most active volcano, Kilauea Volcano is a Hawaii best things to do must and is incredibly exciting any time of the year.

Found on the southeastern tip of the Big Island, about 30 miles southwest of Hilo and about 96 miles southeast of Kona, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is Hawaii's Number one attraction.

Once you visit, it's easy to see why. There are few places in the world like Kilauea, where you can view such amazing volcanic landscapes and get so close to the awesome power of nature at work.

Kilauea has been continuously flowing for over 20 years.

According to the National Park Service, between 250,000 and 650,000 cubic yards of lava flow every day. That's enough to pave a 20 miles high, 20 miles long road. That's a lot of lava.

And Kilauea's lava has spread over a total of 40 square miles adding over 500 acres to the Big Island's southern shore.

Begin your visit to Kilauea at the park entrance visitor's center. Lava flow conditions change daily and the park rangers can tell you the best and safest ways to enjoy your visit on that particular day.

Jagger Museum, Thurston Lava Tube, Volcano House and the Halema'uma'u Crater are some of the highlights recommended.

If you have the time and energy for a four-mile hike, Kilauea Iki trail is magnificent. It winds through a rain forest and across steaming lava flows down into a crater that erupted about fifty years ago.

Kilauea Iki trail gives you a full experience of the incredible power of Madame Pele – Hawaii's goddess of volcanoes.

The rangers can tell you about other hiking trails too. They're rated from easy to strenuous and run from a quarter a mile to over four miles in length. Overnight camping is also allowed with a permit.

Before you start on your hike or drive through, make sure you get a map of the park and a list of ranger rules, regulations and safety tips.

Kilauea is an active volcano and not without it's dangers. Be sure to stay on the road, watch where you're walking and avoid lava flows, earth cracks, thin crusts and volcanic gasses.

Kilauea is expected to continue to flow for at least another 100 years. So you have more than enough time to cross this once in a lifetime experience off your Hawaii best things to do list.

Katie Byrd
http://www.Pictures-Of-Hawaii.net