In the Park (Grades K-12)
Numerous exposures of tephra are easily accessible along
Crater Rim Drive
and
Chain of Craters Road.
The Keanakakoi Ash
was deposited in 1790 and is exposed in the parking lot of the Hawaiian
Volcano Observatory, in the cracks of the Southwest Rift Zone near Crater
Rim Drive, and in fault scarps near Keanakakoi Crater (geologic units are
named for a locality where the unit is best exposed). The Keanakakoi Ash
contains layers of ash, scoria, and blocks. Boulder-sized blocks were
ejected from Halemaumau Crater during steam explosions in 1924 and can be
seen near the Halemaumau parking area. A walk along Devastation Trail
will allow students to see cinders and Pele's Tears. Be sure to notice
the change in particle size away (downwind) from the vent (Puu Puai).
Reticulite and Pele's Hair can be found in cracks in lava flows just
beyond the first kipuka along the
Napau Crater Trail
near Mauna Ulu. Limu O Pele can only be found near where
lava entered the sea. One lava entry is approximately 300 yards beyond
the Wahaula heiau. Accretionary lapilli can be found in thin layers
along the Kau Desert Trail. Be careful. The layers are thin and very
fragile. Please protect all of the park's resources and leave them
unimpaired for the enjoyment (and education) of future students and visitors.
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