On behalf of our entire team, I wanted to extend our warmest wishes for good health and an abundance of incredible adventures.
Update from Volcanoes National Park
Photo By Jennifer Bell June 18, 2023
At Volcanoes Hiking Guides, we have been bustling with activity as we continue to deliver unforgettable guided hikes of the awe-inspiring Volcanoes National Park. We wanted to share an update with you about recent volcanic activity in the area.
On June 19th the eruption of Kilaue'a Volcano stoped.
Yesterday, August 22, 2023 at approximately 5:00 to 9:00 pm, a series of 25 earthquakes occurred beneath the surface, specifically south of Halemaʻumaʻu crater, at a depth of 1-2 miles (2-3 km). This swarm of earthquakes marks the third occurrence within the past week and is likely attributed to the movement of magma in Kīlauea's south caldera region.
In addition to the earthquake activity, our observations from the Uēkahuna tiltmeter indicate a slight deflationary tilt trend over the past day. However, the Sand Hill tiltmeter, situated southwest of the summit, continues to show signs of inflation. These recorded data, along with the seismic events, suggest that Kīlauea's summit is still displaying signs of heightened unrest.
We want to assure you that the safety and well-being of our guests is our utmost priority. Volcano monitoring authorities are continuously assessing the situation, and we are closely following their guidance to ensure safe and enjoyable hiking experiences. While the recent activity has caused some periods of unrest, rest assured that our expert guides are equipped with the knowledge and experience to navigate these evolving conditions.
It is worth noting that sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions from the summit remain low, with the most recent measurement on August 15th recording an emission rate of approximately 86 tonnes per day. This is far below the legal permitted amount of SO2 being 5 ppm. 1 ppm=1000 Tones.This information further adds to the comprehensive understanding of the volcanic activity.
As the landscape continues to evolve, we remain committed to providing you with exceptional hiking adventures while prioritizing safety. We will keep you updated on any significant developments and assure you that we are taking all necessary precautions to ensure your well-being during our guided hikes.
I believe that hiking is a way to connect with nature, embrace solitude, and find solace in the simplicity of the great outdoors. It's an opportunity to challenge ourselves physically, mentally, and spiritually while witnessing the awe-inspiring beauty that surrounds us.
So, grab your hiking boots, pack your sense of wonder, and join me for an unforgettable expedition. Together, we will conquer trails, forge new friendships, and create stories that will be shared for years to come. Visit my website and let's embark on a journey that will leave footprints on our hearts.
Rapid ‘Ōhi‘a Death
‘Ōhi‘a trees, the most abundant native tree in the State of Hawai‘i, are dying from a fungal disease. Over a million ‘ōhi‘a have already died from two species of the fungus Ceratocystis, also known as Rapid ‘Ōhi‘a Death or ROD. The more virulent pathogen is named Ceratocystis lukuohia (luku‘ōhi‘a in the Hawaiian language means destroyer of ‘ōhi‘a) and has been found on Hawai‘i Island and Kaua‘i. The slower growing pathogen is named Ceratocystis huliohia (huli‘ōhi‘a in the Hawaiian language means disruptor of ‘ōhi‘a) and has been found on Hawai‘i Island, Maui, O‘ahu and Kaua‘i. Healthy trees appear to die within a few days to a few weeks. Humans are a vector because we move infected wood, or contaminated tools, gear and vehicles from one location to another. Other potential vectors include feral ungulates and beetles. Dust from beetle borings in an infected ‘ōhi‘a tree mixes with fungal spores and can be carried for long distances by the wind. If fungal spores land on a tree with a broken branch or other injury, the tree can become infected. There is no effective treatment to cure trees that exhibit symptoms, therefore it is critically important that we all practice preventative measures to stop the spread so that future generations can enjoy the ‘ōhi‘a forests. Even in the worst ROD affected areas of native ‘ōhi‘a forests, some ‘ōhi‘a trees seem to be resistant to this disease and survive. These trees are being researched as they may one day be the basis for developing disease-resistant ‘ōhi‘a trees of the future. Someday, resistant ‘ōhi‘a trees may be planted into seed control areas for restoring the future ‘ōhi‘a forests that have been blighted by ROD.
G U I D E L I N E S T O PREVENT SPREAD
• Prior to visiting the islands, wash all your gear and clothing in hot soapy water. • Protect ‘ōhi‘a trees from injury. Wounds serve as entry points for the fungus and increase the odds that the tree will become infected.
• Don't use heavy machinery near ‘ōhi‘a which could injure the bark or roots. There is good evidence to support fencing the land and removing invasive animals (such as pigs, sheep and cattle) as these actions can help to protect ‘ōhi‘a trees and native forests.
• Don’t move ‘ōhi‘a wood or anything made from ‘ōhi‘a unless it is treated. • Don’t transport ‘ōhi‘a interisland.
• Clean gear and tools, including shoes and clothes, before and after entering forests.
• Prepare by bringing and spraying your shoes with 70% rubbing alcohol or a freshly mixed 10% bleach solution. • Wash your vehicle with a high-pressure hose o
Article provided by Hawaiian Tourist Authority
News on Maui- Hawaii Turrism Athority
https://www.hawaiitourismauthority.org/news/alerts/maui-and-hawai%CA%BBi-island-wildfire-update/
Governor Green: Visitors Should Avoid West Maui For Now, Travelers Welcome Elsewhere On Maui and Other Hawaiian Islands
Today, during his remarks alongside President Joe Biden and Hawai‘i’s congressional delegation from the impacted area of Lahaina, Hawai‘i Governor Josh Green continued to emphasize the need to avoid West Maui at this time, as well as the importance of travel to the rest of Maui and the other Hawaiian Islands and the economic impact it has on the well-being of Maui and its recovery.
In alignment with Governor Green, the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority urges visitors to refrain from going to West Maui (including Lahaina, Nāpili, Kāʻanapali, and Kapalua) as a means of respect to the people and places that have been lost in Lahaina during this devastating tragedy. The impacted area of Lahaina remains off limits to the public as the search and recovery efforts continue.
“No one can travel to West Maui right now. We will share when that is possible again. Only returning residents and authorized emergency relief workers should come here now. But all of the other areas of Maui… and the rest of Hawai‘i are safe,” Governor Green said. “When you come, you will support our local economy and help speed the recovery of the people that are suffering right now.”
Governor Green’s sixth emergency proclamation, issued on August 19 remains in place, with all nonessential travel to West Maui being strongly discouraged for the duration of the proclamation (through October 17, 2023).
We encourage travelers to continue visiting other areas of Maui (including Kahului, Wailuku, Kīhei, Wailea, Mākena, Pāʻia and Hāna), as well as the other Hawaiian Islands of Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Lānaʻi, Molokaʻi and Hawaiʻi Island.
How you can help
Donate directly to family's in need with:
Adopt a family through @gofundme (there’s a Google doc that has been widely distributed), @lahaina_ohana_venmo or through personal connections
• Donate $, cash cards, gift cards so
families can purchase what they need
• Share reputable organizations people can donate to from afar like @hawaiicommunityfoundation who has already dispersed 1.8M directly to Maui organizations currently doing the good work, @mauifoodbank who is distributing food directly to organizations feeding people on Maui right now
Featured Hikes
Volcano Hike This hike has all the incredible features Volcanoes National Park offers. My custom route starts at the Kilauea Visitor Center and boasts magnificent views of the Kilauea Iki Crater. The approximately 8 mile loop takes you through a field of steams vents into a native Hawaiian cloud forest. After leaving the clouds you will then enter the actual crater itself, observing its massive walls. Finally the hike will conclude with the iconic Thurston Lava Tube, one of the parks most popular attractions. Included in the trip is breakfast consisting of fruit, pastries, coffee, tea or hot chocolate.
At the halfway point lunch will also be provided by your guide
Three Hour Guided Hike Take a journey of discovery and witness the awe-inspiring power of nature on a three hour hike in Volcanoes National Park. Join me as I guide you on a 4 mile loop adventure through Hawaiian native forests and around a hardened lava lake. Relax in the serene surroundings of this special place and take in all the sights and sounds of one of Hawaii’s most spectacular national parks. With my experienced guidance, you’ll have a unique opportunity to explore and appreciate this majestic environment. So don’t miss out – book your hike today! The hike will end at the Volcano house restaurant and bar, guests are encouraged to book a relaxing meal at Volcano House restaurant and bar. If interested I will supply, you with all information upon booking.
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