Here the story of millions of years of volcanic history continues to evolve, and Madame Pele, Hawaii's goddess of the volcano, remains in residence. The park, established in 1916, is open 24 hours a day, year round. Admission (good for seven days) is $10 per vehicle.

Kilauea, the park's main attraction, is one of the most active volcanoes on the planet. One of five volcanoes that formed the Big Island, Kilauea sits on the southeastern flank of Mauna Loa, the world's largest volcano. Kilauea has erupted continuously since 1983.

Currently, there are two main areas of activity. A new vent in the Halemaumau Crater is erupting producing an ash-laden plume at the summit of Kilauea. New vents have opened near Pu'u 'O'o and lava is flowing into the ocean outside the park.

Hot lava entering the ocean is a spectacular sight, but it's not a phenomenon to be relied upon. Don't set out to view lava flows without checking with park officials.

Major features of the park are the 11-mile Crater Rim Drive that encircles Kilauea's summit caldera and the Thomas A. Jaggar Museum. The museum, a worthwhile stop, provides real-time data about Kilauea activity.

Volcanoes National Park is not Disney World. It's the real thing, and very real dangers exist. Lava enters the ocean at 2,100 degrees F., causing seawater to explode into steam and molten lava and rocks to blast skyward. Every day the volcano spews more than 2,500 tons of sulfur dioxide into the atmosphere. So avoid coastal areas, don't approach lava flowing through vegetation, do not stand or walk in or under fumes. And always carry plenty of water and a flashlight.

Please do not vandalize any park features. They are protected by federal law, and perhaps more importantly by local superstition that portends bad luck should you remove lava rock from the island. For current information about the park and eruption updates, call (808) 985-6000 or visit the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park website.