Oahu’s landscape is varied and vast, including long beaches and long coastlines, lush rainforests, and rugged volcanoes. The island of Oahu itself was formed by a volcanic eruption approximately 3.8 million years ago. Today, Oahu is home to two extinct volcanoes, Waianae and Koolau. None have erupted in at least 1.8 million years.
Visitors are often interested in exploring active and dormant volcanoes on Oahu because of the thrill of danger, the uncertainty of volcanic ash, and the distinctive features of hardened black lava. During your visit, you may want to hike, bike, or photograph some of Oahu’s most famous geological sites. Some of the most popular volcanic sites on Oahu include:
1. Diamond Head – A volcanic crater at the base of the Koolau Range, Diamond Head’s 760-foot summit offers spectacular views of the south shore of Oahu. A hiking trail that lasts about 3 hours allows visitors to get a good workout on their way to the top of the now-extinct volcano.
2. Hanauma Bay: Also part of the Koolau Range, Hanauma Bay has become popular for its curved interior bay. The mountains that protect the bay, however, belong to the volcanic cone and include volcanic ash sediments. The fortifying volcanic wall serves to separate the bay from the rest of Oahu, and the extensive marine life tends to accumulate in the area.
3. Waianae Mountains: The Waianae Range stretches for 22 miles through the western half of Oahu. Also an extinct mountain range, the area now includes spectacular terrain for hiking, as well as excellent opportunities for a close-up look at rock formations left behind by hardened lava. This range is quite accessible from the Ko Olina and Nanakuli areas of Oahu.
Additional volcanic exploration can be sought on other Hawaiian islands. In particular, the Kilauea volcano on the Big Island of Hawaii has been named one of the most active volcanoes in the world. An ongoing eruption has characterized this volcano since 1983, and lava continues to gush out of its cone. This wonder is found within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and featured prominently on many guided bike and bus tours.
Several tour operators offer guided tours from Oahu to the Big Island to visit this park, share the history of Hawaii’s volcanic activity, and identify specific geographic features left over from years and years of tectonic activity. These are often a great way to gain a better understanding of the underlying activity behind a volcanic eruption, the actual level of danger, and the importance of volcanoes in Hawaii’s own history.
The mystique and mystery of volcanoes attracts many visitors annually, and their inherent distinction from geographic features in the continental United States adds to their charm and uncertainty. Enhance your trip with a hike, bike ride, or even a guided bus tour of Hawaii’s active and dormant volcanoes for an unforgettable experience.