We spent 15 HOURS waiting for Kilauea’s 29th eruption – sleeping in our car, at Volcanoes National Park, all for what was supposed to be a record-breaking 1,200-foot lava fountain. But was it worth the wait when Mother Nature had other plans? 😅
The 15-Hour Timeline:
⏰ 6:15 PM – Arrived at Volcanoes National Park
🍽️ 8:00 PM – Romantic dinner overlooking the caldera
🔦 9:00 PM – Explored lava tubes in the dark
😴 Midnight-4 AM – Attempted sleep in the car
🌋 4:00 AM – Eruption begins! (sounded like a jet engine)
🌅 6:00 AM – Dawn reveals the action… and the fog rolls in
🌈 Morning – Beautiful rainbow despite our "failed" mission
What We Discovered:
Pele’s hair (glass-like volcanic strands) covering the ground
Tephra pebbles scattered everywhere from previous eruptions
Why the Jaggar Museum area was closed off
The sound of an eruption (like a jet engine!)
That sometimes the best adventures don’t go as planned
Pro Tips From Our Experience:
✅ Arrive early to avoid the 2-mile lines of cars
✅ Bring food from KTA in Captain Cook
✅ Pack sleeping bags and be prepared to camp
✅ Monitor the USGS webcams for real-time updates
✅ Remember: there’s beauty even when expectations aren’t met
So… Was 15 Hours Worth It?
Despite not getting our perfect lava fountain footage, we discovered that sometimes the journey IS the destination. We got an authentic adventure story, learned about volcanic phenomena, had an unforgettable date night under the stars, and witnessed nature’s unpredictability firsthand.
The Verdict: Absolutely worth it! 💯
Location: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Big Island
When: Early morning eruption (around 4:30 AM)
Weather: Challenging with fog and mist
Thanks for joining us on this 15-hour volcano vigil! At almost 60 years old, we’re still chasing lava and proving that the best adventures don’t always go according to plan.
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💬 COMMENT below – Would YOU wait 15 hours for a volcano? What’s the longest you’ve waited for something in nature?
For more information about living and adventuring responsibly in Hawaii, visit: 365hawaiire.com
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