You could call them the home squad, the fab five, the dream team of your Big Island volcano tours. They are the five volcanoes that make up the island of Hawaii, and each one plays an important part in the geology, history, and culture of the Big Island.
Kohala is the oldest volcano on the island of Hawaii and is considered to be an “extinct” volcano. It is the oldest player on this dream team and doesn’t have the moves it used to. Lava flows from the two young upstarts, Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea, have covered a good portion of this volcano. In sports terms, Kohala is the player most likely to retire soon. But for now, and until the up and coming Lo`ihi Seamount gets drafted onto this dream team, Kohala is still a player on the island of Hawaii.
Mauna Kea is the second member on this volcanic squad. Mauna Kea is the tallest player (mountain) in the world, but this volcano doesn’t have the moves it used to. It’s been about 4,500 years since Mauna Kea busted a big move on the court, but it is still a staple in the roster. Scientists consider Mauna Kea a dormant volcano, but some believe this old giant might still have a few surprises up her sleeve.
Mauna Loa is the next towering player in the Hawaiian volcanic lineup. Mauna Loa is the immense center player on this team; the tallest volcano in the world league. In 1984, this volcano made a big splash on the island of Hawaii, with an immense eruption that took everyone by surprise. Expect big moves from this giant of a player in the future.
Hualalai is the player that rises up above Kailua-Kona, and is a steady and predictable presence on and off the court. Kona airport was built across the top of Hualalai’s hard work, and this volcano’s influence is felt up and down the Kona coast. The people in the towns of Holualoa and Kona keep a watchful eye on this unpredictable player.
Kilauea is the flashiest player on this dream team. Its moves on the court are unpredictable and Kilauea can be known as something of a showboat. Kilauea’s hotdog moves are felt across all the Hawaiian Islands and as point guard, it definitely calls the shots on the Big Island. Known for not stopping for anything or anybody in its way, Kilauea is a fiery addition to this dream team and shows no indication of curtailing its full court press across the island of Hawaii.
As a team, the five Big Island volcanoes are an awesome spectacle. Individually, each has something different to offer the millions of visitors who come to this island paradise to watch the volcanic dream team in action.
By: Ryan Underdown
About the Author:
Witness the dream team in action on all your Big Island volcano tours. Learn more about the players at http://www.hawaiitours.com/big-island-volcano.php.
