Interesting Facts About Hawaii Volcano Lava

Posted: September 15th, 2009 | Author: | Filed under: Other Travel | Tags: , , , | No Comments »

Did you realize that the Hawaiian Islands are on the tops of major undersea volcanoes? Some people do! There are more than fifteen volcanoes in what we consider the Hawaiian Islands, though currently only three are considered active. It’s not just the Hawaiian beaches you should visit – also take a look at the volcanoes of Hawaii while you’re there!Besides this Hawaii cruises are one of the good ways to delight the beauty of the Hawaiian Islands.

Hawaii Volcano Lava: Hawaii – Basic Information


Hawaii is made up of eight main islands. Hawaii, Kauai, Niihua, Molokai, Lanai, Kahoolawe, Maui, and Oahu are among them. There’s a small island called Kaala, and then nine more land masses that are above sea level, bringing the total of islands to eighteen. Some people also like to take into account the hundred plus rocks and islets that also show above the water line. All in all, that makes 130 or so in the whole area. All of these are considered to be volcanic, marine sedimentary or erosional in origin. This explains why the Hawaiian Islands and lava from the Hawaii volcanoes will be forever linked.

How Were These Hawaii Volcano Lava Formed?

These volcanoes were over a “hot spot” on the earth. As the Hawaiian volcanic lavaerupting, these eventually grew taller than sea level, making islands. As the seafloor is moving at a rate of 7-9 cm per year, the volcanoes are shifting to the north, going away from the “hot spots”.” These volcanoes are no longer active. But two still are, Mauna Loa and Kilauea.

There is also Lo’ihi, which is a new volcano! As Lo`ihi is still about one thousand meters below sea level, there’s nothing so attractive to see above the see level. The other two active volcanoes are Mauna Loa and Kilauea.

Hawaii Volcano Lava: About Hawaiian Volcano Lava

Modern geologists and volcanologists have two words to describe the lava flows from Hawaiian volcanos. The two words are Pahoehoe and ‘a’a.

Pahoehoe is a smooth surfaced lava flow. By contrast ‘a’a is a rough and broken surfaced lava flow. In the Hawaiian Dictionary, Pahoehoe means “smooth and unbroken, or satin (like the fabric)”.

Traditionally, the term ‘a’a is supposed to be the sound of someone walking across the lava in bare feet. While that makes for a clever story, it doesn’t quite match up with the reality. In Hawaiian Dictionary ‘a’a stands for lots of things, including a small root or vein, to burn, to challenge, stony etc. Maybe the definitions of burning or challenge are what prompted Hawaiians to call volcanic lava of these types ‘a’a.

Whatever the true meaning, be sure to see both types while you are visiting Hawaii and seeing the volcanic lava.

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