07/28/2026
I’m a hiking guide here in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, and walking the rim of Halemaʻumaʻu never gets old—even after hundreds of trips. Every single morning, I feel so incredibly lucky to share this living, breathing ʻāina with people from all over the world.
The soundtrack to our 3-hour trek is pure magic. As we navigate through the steam vents and into the lush rainforest, the cheerful, melodic chirping of ʻapapane birds flying down from the ʻōhiʻa lehua trees overhead. Sometimes, if the volcanic haze cooperates, we’ll spot a majestic Nēnē (Hawaiian goose) sitting next to the Halemaumau crater- it always stops the group in their tracks.
And the views? Absolute fire—literally. We get to witness the raw power of the crater opening up, with steam vents pumping into the air and the vibrant red ʻōhiʻa blossoms popping against the deep blue sky. But the real showstopper lately has been Kīlauea itself. About every week and a half to two weeks, we’ve been treated to spectacular lava fountains erupting right in the crater.
Getting to see this wonder through the wide eyes of my guests—hearing their gasps, answering their questions, and watching them fall in love with this island—is a gift I don’t take for granted for a second.
Mahalo nui loa to Kīlauea for reminding me daily that we're just small specs on a very alive planet. If you've ever hiked here, I'd love to hear your favorite memory below! 🤙🌋
Photos by fellow photographer and guide Yvonne Baur
