Driving back toward the main entrance you pass the steam vents. This an area where water seeps into the ground. There it hits the hot volcanic rocks and shoots out of the vents as steam. Stinky steam.
You may want to stop and visit the Volcano House built on the edge of the Kilauea caldera. Lodging and dining are available here.
Continuing on the Crater Rim Drive south from the Volcano House, the next stop is the Thurston Lava Tube. This is really a must see if you are able to walk 1/3 mile and up and down stairs. You go from lava rock to tropical forest to lava tube in just a short distance.
The interesting thing about the Thurston Lava tube is that As you walk through the tube consider that several hundred years ago a river of red lava rushed through. Watch your head in the tube – there are some spots with a low ceiling! This is a fun walk!
Further down the road is the Devastation Trail. This is an eerie path that you must see.
Eerie landscape and interesting plants.
Ohelo (Vaccinium reticulatum) is a relative of blueberries and a favorite food of nene, the Hawaiian Goose. Its berries range from dark red to pale yellow when ripe and are sacred to Pele, the volcano deity.
