In April of this year, my Fiance and I took a weekend trip to the Big Island of Hawaii to hike to active lava. Little did we know that just a few weeks after our departure, the Big Island would experience an earthquake that would cause an eruption resulting in massive destruction for months and perhaps years to come. I'm so glad that we had the opportunity to experience this when we did, because since the fissure breaks and eruptions, the area is closed off to tourism and locals.

It all started on a normal Hilo day. The sun was out and we excitedly embarked upon our 10.5 mile (17-kilometer), five-hour trek over glass-like recent lava flow. When we reached the lava flow, I was disappointed by how light it was. Little did I know that we were looking into the eye of the calm of the storm. What would occur just a few weeks later would be so raging and forceful that it would easily take the lives of anybody who stood in its path.

Read the full story and find out more about visiting the Big Island of Hawaii in my blog post here: https://culturalfoodies.com/2018/03/28/hiking-to-active-lava-in-volcanoes-national-park-hawaii/