1. Home
  2. Travel
  3. Hawaii / South Pacific Travel

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

By , About.com Guide

6 of 10

Steam Vents

Steam Vents - Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Steam Vents - Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Photos by John Fischer
Driving counterclockwise on Crater Rim Drive from the Visitors Center your first stop should be the Steam Vents. Here rainwater sinks through the ground and is warmed by rocks which carry heat from the lava below. Hot water then rises through fissures to condense in the chilled air.

The steam also contains sulfur dioxide and hydrogen sulfide. Prolonged exposure can be dangerous.

Explore Hawaii / South Pacific Travel
About.com Special Features

Holiday Central

What to eat, where to go, fun things to do and how to save money on the perfect gifts. More >

Hot Winter Travel Deals

Check out these tips on finding the best airfare, hotel rates and cruise deals. More >

  1. Home
  2. Travel
  3. Hawaii / South Pacific Travel
  4. Big Island of Hawaii
  5. Hawaii Volcanoes Nat. Park
  6. Steam Vents

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.