This file is from Peter's Infrequent Travel Journal
 

Signs on the way to Pu'u O'o.

Unfortunately, a cloudy day. Maybe you can make out all the smoke coming out of the cone. Click on the photo to see a bigger picture, one that shows the scale of the cone better.

These signs succeeded in inducing fear:

 

 click for larger image
 

The only scary part of this sign is the bullet holes -- I hope the car won't be stolen or looted. But, everything was fine. 

The sign says:

KAHAUALEA
Natural Area Reserve

The Natural Area Reserves System was established to protect representative examples of Hawaii's natural history: land and water areas which support unique Hawaiian ecosystems.

We ask the public's cooperation in maintaining the reserve in its natural state for the enjoyment and education of Hawaii's people.

  • Hiking is permitted; please remove weed seeds from shoes and equipment.
  • Hunting is allowed providing hunters follow D.L.N.R. rules.
  • Injuring, removing or damaging native plants or animals is prohibited.
  • No motorized vehicles except on designated roads.
  • No open fires or overnight camping.
  • Introduction of any form of plant or animal life is prohibited.

Please Kokua by following these rules as they are designed to protect the Reserve. Mahalo.

Department of Land and Natural Resources Natural Area Reserves System


This sign was at the point of the trail where the forest meets the lava field. Other than the word "prohibited", this is not a sign to turn an adventurous hiker back.

 The sign says:

Attention

Please stay near the forest edge. New lava can be unstable and dangerous and you are a long way from help.

ACCESS to PU'U O'O CONE IS PROHIBITED

Due to immediate and unpredictable volcanic hazards the slopes of Pu'u O'h are closed to all visitors.

Mahalo!


This was a scary sign. It was about a mile out over the lava field, and not visible from the edge of the forest. The only thing not scary about it was the trail of markers up the slope of the cone, indicating that at least one person had walked before me.

The sign says:

STOP! <skull crossbones symbol> STOP!

DO NOT CLIMB THE CONE.

Pu'u O'o the volcanic cone ahead, is undergoing internal collapse and is extremely dangerous.

If you are on the cone when it collapses, you will be seriously injured or die.

  • Deep pits containing molten lava and super-heated toxic gases form on the slopes of the cone without warning. 

  • The cone's rim is unstable -- large sections frequently fall into the crater.

You are on your own in this isolated area. Rescue efforts may be delayed.

 

This file is from Peter's Infrequent Travel Journal