The Steam Vents and Steaming Bluff areas are two very easily accessible places inside Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park that perfectly show off the volcanic activity around the perimeter of the Kilauea Caldera.
After rainfall seeps into the ground, the volcanic activity below the surface heats that water, creating constant streams of steam rising from the surface throughout this area. The steam vents are chasms into the ground where this steam rises from. There are several located right beside the parking area
A 1/10th mile walk away is the edge of the Kilauea Caldera, where more steam rises from the bluff right below the path. This spot also offers wide views across the massively large caldera where smoke from lava activity at the bottom can often be seen. These views reach over to the Volcano House perched picturesquely atop the edge of the caldera in the direction of the park's Visitor Center.
Owing to its easy accessibility, this area is very popular, but those who leave the end of the short walk at the Steaming Bluffs and venture along the path (this path is part of the Sulphur Banks Trail) can find more active steam vents with no one else around. The steam rising and dancing into the air tends to have a hypnotizing effect.
Overall, the Steam Vents and Steaming Bluff are interesting features of the park and should not be missed during a visit.
There are no amenities of any kind here.
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