When coming in by air on the final approach to the airport on the Island of Oahu in Hawaii, the crystal clear blue waters lead to a breathtaking view of the extinct volcano named "Diamond Head". A week later, similar waters escorted me to the "Big Island" called Hawaii, from which the Islands collectively derive their name. Hawaii is the home of five volcanoes, and only one, Kilauea, was still raging. The perfect timing of …showed first 75 words of 1220 total…

…showed last 75 words of 1220 total…they pray to the Volcano Goddess, Pele, and leave offerings to her on the weathered lava. The amount of information on this volcano of both scientific and religious amazement is limitless, and the experience I had when I visited goes far beyond a simple tourist attraction. Whether I return to Hawaii to study volcanism or not, the unforgettable visual memories and observations I experienced will keep me perpetually intrigued about Earth's endless oceans of rock.