Hilo, Island of Hawaii

Tour Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Monday, October 9^th 2000

The two types of Hawaiian lava, pãhoehoe and 'a'ã, differ in appearance, but are chemically alike. Pãhoehoe (left) has a smooth and ropey surface; it is hotter and contains more gas than the jagged and clinnnkery 'a'ã (center).

Right: Fiery fountains hurl lava into the air, where it forms droplets—Pele's tears— or glassy filaments—Pele's hair.