National Parks Traveler Episode 144 | Kīlauea Erupting

Kilauea Volcano.

Enter the National Park System and you won’t come away disappointed when you realize all that awaits you. At Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, it’s impossible not to be awed by the volcanism that created the Hawaiian islands, and which is on full display at the crater atop the Kīlauea volcano.

Really, when you think about it, there are few places on Earth where you can safely gaze upon the planet’s molten core as it seeps and bursts in spectacular, glowing red fountains of liquid rock through the crust.

Jessica Ferracane, the park’s public affairs specialist, gave me a primer on Kīlauea during an early November visit. Her broad knowledge of the park and its two volcanoes and enthusiasm in discussing all things Hawaii Volcanoes National Park quickly came across. From the back porch of the Volcano House Hotel across from the crater she gave us an overview of Kilauea and its recent volcanic behavior.

 

:02 National Parks Traveler introduction
:12 A visit to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to watch the Kīlauea volcano eruption, with the park's Jessica Ferracane
12:58 Beyond the Reef - Tim Heintz and Grant Geissman - Seascapes: A Musical Journey
13:01 National Parks Traveler
13:17 Washington’s National Park Fund
13:50 North Cascades Institute
14:07 Grand Teton National Park Foundation
14:37 Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation
14:58 Potrero Group
15:30 Jessica Ferracane continues her discussion on the erupting Kīlauea volcano
27:20 Whispering Winds - Grant Geissman - Sounds of the Caribbean
28:15 Episode Closing
28:26 Yosemite Conservancy
28:49 Friends of Acadia
29:14 Interior Federal Credit Union
29:45 Nova Scotia Tourism
30:17 Orange Tree Productions
30:51 Splitbeard Productions
31:01 National Parks Traveler footer

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National Parks Traveler Podcast Episode 376 | ESA's Future

Since this past December here at the Traveler we’ve been bringing you a series of stories on the Endangered Species Act and the threatened and endangered species it’s intended to keep from going extinct.

For me, it’s been an eye-opening series because of what our editors and writers have learned about threatened and endangered species — from birds to trees and even to grasses — and the work being done to help them recover. It’s certainly not an easy task, and one that often takes decades before you can see progress.

May 31st, 2026 Read More

National Parks Traveler Podcast Episode 375 | Rethinking Public Lands Stewardship

Public lands stewardship has most definitely changed under the second presidential administration of Donald Trump. Land-management agencies such as the National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, and Bureau of Land Management have lost thousands of employees, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum is on a mission to turn the country’s public lands into a cash cow of sorts.

May 24th, 2026 Read More

National Parks Traveler Podcast Episode 374 | Cook Inlet's Beluga Whales

A fast-track proposal to develop a gold mine near Alaska’s Cook Inlet and Lake Clark National Park and Preserve is alarming scientists, environmental groups and local communities because of the devastating effects it is expected to have on the region’s critically endangered beluga whales.

May 17th, 2026 Read More

National Parks Traveler Podcast Episode 373 | Southern Campaign of the American Revolution

America’s 250th birthday is coming up this summer, festivities will be held all over the country, and history buffs will be delving into the various nooks and crannies of the National Park System to see where they can visit sites of Revolutionary War battles.

Don't overlook South Carolina and its three park sites that preserve Revolutionary War battlefields – Kings Mountain National Military Park, Cowpens National Battlefield, and Ninety-Six National Historic Site. 

May 10th, 2026 Read More

National Parks Traveler Podcast Episode 372 | Print Ain’t Dead

We’re living in somewhat tumultuous times in the print media industry. Well-familiar titles are either disappearing, shrinking drastically, or shifting over to the internet. On top of that, the advent of Artificial Intelligence has some readers wondering how much human effort and talent went into the piece they're reading.

May 3rd, 2026 Read More

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The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks 

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks. 

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks 

FREE for iPhones and Android phones.