Pink Spotted Hawkmoth Caterpiller Agrius cingulata

This caterpiller was found munching on some of our sweet potato vines. The Pink Spotted Hawkmoth is widely distributed throughout the Americas. The moth can usually be seen during the early evening darting from flower to flower drinking nectar and hovering about.

Photo: Warren Costa

On the trail at Haleakala!



When I get in the mood for a vacation, I grab my pack and head off to another island. A couple of years ago, I had the opportunity to hike Haleakala volcano, on the island of Maui. Haleakala is one of the most spectacular places I have ever been. The scenery is absolutely breathtaking! Check out the Haleakala National Park website for more information.

Photo: Native Guide Hawaii

Reticulite: An extreme form of pumice!



Reticulite is an extreme form of pumice formed within high lava fountains; about 1,000 feet, (300 meters), high, or more. Dissolved gasses within the lava form bubbles which expand until they burst, leaving behind a fragile,  honeycomb - like structure. In spite of its light weight, reticulite does not float. Drop a piece of reticulite in some water and it will sink much like chicken wire.

Photo: Warren Costa

New activity on Kilauea Volcano!

This image of Pu'u O'o was taken looking east. In the foreground is ponded lava, originating from several individual vents.

Photo: USGS

'Ilio Holo I Ka Uaua, Hawaiian Monk Seal, Monachus schauinslandi

This Hawaiian Monk Seal was resting on the rocks at Laupahoehoe Point on Saturday, June 18, 2011. The Hawaiian Monk Seal is one of the world's rarest marine mammals. To learn more about Hawaiian Monk Seals, check out these Hawaiian Monk Seal Facts.

Photo: Warren Costa

Yellow Lehua

A blooming Yellow Ohia with emerging stamen and pistil. The skinny, yellow structures with the brown knobs are the male parts, (stamen), and the fat tubes, like the one in the center right of the image, are the female parts, (pistil).

Photo: Warren Costa

Hinahina, Geranium cuneatum, subspecies hololeucum



This hinahina is one of four native Geranium subspecies found in the Hawaiian islands. A hardy plant, hinahina is often found at the upper vegetation margins of our high mountains. The name, Hinahina, translates to "silver" in english. Hinahina has the distinction of being the world's only woody geranium.

Photo: Warren Costa

The Corpse Flower

Amorphophallus titanum, or the Corpse Flower is a rare native of Borneo. The specimen shown here, at the Panaewa Zoo in Hilo, is on loan from a private collector. I had the good fortune to be at the zoo to see it blooming, and to smell its pungent fragrance. It kind of smells like roadkill. In addition to its unique smell, the Corpse Flower also has the distinction of being the world's largest unbranched flowering plant.

Photo: Warren Costa

Tsunami Model: Japan Earthquake, March 11, 2011



Credit: “Earthquake Research Institute, University of Tokyo, Prof. Takashi Furumura and Project Researcher Takuto Maeda”

New fissure between Pu'u O'o and Napau crater.

New fissure eruption SW of Pu`u `Ō `ō between Pu`u `Ō `ō and Napau crater. Spatter is reaching 15-20 m into the air, above the trees.

Photo: USGS

Video footage of new eruption at Kilauea volcano's East Rift Zone!

Amazing footage of new eruptive fissure atop Kilauea volcano.

Video: USGS

The Legend of the Niu

A classic film by Hawaii filmaker George Tahara. 

Lava within Halemaumau's Vent: Thursday, February 24, 2011

Here Is an image taken from the webcam perched above the eruptive vent on the floor of Kilauea volcano's, Halemaumau crater.

Photo: USGS



Spectacular View Into Halemaumau Crater

Spectacular aerial view looking into the vent on the floor of Halemaumau Crater. Overturning of crustal plates on the surface of the lava lake, and spattering can be seen.

Photo: USGS