For magma junkies, the Volcanoes National Park Halema'uma'u trail is a great half-day moderate hike. Beginning to the right of Volcano House hotel, walkers descend 400 feet through rain forest to the caldera floor, crossing Kilauea Caldera to Halema'uma'u Crater. This trail leads to the southern edge of the caldera where it joins the Crater Rim Trail, or hikers may return via Byron Ledge and Crater Rim Trail.

Of interest: Plants, birds, insects, pahoehoe lava flows, steam vents, spatter ramparts, the crater and the caldera.

Distance and hiking time: 3 1/2 miles one way, seven miles round-trip, allow half an hour per mile plus stopping and viewing time (total time, three to six hours).

Bring: Water, food, hat, sun protection, rain gear. Prepare for hot, dry, wet and windy weather.

Hikers should also be aware that concentrated sulfur fumes from Halema'uma'u crater can make respiratory problems worse. People with heart or respiratory problems should avoid this trail. Ancient hula dances and chants are performed throughout the year in Pele's honor on the rim of Halema'uma'u Crater. www.nps.gov/havo.

HONOLULU ZOO

GRAB A TELESCOPE AND GAZE AT THE STARS — OR TAKE A TOUR AT TWILIGHT

Families will find great programs this summer at the Honolulu Zoo. In "Star Gazing at the Zoo," families can discover animals that are out of this world in the night sky, with the University of Hawai'i Institute for Astronomy. The program includes a short animal tour and a Starlab presentation by UH, followed by star-gazing with telescopes. 6:30 to 9 p.m. June 19, July 24, Aug. 21. $16 adults, $12 ages 4-12; members: $14 adults, $10 ages 4-12. Reservations urged. 971-7195.

Or, take a twilight tour and find what sort of monkey business comes up when the sun goes down. Honolulu Zoo's twilight safaris are 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and promise a different experience from daytime visits. Guests check in at the front of the zoo at 5:15 to meet their guide. Twilight tours are geared toward children ages 5 and up. $14 adults, $10 ages 4 to 12; members: $12 adults, $8 ages 4 to 12. Reservations recommended; groups welcome. www.honzoosoc.org.