Hot springs are the result of geothermal energy. This is a form of heat energy generated from the earth's core. These springs mainly exist in volcanic areas, but can exist outside of these zones. In Hawaii, the hot springs are exclusive to the Big Island because this is the site of the two active volcanoes in Hawaii. These volcanoes are: Mauna Loa and Kilauea which are both record holders in the world of volcanoes. Mauna Loa holds the title for the largest, while Kilauea holds that of the most active volcano in the world.

These volcanoes produce enormous effects on their immediate environment and one such effect is the emergence of hot springs. These are amazing and normally isolated bodies of water, heated by geothermal energy. Geothermal energy heats the water in hot springs in a number of ways, depending on the source of the energy. In volcanic areas with active volcanoes, it is the norm for the springs to get heat energy from flowing hot magma. Outside of those areas, many other methods of heating exist.

One should not take the power of geothermal energy lightly, as its use as a heat source dates back thousands of years. The use of this powerful form of heat energy coming from deep within the earth starts in Paleolithic times. Those people used hot springs heated with geothermal heat for healing baths, other medicinal purposes and cooking. The Romans also used geothermal energy in a similar way, except they found a way for it to heat their surroundings. Today, the use of geothermal energy is not just to provide wonderful hot springs, but also to generate electricity. In the United States alone there are over 50 geothermal energy plants. There is no doubt this source of energy will live on to power many more plants in the future.

Volcanic Hot Springs
The Hawaiian volcanic hot springs include those in the Ahalanui Park and the Kapoho tide pools, both of which are on the Puna coast. These hot springs get their heat energy from magma running beneath the earth's surface. These molten rocks beneath the earth's surface come into direct contact with ground water. They heat the ground water, which at some point rises to create hot springs or pools. Since the Kilauea volcano is still active, the flow of magma is the continual heat source for the Big Island's hot springs.

Hot Springs Outside of Active Volcanic Areas
In areas where there are no known volcanoes, hot springs get heat energy from deep within the earth's crust. A perfect example of this are the hot springs located in Hot Springs National Park. These springs get their heat when rain water from their surrounding mountains seep through cracks in the earth. Beyond a certain depth, this water becomes heated and after a while returns to the surface. This method uses the earth's core temperature to provide hot springs while on the Big Island, hot springs come from the waters contact with magma.

The Hawaiian Hot Springs
The two Hawaiian hot springs include those on the Puna coast: Ahalanui Park and the Kapoho tide pools. These all receive their heat from Kilauea's magma and provide a constant and therapeutic attraction for tourists. Each set of hot springs has its own unique features that draw visitors on a continual basis to these heating pools.

The Hot Springs on the Ahalanui Park
These attract many visitors because they are large, hot, therapeutic and have a breathtaking view. These hot springs mix with cold water from the sea via a sea wall. The wall serves two purposes; it keeps the warm water inside a contained area and limits the size of the pool to protect visitors from drifting out to sea. These hot springs at Ahalanui Park can record temperatures of 90 F with ease. They have animal and plant life surviving in them and make excellent sites for snorkeling.

Kapoho Tide Pools
These pools do not get as much praise as the ones in the Ahalanui Park but they are in fact underrated. These provide a different experience to those in the Ahalanui Park. They are a series of hot spring pools that look like hot tubs. They cover a vast area and even extend into the sea some 200 yards. These pools provide a more private experience because there are so many and thus, a more peaceful one as well.

The Therapeutic Benefits of Hawaiian Hot Springs
There is no mention of sulfur springs which are known to have numerous therapeutic effects in Hawaii. This however, does not discredit the healing powers of the Big Island's hot springs. Many use them for relaxation and rejuvenation purposes and also to provide some form of detoxifying treatment for the body. Some people believe that the hot springs' power extends beyond simple forms of therapy to even provide relief from certain types of arthritis. They believe that the springs help in the reduction of chronic inflammation and thus, relieve the symptoms of arthritis.

Safety of Hot Springs in Hawaii
It is true that some hot springs can reach temperatures that cause severe burns and death to animals and humans. This is not the case with those on the Big Island. These hot springs reach temperatures of up to 90 F, which is an approximation of temperatures in hot tubs at many establishments. At these temperatures, individuals can bathe without worry.

Best Time to Visit Hawaiian Hot Springs
The Hawaiian hot springs, just like the volcanoes, are a big draw to the Island. They attract many visitors all year round and thus, there is no one "good" time. What makes the experience great in any case is the scenery provided by Kilauea and the warmth of the hot spring pools. For a less crowded experience, opt to visit the Kapoho Tide Pools instead of the ones in the Ahalanui Park. These normally have less visitors and in any case have a larger total surface area, thus more space in between vacationers.

The Hawaiian hot springs are an integral part of what attracts tourists to Hawaii every year. The way they get their heat, their scenery and therapeutic effects are all aspects that many marvel over. They provide a unique experience and give visitors a wonderful surprise. There is no way to compare the two sets of hot springs located on the main Island of Hawaii; they are both special. The view of hot and cold water mixing in the hot springs of the Ahalanui Park provide a magnificent scene and the presence of fish in the waters makes the experience charming. The Kapoho Tide Pools on the other hand, defy nature by the presence of hot pools in the ocean. Both springs are equally wonderful and add to the overall experience of Hawaii.

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