lia018

Hi, we're leaving for the Big Island tonight. Does anyone know if lava-viewing is within walking distance? From what I understand, the lava is not within the park anymore, but at a viewing area outside the park. The last time I was there a few years ago, there were awesome lava flows at the end of the chain of craters road, but I guess we're not as lucky this time. Thanks!

travelinandgolfin

Yes, the main lava viewing area (where the lava hits the ocean) is arrived at through Hilo town. At the end of the road, you'll need to walk a bit (not too bad) to get to the viewing area. Bring a flashlight as you should go there at twilight/night to get the best affects.

You won't be able to go right up to where the lava is hitting the ocean. You'll be about a quarter mile or half mile away, but still nice. Giant plumes of smoke and steam, some nice red glowing and exploding rocks, red lava being shot up into the air. Interesting little mini cyclones that develop under the plume of smoke, pretty nice. Went there in August.

lia018

Thanks! Has anyone else been there even more recently than August? I don't want to get my hopes up too high since the lava is so unpredictable.

ElendilPickle

You can check this link for current lava information:

http://www.nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/lava2.htm

Lee Ann

la_chuperosa

Hi,

The lava is flowing, and so is the VOG! (Volcanic gases that come out of the volcano and make the air look all smoggy like LA or Mexico City.)

It's amazing to see, but highly unpredictable. Sometimes you can walk right up to it. (I did this plenty of times as a kid--my slippers melted! Its especially fun at dusk, when you can see the lava glowing between the cracks in the ground.) Other times its either too dangerous, or too far away to get to on foot and you need to take a helicopter.

If I were you, I'd check out the boat trips that go right up to where the lava is spilling into the sea. I haven't done it myself, but check out this story:

http://www.nokaoimagazine.com/Featur...5/volcano.html

It sounds soo exciting! (And probably your most predictable bet, since the lava is almost ALWAYS flowing into the water, regardless of whether it's pluming and such above.)

Kailani

Thanks for mentioning the boat tour. I've never thought of doing that. Here's a link with today's lava report.

http://www.lavaocean.com/

lia018

I've returned and wanted to post an update for anyone who might be going soon. Unfortunately, we had already left by the time the information about the boat tours was posted so we didn't look into that. It's pretty much what travelinandgolfin described. We got there (end of hwy 130) about an hour before sunset, walked 3/4 of a mile over the old lava to the viewing area which is roped off, and waited. The lava is entering the ocean about half a mile away. There are huge plumes of steam and smoke, but you can't see the lava when there is still light. Once it gets dark, you see lava explosions. Pretty cool! It's much different from my last visit 4-5 years ago when the oozing lava was just a few feet away at the end of the Chain of Craters Road in the national park.

matnikstym

The lava is creeping towards the park boundry. Once it gets onto park property and you want to walk the 6 miles over treacherous lava fields, you can get close to the lava. The reason that you can't get close now is because it is flowing on private property and there are liability issues. Occasionally there will be breakouts on the surface near the viewing area and then you can get close to the lava.