Big Island Volcano
 

Has anyone recently been able to walk over to where the lava is flowing? Where's the best spot to do this from currently? Any suggestions for a fly-over the volcano by airplane rather than helicopter? What's the cheapest way to fly over from Maui to the Big Island for the day? Any cheap rental car ideas (need a car for 4 large adults). Thanks - arriving 1/28 in Maui and can't wait.

For the latest eruption information, visit the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park web site at <BR>http://www.nps.gov/havo/ <BR>You can drive down Chain of Craters Road and get fairly close to the eruptive site by walking as far as you are permitted. Night viewing is awsome. Conditions vary, so you'll have to assess the situation when you get there. <BR> <BR>There are helicopter tours available, and you can check your options when you arrive. Inter-island fares are cheapest when you purchase flight coupons, which you can also do when you get here. Car rentals are reasonable and the usual companies operate out of Hilo Airport. I wouldn't get too creative, stick to the major companies, book through their 800 numbers, and make use of any professional, etc. discounts you might be entitled to. <BR>Have a good trip! <BR>

Charlie, <BR> <BR>We just hiked out to the lava flow last week, and you're smart to get advice before going. We were very prepared (hiking boots, flashlights, lots of water, etc.), but it was still a fairly difficult hike, especially after dark. You can certainly see the steam from the end of Chain of Craters Road, but you can't see the lava without a hike over hardened lava. Our party of 7 ranged in age from 7 to 60 years old. The two adults who are in fantastic shape made it out to the lava in a little over 45 minutes. The rest of us took 1 hour 15 minutes. After dark was the hardest, it took us almost 2 hours to return to our cars. <BR> <BR>I'm not discouraging you...it's an amazing sight, just be prepared. One woman made it out to the flow, only to have the bottom of one of her tennis shoes melted off! That couldn't not have been a fun walk back. My mother-in-law was also wearing sneakers, but was smart enough to stop once the ground became too hot. She was a little disappointed, however, to make it that far and not get a real good look at the lava. If we did it again (no matter what our abilities), we would do it during daytime, but not during mid-day, probably very early morning. Also, check in with the Visitors Center the day you arrive and get updated information. Things can change dramatically from one day to the next. <BR> <BR>We were just shocked to see people trying to head out to the flow well after dark with tennis shoes, no water, and faulty (if any) flashlights. Concerned for several tourists safety, we ended up giving up a flashlight and several sets of batteries to those who would not heed our warnings. <BR> <BR>Volcanoes Nat'l Park is a wonderfully dramatic place. Just be prepared for all types of weather and conditions. <BR> <BR>Feel free to e-mail me if you'd like more info. <BR>

Your message has made my day! Thanks for the great advise. Charlie

Hi Kelly, <BR>We will be traveling to BI in June w/ 2 kids ages 7 and 9. We wanted to see the lava flow. Please tell me around what time do you arrive and what time you got back to your car. Do you need hiking sticks? <BR> <BR>Thanks, <BR>CT <BR>

We live in Kona and went to the volcano over Christmas break for a few days. (We are teachers) It was great! We have lived here almost 3 years and it was our first time seeing surface flows. We have hiked out when there was no surface flows and it is still a great experience! Don't always count on seeing the surface flows becuase it can flow back into tubes. Right now I believe it is still on the surface. It took us about 1 hour to hike out. We started out about dusk without lights or water. But we made it fine. There were plenty people out there for us to see our way back. (it was also full moon) The next day we went back during the day. It didn't take us as long since we could see our way. It is a great experience. Keep me posted on when you are coming and I can check to see what the flow is doing. (It's in the local paper about once a week) If you want to know about lodgings drop me an e-mail. We stayed at a great B&B (2 rooms plus futons in living room for $125)

to the top, to bury the offensive one.

CT, <BR> <BR>Out kids are exactly the same age! They did just fine on the hike, although we did have a few scrapes on the dark trip back. Luckily, I found out a couple of days into our trip to always have band-aids with me! We left the B&B (Kilauea Lodge...awesome) around 4:00PM and didn't get back until close to 9:30PM. Now that includes driving time down Chain of Craters Road (approx. 40 minutes each way) as well as walking from where we parked to where the lava covers the road (approx 1/2 mile). <BR> <BR>My recommendation is to hike out early in the morning (if you can get the kids up), preferrably even just before sunrise. This way you would get a feel for what the flow looks like during dark without it being pitch-black and potentially unsafe. <BR> <BR>Feel free to e-mail for any more tips on doing the BI with kids!

Everyone has been so helpful. We're scheduled to go to the Big Island on Sunday. I'm getting concerned readingthe latest updates; it sounds like the surface flows are moderating. I was wondering if you can get to the flows from the Royal Gardens side. How far would you have to walk? Thanks again to all who have helped. Charlie

My last chance! I leave for Maui in 24 hours! Anyone had experience this week with the lava flow on the Big Island...if we walk out there, will there be something to see up close and personal. Any last minute updates would be appreciated. Thanks again for all of your comments.

I just checked the paper today and it is still flowing. It said it is still entering the water but you can still see surface flows too. The best bet is to walk through on the park side. It will be a shorter distance. Have fun. It will be a great experience. Be careful putting your hands down becuase it is very sharp!

Kim and Kelly, <BR> <BR>Thanks for your response. I will be visiting BI in June and will be going to other islands before it. Thanks for your offer to check the flow but we wouldn't be at home to check it. I also read in one of the official volcano website that they don't recommend hiking to the flow after dark. Thanks again. <BR> <BR>