Could someone please refer me to a good site(s) for advice on hiking to and viewing the current lava flow at Kilauea?

I know the lava flow and viewing changes all the time, so I'll have to keep checking back before my actual trip.

I'm bringing my family to the Big Island the second full week of August.

The only place to see the lava is at the end of the road in Kalapana. It's an organized viewing area, easy walk. Right now there are 4-5 surface flows in addition to the ocean entry. Quite spectacular!

Hi jpiwaron

We are going in two weeks Here are a couple of official links,

http://volcano.wr.usgs.gov/kilaueastatus.php

http://lavainfo.us/

You might want to check out the island of Hawaii forum on trip advisor

Have Fun
GP

And here's a good overview article with some useful links in it.....

http://tinyurl.com/62juva

Where is Kalapana? I have heard its best to come at Dusk?
Where do you see the lava going into the ocean?

Hi jpiwaron

forgot one

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

Have Fun
GP

Kalapana is on the east coast of the island. From Hilo or Volcano you turn in Keaau heading towards Pahoa. Pass through Pahoa for another 7 miles and you'll be in Kalapana. It's best to come before dark and stay until after dark. Just before you get to Kalapana there is a beautiful painted church on the left side of the road. I think it's open until 4 or 5, worth a stop if it's open. Also if you're hungry before going to the viewing, turn left to Kalapana/Kaimu and get a bite to eat at the Kalapana Cafe. Make sure you wear sturdy shoes and bring a flashlight for every one in your party. There's quite a few locals selling water on the way in so if you don't have any with you you can buy it there.

We will be visiting the Big Island in November. Want to visit VNP and am also interested in seeing the lava flows so your information is very helpful.

We'll be flying into Hilo in the midmorning (from Maui). I'm thinking we should drive up to VNP for the bulk of the day and then head over to the lava flow area.

Here's the question: where should I book an overnight stay? I realize that it's too far to drive all the way to the Kona/Kailua area that night. Any thoughts would be helpful.

My own preferece is Kilauea Lodge. We stayed there 3 summers ago in the off site property they have. It's a pair of small houses joined with a deck. It borders the Volcano golf course. It was very nice. If I were staying in the area again, I'd want that place.

They call that house "Pi'i Mauna."