Aloha~just got back from the lava viewing. It was AWESOME! The lava flow was blessed at 12 noon today and by 3 o'clock it had closed off the ocean entry viewing area. Pele is not happy! The Civil defense will be assessing where and when to move the ocean entry viewing area but as of today you could not see the lava entering the ocean.
Some advice:
No matter how long the line of cars is, drive to the turnaround and then find a parking place. I thought it would be full so parked at the 2 mile point and walked...there was plenty of parking much closer.
Bring water, comfortable sturdy shoes, extra camera batteries, sunscreen and a hat. Being 6 feet from 2000 degree lava is HOT!
Plan on going around 4 and stay until after dark. I left before dark and will go back next week, but there were many more cars and people heading in after 6.

to see my pictures go to:
www.kodakgallery.com/dennisinzambia and click on the lava viewing album

Anyone coming here soon...you're going to love it!

Wow! Your pictures are awesome! Thanks so much for posting them. I've never seen so much red glowing lava, and the pictures really show how the land has evolved.

those are some great quality pics.

our kumu is taking the halau to pay their respects and camp this thursday. i'm told you can hear the lava underneath, sounds like glass crackling. i can't go but i'm certainly jealous.

mahalo for sharing

These pictures are hot! Thanks for sharing.

Mahalo for that- awesome.

Can I ask a dumb question? We haven't been to the park in like, eight years and see the flow is closer to Hilo...

So, should we drive around the other side if we're coming from Kona instead of coming from Volcano Village side? Like is it any closer not having to go down and around the South this time?

Thanks for that.

leavingsoon~either way would be o.k. but I think the route through Hilo is a bit faster time wise.

matnikstym,

GREAT photos. How did you get those close ups of the lava?

Were you using an extra zoom lens or is the flow that close to the viewing area?

We'll be there in 2 weeks and can't wait!

adventureseeker~we were about 6-10 feet from the lava. Hope it's still flowing when you get here!

Thank you for sharing your awesome photos! I wish I could hop on a plane and fly over.

P.S. I also peeked at your New Zealand photos - wonderful!

Mahalo matnikstym for sharing your awesome photos. I thought photo 41 was particularly impressive. We're going to be there hopefully Friday or Saturday of this week and I'm so excited about the possibility of seeing the lava flowing, though I know it's unpredictable.

matnikstym,

Mahalo for taking the time to post this before you left.
They're wonderful pics and your advice, as always, is really valuable.

Mahalo for that! Hilo way it is then..

Your pictures are so great!

Just heard on KGMB TV that the lava flow has stopped.

Can't find any details on their site or any other site to confirm this.

Wow, Dennis, thanks for posting the pictures! I hope it's still going when we're there in the fall.

Lee Ann

AMAZING photos!

From the 3/10 update: http://volcano.wr.usgs.gov/kilaueastatus.php
It sounds like lava continues to flow in the same areas that matnikstym was at on Saturday. But, it appears that lava flowing into the ocean has slowed or nearly stopped at times.

According to the news reports from several TV stations, there is no flowing lava seen anywhere right now.

Officials say that Kiluea is still erupting, but evidently the flow is inside lava tubes right now and cannot be seen anywhere.

Some really sweet shots; Good eye!
I loved your Zambian shots, brings back memories of when I once spent 4 months crossing Africa.

Since you shared such excellent photos, I'll share this little gem.
There is an award winning African film called Tsotsi, that you may enjoy.
If you do watch it be sure to watch the 2 or 3 alternate endings AND a wonderful interview with Gavin Hood the director. Our 16 year old daughter loved the soundtrack so much that she bought it on-line.

There is also a supplemental short 10 min. film that may remind you a little of Mfuwe.
Thanks again for the lava shots!
Cheers!

From KGMB today;

Officials now say that it was an erroneous report that lava had stopped flowing into the ocean.

They said after they got the chance to see it themselves, that the flow had slowed & was difficult to see. But it was still visible.

Whew! Thanks dusty!