Due to budget cuts, the new lava viewing hours at the ocean entry point in Kalapana are 5p.m.-10p.m. with the last car allowed in at 8p.m.

Thank you for the times. Four of us are going to the Big Island at the beginning of April 2009.We will be staying for 3 nights.We love Nature and are excited about seeing a Volcano. Could you suggest where is the best place to stay. We will be hiring a car to drive around and see sights.What do you think about flying over the Volcano's. Thank you Vicki

Thanks for the update. We'll be staying in Kapoho in two weeks. Any advice on the best time to go and how far is the walk to see the lava?

You want to be there by early dusk, so shoot to get there 5:30 or so, and plan on a 10-15 min. hike to the viewing area. Be warned that it is over pahoehoe (sp?) lava, which is the smoother ropier stuff. It is far from flat walking, but much easier than the a'a stuff at the end of Chain of Craters Rd. where we hiked last time. And I was very impressed that it was so incredibly well-marked here too, no way to get off the track. There was no charge a few weeks ago, but I threw some money into a collection box by the shack at the start of the trail to help pay for the parking helpers and all the reflective tape on the ground and reflective poles, not to mention the road to get there. Oh, and don't forget a flashlight FOR EACH PERSON, you need to see your footing.

Thanks for the advice!

If you've never been snorkeling in the Kapoho Tidepools Martym, you are going to love it. I go about 3 times a week and never tire of it! Have a good time. Definitely get there around 5 so you don't have to walk far, though the traffic in and out is not what it once was due to the lack of tourists. Bring a flashlight for everyone in your party and some water, though you can buy water along the way. There's a nice casual drive-in type restaurant in Kalapana if you want to eat before you see the lava. Good food but kind of pricey.

Thanks for the advice about the lava viewing. Though we have been to the BI many times, we've never done it--mostly due to laziness on my part. A mile or more walk over lava in the dark was never my idea of fun.

My husband has snorkeled the tidepools in the past--and says they have the most colorful coral on the island. (Due to a claustrophobia issue with me-I'll probabaly never get to see it.) We love staying in Kapoho and always try to stay there at least a few days on our trips. Love the Pahoa Sunday market and Paolo's for dinner. We'll be there in less than 2 weeks--can't wait--I need to see some green.