Update on lava flow from Kilauea on the Big Island
 

Here's a news article about the current flow which offers the possibility that the county may set up a lava viewing area along the Puna coast.
http://tinyurl.com/2jef8t

An article in this morning's Honolulu Star-Bulletin, gives details -- and map -- of the new viewing area which will open later this week:
http://starbulletin.com/2008/03/05/news/story07.html

I'm so excited about this new viewing area! I already had plans to be on the BI next week.

Like the Mayor said in the Star Bulletin article, I hope Pele keeps the lava flowing orderly and safely.

Officials estimate that the lava could be flowing to the ocean today. The county is preparing a lava viewing point that they hope to open tomorrow at noon. Here's the latest from KGMB: http://kgmb9.com/main/content/view/4583/40/

How long does this usually last? days, Weeks, months??? We are visiting this summer and I wonder if the new viewing area will still be up and running.
TIA

MiamiBeachMamma - It's totally unpredictable.

Updates from this morning's papers:
http://starbulletin.com/2008/03/06/news/story05.html
http://tinyurl.com/24tmty
http://www.westhawaiitoday.com/volcano/

And this official one, from the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory:
http://volcano.wr.usgs.gov/kilaueastatus.php

Mahalo for the info. We'll be on the BI within 3 weeks.

Question: We're staying in Volcano Village, so I presume we have to drive around through Hilo to reach the viewing point off of Hwy 130? Is that right?

Aloha.

You will have to drive back towards Hilo turning onto highway 130 at Kea'au.

The road to the lava viewing will be opened Saturday March 8 at 2:00 P.M. The last car will be allowed in at 8:00 P.M. and everyone must be out by 10:00 P.M. From the highway to the turnaround point is 2.6 miles and parking will be along this road. For now there will not be a fee but the county could charge a toll in the future.
I'm going out tomorrow!

dennis will you post and report and pictures??

joyce

I'll try Joyce, depending on what time I get back and am leaving for the mainland early Sunday morning...but should be able to get some info posted.

My husband was out at the old viewing area on Wednesday. Many, many people out there, spectacular viewing of lava.

GloriaE- Do you mean the old viewing area at the west end of the lava flow, where the Chain of Craters road was closed by the old lava flow- The area you could drive to on the west side?

No, I mean the old viewing area accessed from the end of highway 130 from the east side. The one discussed in the article from the Star Bulletin mentioned above.

nowhere near the park. 45 minute drive from Hilo. Turn left at Keaau and follow the road to the end...can't miss it. You'll bypass Pahoa, or stop for water and snacks and continue on 130 past the Painted Church in Kalapana and through the gate.

Dennis is the shave ice stand at the end of 130/or the red road where the flow is?

yes Joyce sort of...the shave ice stand (now a restaurant, formerly Verna's Drive In) is in Kalapana. The way to the flow is continue on 130 and don't turn left into Kalapana/Kaimu. The red road is if you turn left at Kalapana and then turn left again heading towards Pohoiki/hot ponds/Kapoho. Years ago you could stay on 130 and end up in Volcanoes Park and make a loop.

Is there any way to see this from the water at night?

yes, I'm sure you can see it from the water as it is flowing into the ocean now and from the flatlands you can see it coming down the mountain.