We have Feb 23-March 6 booked for trip to Hawaii and planned on staying the entire time on our favorite island, Maui. However, we've heard (limited) news about active lava flowing at volcanoe Nat'l park (which we didn't see any lava last year when we were at the park, our only time there). Has anybody been there in the past few days that could give us a "lava view" report? We know there's no guarentee that in 15 more days it will be anything like today, but if we heard good reports we could schedule a couple days on Big I?

The "where's the lava" from volcanoes natl park website has not been updated since Feb 1 and the USGS eruption update doesn't really tell you if there is good lava viewing or not in layman's terms?

Thanks!

Aloha ttyme,

Check this out... http://www.cnn.com/2005/TECH/science....ap/index.html

Is this the page you looked at? It has today's date, February 7 with updates from the field...they even mention flows within walking distance from the end of Chain of Craters Road. If it's flowing there, I'm sure the park can tell you what to do.

http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov/kilauea/update/main.html

love
roxy

Thanks makai1 and Roxy!

I had seen both these reports, but I guess am wondering about the quality of viewing from anybody whose been there in the past couple days. The eruption update says that lava is indeed flowing but also says that the "tunnels are becoming efficient" at carrying the lava to the sea...so if you can't really see much, then may as well not go.

Wondering about the ability to actually see lava. Today's eruption update is a bit more helpful indicating that many "breakouts" (which I assume are places you can see the lava flowing across the lava field and "breaking out" from under it's shell...the update indicates they are happening, but has anybody been there to see it very recently? Is it totally awesome, or something you can just barely see?

Thanks all!

I just returned from the Big Island today. We hiked to the Lava on Sunday and it was worth the hike, but I wouldn't recommend a trip to the island to see it. It is flowing into the sea about 1 1/2 miles from the end of the road. You are able to get within about 100 yards and can see the lava from a distance (when the steam isn't obstructing your view). However, to get a good view your need a pair of binoculars or a very good zoom on your camera. I took some pictures with my digital camera, which has an 8x optical zoom and you had to really look to find the lava in the picture. There wasn't any surface lava or anything that you can get really close to. Hope that helps.

We are going next week and I have been checking this page which seems to update pictures every other day. While I don't plan on taking their tour (why pay for that???) I figure I can atleast follow them. It looks like they get pretty close to the lava.

http://www.arnottslodge.com/HOME.HTML

hoodwinks: You might want to read this before deciding to follow Arnott's:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...1&tid=34543693

The other problem with trying to follow a tour is, the area is so big you'll be lucky to find any specific group, unless you actually tail the tour van all the way to VNP.

Travels77, THANKS, VERY HELPFUL insight.

Hoodwinks1...if you could post back here as soon after you get there and check it out, or get home to a computer after checking it out, we would be very greatful!

Thanks all, Ttyme

While wasn't totally advocating following them per se, I was trying to point out that it appears from arnotts photos that you can get a lot closer to the lava then something you'd need a big zoom for.

We'll be staying in the park on the 19th and 20th. If I can find someplace with some wireless access once we get over to the west side, I'll keep you posted.

Hoodwinks, THANK YOU.

We will be in HI, from Jan 23-Mar 6 and have flexibility to get over to Big I anytime during that window, so if we can get your report around the 19-20 we would be able to plan a trip over there if worth seeing.

Thanks so much, and please post any details on the actual conditions as of the date you are there if you get the chance. Crossing my fingers for wireless access!

Ttyme

ttt bump

sorry, never found any wireless access while we were there. i wish I had as we saw lots of lava. Did you make it over?

Thanks Hoodwinks, no never made it over because we didn't know if it would be worth it, AND we were just have such a wonderful time on Maui I don't think we could have ripped ourselves away. Just had an awesome time on Maui, we'll have to shoot for the lava another time. Thanks for your help!