Can you currently see active lava flows on the Big Island?
corbin_rox asked:
We are going to the Big Island in mid March. Where can you go to see active lava flows? Any advice would be much appreciated?
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We are going to the Big Island in mid March. Where can you go to see active lava flows? Any advice would be much appreciated?
December 1st, 2008 at 6:40 pm
Check it out when you get there. It can change. Over the last few years the flows have primarily been in an inaccessible part of the island. You can take a helicopter tour, which is pricey (and you might find you can sit through a time-share presentation and get the tour at half price. Tough call, I know.) If there is some flow in the park, you may have to hike to it. Several years ago, I hiked 90 minutes across lava and was able to find a brand new little flow. We watched it come out and trickle down. We were within inches of it, feeling the heat. The ground was so hot we could smell the rubber on our shoes. That was very exciting, but we only found it by being persistent, asking questions and getting lucky.
December 4th, 2008 at 10:35 pm
Yes…always active and flowing since 1984….
you will find it in the Kilaulea National park. You can actully drive up all the way to where the lava has harden and walk on the hardened lava to where the lava flow is….but please be careful….because of the heat from the lava…you will want to wear hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, shoes and socks when going there. Always watch where you step, you step on a recent lava tube and cause it to reopen and burn yourself.
There will be small flags in the ground showing you where to walk and follow to the active lava flows.
Have fun!!!!
December 6th, 2008 at 1:17 am
Lava flow varies not just from year to year but from day to day. Of course, it’s more fun to visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, when there is a dramatic flow into the ocean. As the flow is more impressive to watch when it’s dark, make sure to bring flash lights, sturdy shoes and lots of drinking water.
Our recommendations to Big Island visitors for visiting the Park
1.
Check the flow on conditions before you get on the road for a long drive to the other side of the island. Call Volcanoes Park 808-985-6000 for lava flow and weather update.
2.
When you arrive at the park, first walk into the Visitor’s Center for a live update + watch Kilauea’s original eruption movie.
3.
Bring clothes for cold weather – old crater and crater rim road are at 3000ft elevation, so it can be cold and windy – and light clothes for sea level temperatures, where mostly new lava flow occurs.
4.
Pay close attention to any warning signs by park rangers. Otherwise, it can cost your life.
Hey no worries, prepare well and stick to the rules and you will have an experience of a life time! Where else in the world can you still watch a live volcano?!
Have a great time in Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island. Aloha, Pua
December 7th, 2008 at 6:21 pm
It depends, right now you can’t really see much, but you might see the stream from the lava entering the ocean in the Volanoes National Park.
December 10th, 2008 at 1:31 pm
Yes, it is possible to see the active lava flow at Volcanoes National Park. However, whether or not weather conditions allow you to see the flow up close changes daily so check with the Park Service before taking a trip up there if you have your heart set on it.
Lava flowing into the ocean is spectacular at night, however, it is also more dangerous so make sure to go with someone who knows the land rather than on your own.
Good luck and happy travels!