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Watch Lava Flow at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Published by Jason Hussong, Writer

Country: United States

The Experience

Witness the amazing forces of nature, and some of the newest land surrounding visitors in every part of the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. This land is in the form of blackened, desolate landscapes that resemble the moon more than the tropical images associated with Hawaii. And that difference makes it all that much more stunning and impressive.

There are also a great many other sites and spectacular experiences throughout the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park that make it worth more than just a quick stop on a drive between Hilo and Kona. The Kilauea Iki Crater, for one, was active as recently as 1959. Now it is possible to hike across the 2.5-mile-wide crater and along the rim, witnessing nature reclaiming the earth in the form of a rainforest. And this is only a fraction of the 150 miles of trails in the 505 mile² Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Sulfuric steam rises from massive cracks and vents in the crater floor, split apart by the dynamic forces of Mother Nature.

Nearby, the 1,100-foot-long Thurston Lava Tubes (a favorite of visitors) also bears the marks of the amazing power found in the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Now it is possible to walk through the tunnels (12 ft. in diameter) back into the black depths where it is unlit and unsafe to proceed without a flashlight.

The Chain of Craters Road winds its way down the side of the volcano to the Pacific Ocean, a change of approximately 4,000 feet in elevation. It cuts through a lava field that flowed as recently as the 1970s, leaving behind a bleak landscape of lava that cooled into twisted rock formations. After passing by the Pu’u Loa Petroglyphs, it ultimately ends at the striking Holei Sea Arch and the road covered in cooled lava. It is here that it is possible to safely witness the lava flow from the Pu’u ‘O’o Crater.

Tourists take Hawaii Volcanoes National Park tours each day in the hopes of seeing lava streaming into the Pacific Ocean. Sometimes it is not possible, and instead they have to be content with the other sites and the orange nighttime glow of the Halema’uma’u Crater, visible from the overlook at the Jagger Museum. Lava is often spilling from craters in the Park, enticing more than 1.5 million visitors annually to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

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When to Go to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

It is Hawaii, so you can generally rely on the weather being tropical and beautiful. There will be occasions of misting and light rain, but overall the weather will not be an impediment to your Hawaii Volcanoes National Park tour. The largest problem will be getting lucky enough to see the lava run. Unfortunately it is not like a faucet that can be turned on and off, so there is no way to know when it will happen. It is currently running, but it could stop just as quickly the next day. See the rangers at the visitor center, just inside the Park's entrance, for information on where you can safely get the best vantage points.

Odds n' Ends

It is a good idea to come prepared to visit the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, with basic essentials: comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, etc., since the majority of the Park is exposed to the elements. There are some places, like the Thurston Lava Tubes, where you're indoors, in a manner of speaking, but otherwise you'll be out hiking directly under the sun. Also note that if you plan on walking through the lava tubes, a flashlight is required. Small, inexpensive ones are sold in the giftshop at the visitor center.

A light jacket, gloves and a cap can also come in handy. Temperatures can drop drastically. Keep in mind you're nearly a mile above sea level, and the winds can blow hard at night through the Park. So, if you plan to head to the Jaggar Museum, the overlook for the Halema-uma-u Crater, to watch the lava glow at night, it is a good idea to come comfortably prepared so you don't find yourself spending the majority of your time keeping warm in the small museum.

Finally, stay on marked trails and do not go beyond any warning markers. If the rangers closed an area, it was done so with your safety in mind. Lava can reach temperatures of 2,200°F (1,200°C), so doing anything foolish, like ignoring closures, can result in serious injury, if not death.

More Experiences Nearby

Enter the Chocolate Caves of Hana Lava Tubes, Hawaii
Love the idea of being surrounded by chocolate? Have your mind on chocolate every single day and would just love to jump in the stuff? Well, the perfect adventure for you just might be exploring the "Chocolate Corridor" in Maui, Hawaii! The island has many adventures to attend to, but this one by far tops the charts as being the most unique. The walls, floors and ceilings within the Hana Lave Tubes look just like chocolate hence the nickname "Chocolate Corridor". As you are walking through the tubes just ensure you don’t taste any of the ‘chocolate’, as there will ...107 miles away.

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Books and DVDs

Frommer's Hawaii 2011
The Insider's Guide to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, The Best Things to See and Do at Kilauea Volcano, including Volcano Village

Elsewhere on the Web

Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park - nps.gov
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park - UNESCO.org

Media References

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park’s Changing Landscape is the Only Constant - NationalParksTraveler.com (newspaper)
Hawaii's hottest spots for lava lovers on a budget - sfgate.com (newspaper)

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