Advice for Viewing the Big Island Lava Flow

Recently, you might have read about the exciting volcanic activity at the Kilauea volcano a short distance from Kalapana on Hawaii’s Big Island.  Every year thousands of tourists come to watch the lava as it flows into the ocean from the Kalapana Lava Viewing Area on the Big Island’s east coast.

The spot where you can currently see the flowing lava is at the end of Highway 130 on the east side, close to Kalapana.  Here are a few tips for enjoying this rare and spectacular natural phenomenon.

The best time to go
The best time to watch the lava is around sunset and the period just after sunset.  Earlier in the day the harsh sunlight tends to reduce the lava’s glowing incandescence.  So the time just before and after sunset gives you excellent glimpses of the contrast between viewing the lava in daylight and in the night.  Also, in the hours before sunset, there will be sufficient daylight for you to walk more safely to the lava viewing point.  Currently, the viewing point opens only after 2 pm and closes at 10 pm.  Cars are not permitted to enter after 8 pm.  You’ll have to be prepared for about a two and a half hour one-way drive in case you’re going to drive here from the west side of Hawaii.

What to Wear
Shoes like hiking shoes that have a rugged sole and a good gripping tread are advisable since  you’ll mostly be trekking over uneven surfaces coated with hardened lava such shoes will give you a firmer grip and help you in keeping your balance.  Shoes with a good sole will also give your feet protection from the heat.

See that you wear long trousers for protecting your legs should you fall as the hardened lava is as sharp as glass and you could hurt yourself badly if you fall.  Similarly, gloves would protect your hands if you were to have a fall.  Sunscreen, lip balm, a hat or visor, and sunglasses would give added protection from the sunlight during the daylight hours.

What to carry
Carry water, energy bars or light snacks for you won’t find any restaurants in the viewing area.  Also, make sure you have a flashlight so you can find your way around in the dark, binoculars for better viewing of the lava and surrounding terrain, and cameras with charged batteries and lots of memory/film.  Since it could be windy near the water, bring along your tripod too if you have one.

A hiking stick to keep your balance while crossing uneven terrain, wet wipes, bandages, Band-Aids, antibiotic ointment, mosquito repellant and something to tie back your hair if you have long hair, are some other useful items to carry along.

A few precautions

• Find out all you can about the dangers of getting too close to active lava.
• Follow the signs and instructions offered by the rangers and county employees.
• Try to get to the viewing area early so you can get prime parking space and won’t have to park too far away.
• See that you lock your car doors and tuck your valuables out of sight.

The experience of watching lava flowing into the ocean cannot be described in words.  So don’t miss the opportunity if you visit the Big Island and watch the lava flow from Kilauea Volcano.