There are actually two places on the Big Island of Hawaii from which to view lava. One of them is at mile 18.3 along much-visited Chain of Craters Road. Here, the pavement comes to an abrupt halt. It has been swallowed, perhaps forever, by the igneous rock that has formed from the flows of Kilauea Volcano. Since 1983, the volcano has been erupting continuously, pouring out some 250,000 to 650,000 cubic yards of molten lava every day.
From a vantage point at the end of this road, it is easy to see impressive plumes of steam that rise up from the Pacific Ocean. This is where the lava is coming into contact with the cool water. As it hardens, the lava rock fragments and sinks to the sea floor. Gradually it accumulates to become nature's version of land reclamation.
In this way, the lava flows have added more than 568 acres of new shoreline south of the volcano over the past 25 years. In the process, some 8.7 miles of paved roads have been buried in molten rock as much as 115 feet deep. It has also been recorded that the flows destroyed manmade 187 structures in the area, including the Wahaula Visitors Center of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
To the northeast of the flows is the small community of Pahoa, where another and perhaps better viewing area exists. The lava has already encroached on the town's Royal Gardens subdivision, threatened the Kaimu-Makena homesteads, and covered over parts of Kalapana Gardens. Access to the town from the park's side of the flow has been completely cut off. The community has therefore created its own Kalapana Lava Viewing Trail, just up the coast from Waikupanaha.
In this area, a safe viewing program has been developed for the public by County, State and Federal agencies, under coordination by Hawaii County Civil Defense. The viewing area is open daily from 5pm until 10pm, provided that conditions remain safe for the public. No vehicles are allowed in after 8pm. This is to allow adequate time for seeing the lava before closing time.
This viewing area is at the end of Highway 130. From the parking lot, it is about a half mile walk across hardened lava to the site. Visitors are advised to wear long pants, closed-toe shoes, hats and sunscreen. Because the area can be very hot and sunny, it is a good idea to bring drinking water, too. Those visiting in the evening should also bring flashlights. A limited number of portable toilets have been set up near the parking area.
According to the County of Hawaii, the eruptions currently pose no threat to anyone. The lava's movement is confined to a narrow area of activity on the unpopulated coast. The USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory has been monitoring the activity closely and maintaining communication with Hawaii County Civil Defense. Should any potential threat arise to populated areas, appropriate measures will be taken to warn affected residents.
In the meantime, the lava flows have become quite a tourist attraction for Hawaii Volcanoes National Park 24/7. An expanded parking area and simple toilets have been installed at the end of Chain of Craters Road. This has been necessary to accommodate the increased traffic and number of visitors who cannot make the long drive around to the Kalapana viewing area on the other side of the flow.
The County of Hawaii has also established a Lava Hotline at (808) 961-8093. It is updated daily and can confirm whether the lava viewing area will be open that day. Visitors need to keep in mind that conditions can change rapidly. Viewing may be closed if any changes occur that will threaten the personal safety.
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