While much of what you saw is steam caused by the hot lava entering the much cooler ocean, the steam also contained dangerous volcanic gasses such as sulfur dioxide (SO2) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5). Great place to see the volcano from - well worth the trip - the park rangers give a great overview and tour of the area. Pack sunscreen and water together with your camera. Those boots should be fine. A hike to see lava meeting the ocean. Sometimes, however, lava hikes are not possible because there either is no lava flowing on the surface, or access to the site of the eruption is restricted, too dangerous, or crosses private lands. After after 61 days of volcanic activity the summit eruption ended on March 7, 2023. Right now the lava viewing is from inside the park, not at this listing near Kalapana. The hike almost always takes you over very uneven terrain it is important to have an honest conversation with the guides beforehand to make sure you are physically able to complete the hike. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Our drive back from Kalapana to the Mauna Lani was just over 2 hours. I want to take some night time photos of the Lava glow. Lava Viewing Area, Kalapana: See 321 reviews, articles, and 445 photos of Lava Viewing Area, ranked No.1 on Tripadvisor among 8 attractions in Kalapana. This viewing spot is far away from the actual action but is still a great lava viewing site. We arrived just before 5pm and opted to walk in. You may even want to see the park by bicycle with Volcano Bike Tours. Lava Viewing Area 4.5 321 reviews #1 of 8 things to do in Kalapana Geologic Formations Closed now 3:00 PM - 9:00 PM Visit website Call Write a review What people are saying By Mike H " We Were Here " Jan 2020 We came here even though we new that the eruption had ended but it was still an amazing sight to see where the lava h. If I were to do it again, I would have spent more time in daylight watching the oozing lava because it was pretty darn cool. The Kalapana Lava Viewing Area was located at the end of Highway 130, about 32 miles or an hour drive from the town of Hilo on the east coast of Hawaii's Big Island. In a 30-minute call we help you set up the trip of your dreams. We also want to be respectful of those who have lost their homes and property as well as staying safe against vog, laze, sulfur dioxide, freezing rain and not least of which remaining respectful of Madame Pele. Mo. Just be aware of your surroundings. This is about lava viewing in general not just at Kalapana. Where did you go to see lava? It's the last town listed on Google Maps before you reach the gate, but, for Marzo and Dunn, it's so much more. We went with kids 8, 12, and 14 and they loved it too. When you first arrive you likely saw just the white or gray-white plume of steam above the site where the lava is flowing into the ocean. Lava is hard, uneven and sharp in places as you may know if you have ever fallen while hiking on it. Sulfur dioxide emissions have decreased to near pre-eruption background levels. Port-a-potties were at the parking lot/road, but they were very smelling as we walked by. Good luck! This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Tours that take you to see the lava depart from both Hilo and Kona the ones from Hilo are shorter and more affordable. There's a whole lot more to Arsenal than just its new hero, Ballistic. The Lava viewing area is in a neighborhood on private land, so respect the instructions from security hired by Hawaii's Civil Defense. Please show consideration for the residents and dont drive into the neighborhood. Plus it was a slightly longer walk (4.5 miles each way). Just like smog, there are certain health hazards associated with vog. NPS Photo/J.Wei The remainder of our guide is relevant only when lava is visible on the surface. Park rangers keep a close eye on the stability of the lava bench and limit the lava viewing area based on what they judge to be safe. The Keanakkoi viewing area is one of the best places to see the glow but can get busy. 90% of travellers recommend this experience. Access to the flow could be restricted if local conditions are deemed unsafe or the path to the flow crosses private land. Lava Viewing Area (Kalapana): UPDATED 2022 All You Need to Know Before This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. A sign at the start of the trail warned visitors to follow the marked trail. Read more about how to see lava yourself on our website. If you plan on staying past sunset (and we highly recommend this), each person should carry their own flashlight for the walk back (see Guided lava tours). These hiking tours are sometimes combined with other activities so make sure to thoroughly read the descriptions before booking. A helicopter can get you close to a lot of action that is not accessible over land or water and gives you an impressive birds-eye perspective. This photo, taken on January 19 2021, shows the slowly filling up Halemaumau crater lava lake. What's Going On With The Volcanoes? - National Park Service The hike was much easier in the daylight and can twice as long in the dark! A good place to start doing this is by checking out our lava hiking safety chapter. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Preview trail Don't let this deter you, just do what the guided tours do and swing wider in your approach, staying further to the east (the way you came in) before cutting in to the glowing lava. Are the flows changed because of the eruption? Lava flow is intermittent at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, and the viewing area had been closed completely after 26 acres of lava delta and 4 acres of the cliff collapsed on New Year's Eve. 1. (Ranger told us they stop patrolling around 9pm so presumably the traffic flow dies down. How far from the viewing site is the place where lava is flowing into the ocean? I am sure it would now be closed. From Pahoa you can then follow Highway 132 to the South/East. 97% of travellers recommend this experience. Sustainable Travel guide and itineraries for the Big Island of Hawaii. Hawaii Eruption Information & Lava Tracking | Big Island The presence of a nearby gravel road made the hike to the flow relatively easy and even allowed bike rentals to operate! 93% of travelers recommend this experience. Following safety directions provided by the Hawaii Volcano National Park staff will allow you to see active eruptions in a safe and responsible manner. LAVA VIEWING AREA (Kalapana) - 2023 What to Know BEFORE You Go When did you go? The county Kalapana Lava Viewing Area near the park's eastern boundary also offers a vantage point of the current eruption, and is open daily from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. What not to wear NPS Photo Hikers are urged to be prepared, and to head out in daylight. We give a very short summary of all options you have to see the lava, below: Hiking to the lava is the best way to get up close.