Kilauea, the active volcano on the Big Island of Hawaii is often referred to as the "drive-thru volcano." Hawaii's volcanic eruptions are not the blow the top off variety. Lava's been steadily flowing from Kilauea ( the world's most active volcano) since 1983. There's a hotline to call and Website updates to view to find out when and where Big Island lava viewing opportunities await. If you click on the picture below for the larger view, you will see a visitor is there watching the lava flow in the sea.
This doesn't mean the area's without dangers. Land masses the size of football fields drop into the sea, and walking in areas where lava flows just below the surface or is newly crusted is very dangerous. Don't wander off the paths, and believe the signs that caution you away from certain areas (no matter what you see others doing). We watched several people venture out onto a cooled lava shelf overlooking the sea, ignoring the warning signs. Early the next morning, about 2 a.m. the whole shelf collapsed into the oean. Fortunately nobody was out there at 2 a.m.
As of July, 2007 lave can only be viewed from the air. The lava is now flowing northeast instead of into the sea. For details, go to Hawaii Volcanoes Visitor Center, At the visitor center, you can watch a movie on their big screen about the Big Island's active volcano and its volcanic origins. If you follow the Park's rules and the rangers suggestions, you're in for a real treat.The glow is being viewed at night by residents in the subdivisions just north of Pahoa, including Hawaiian Paradise Park. If the lava continues in the direction it is headed it will cross the road between Ainoloa subdvision and the town of Pahoa, but it could change course at any time. Several, new, black sand beaches are formed from the lava, and coconuts washed ashore and carried by locals sprout within in days. Also, check on the sulfur levels in the air before going. You can check here or at the Park.
There is much to see and do at Volcanoes National Park. While most visitors know about the short and easy hike through the songbird forest and Thurston Lava Tube, many aren't aware that if you bring a flashlight you can explore the cave (lave tube) next to Thurston. Many families make the short trek to the
tunnels end. Just watch for low ceilings and the large rocks that litter the path.
Also, there is a wild cave tour that is not advertised. As of today, they only go once a week, and you must sign up ahead of time.
The lodge at Volcano is perched among cedar trees and lush, green forests, overlooking a steaming crater and offers natural, volcanic steam baths in its rooms, and a big, stone fireplace (it can get chilly at night). In the park, towering koa trees form lacy canopies over trails. The volcano area, like the island, is a study in diversity – stark, lava rock and empty, steaming craters contrast with Hawaii's finest greenery and a birdwatcher's paradise. Locals visit here at Christmas time to pluck greenery and olelo berries for their wreaths. it is a beautiful place, and moreso with the contrast to the starkness you'll see along Chain of Craters road.
Remember to respect the aina (land) here, as everywhere in Hawaii, but also keep in mind this is very sacred Hawaiian ground. Respects are paid to Pele, the volcano goddess, creator of the islands, daily as you will see near the craters where lei and other gifts are left. The mana (spiritual energy) here is powerful. Pele's sister, Hiaka, the goddess of Hula also dwells here also, and if you time it right, you will be able to watch hula danced here at the volcano.
If you're thinking about visiting the Volcano, check out my free mini guide to the Big Island
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