When visiting Hawaii, the active lava flow on The Big Island is not to be
missed.
I recommend planning on staying in Volcano National Park overnight to
get the best lava viewing. I've found good camping in and right outside the
park 1 mi. toward Kona on the right. Also cabins for rent cheap. Call Volcano
House Hotel (808) 967-7321 for details.
Be sure to bring water, a flashlight (one per person + 1 spare), a snack is
nice, warm wind & rain proof clothes and sun protection. Intermittent rain or
other foul weather situations are common. Be patient.
To get there, drive or hitch to the end of chain of craters road. If you are
able to plan it, arrive at about two hours before sunset.
The hike out will be in full daylight. To get to the active flow requires a hikeof about three miles
each way over extremely sharp rock.
Bootophiles beware! This lava is known for
making short work of expensive footwear. The smell of brimstone is strong.
All you have to do now is follow the steam plume. Arriving right at the
action, you will feel the heat like a blast furnace on your face.
Now you get
to worry about that favorite pair of boots melting like butter! The scene is
absolutely mesmerising. You can't take your eyes off the changing kaleidoscope
of reds, yellows, orange like you've never seen.
The hissing steam turns pink
with the glow of lava bombs shooting through the air as the molten rock pours
into the briny. It actually FLOATS!
Some camp out near the flow. This has it's benefits, you don't have to trek
back over the black lava in the black night.
But, you must lug all your crap
to be comfortable, and as I mentioned earlier, the weather can be quick to
change.
If you plan on doing photography, don't for get your tripod. Hopeless without.
Flash won't cut it.
