Lava and Volcanoes on Hawaii

Hawaii wouldn't be there if it were not for the continuous volcanic activity that build all the islands in the state. Only three volcanoes in Hawaii are still active, and they are all on the Big Island: the Hualalai, Mauna Loa, and the Kilauea. Of these, the Kilauea Volcano has been erupting continuously since 1983, and is one of the most active volcanoes in the world!

Did you know the air force once bombed a lava flow that threatened Hilo in 1935? Read Volcanic History of Hawaii in our blog if you want to learn more about the 3 active volcanoes on the Big ISland and the eruption history of all 5 Big Island Volcanoes

Most of the time the volcano is erupting at a very calm pace (with 'aloha'), and it is easy to get close to the action. This offers a spectacle that few will ever forget. There are two possible ways to see the lava: [1] From a distance In the Crater of the Kilauea Volcano and [2] Close By as it flows down to the Ocean.

Lava in the Crater | Getting close to the Lava | Guided tours | Practical Information

The glow from the Halemaumau crater at night in the Volcanoes National Park, seen from the Jaggar Museum overlook.

The glow seen from the Jaggar Museum Overlook in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

Lava Viewing in the Crater

From within the Volcanoes National Park you have a great view of the Halema'uma'u crater. Because of safety issues the access to the crater is restricted, but there are several overlooks that give a stunning overview of the crater at about 1 mile distance.

During daytime an impressive plume can be seen, but the view is truly breathtaking after sunset, when the glow of the lava can be seen against a background of stars. (back to top)

kalapana-lava

Lava Viewing at the Flow

Seeing the lava up-close-and-personal leaves an impression that few people ever forget. Since 2007 a surface lava flow from the Kilauea volcano has been flowing in the Kalapana-district. The lava flow activity and location changes daily. Check the latest Kilauea volcano lava flow update, or call the Park at (808) 985-6000 or view a map of the most current lava flow. This option is both more spectacular and more risky. Volcanic fumes are hazardous to your health, and persons at risk of respiratory problems, heart problems, pregnant women, infants and elderly people are discouraged to engage in this activity. It is recommended that you wear comfortable socks and walking shoes or hiking boots. (back to top)

Browse this gallery for some stunning pictures of the lava:

The glow from the Halemaumau crater at night in the Volcanoes National Park
Red hot lava flowing at Kalapana
Going out with a professional tour to view the lava up-close-and-personal!
Red hot lava flowing at Kalapana
A river of lava slowly making its way to the ocean
Red hot lava burning some plants
The 1992 lava is already starting to be grown over by some pioneer Ohia Lehua trees
Red hot lava setting a tree on fire on its way to the ocean
An old lava flow crossed the road.
Red hot lava flowing at Kalapana
The 1992 lava is already starting to be grown over by some pioneer Ohia Lehua trees. On the background new houses that have been build on top of the flow

Practical Information - a must read!

It is very important to realize that hiking out to the lava unprepared can put you in harm's way. Bring sunscreen and water with you, and don't forget your camera! If you plan to view the lava flows after dusk, remember to bring one flashlight per person. Take head: Kilauea is a dynamic volcano, and lava viewing conditions change daily. The viewing area that is arranged by the National Park does not guarantee close access of the lava, and often a 1+ hour hike over hazardous terrain is necessary to get to fresh lava.

We can't overemphasize being prepared for the hike - too many times ill-prepared tourists with sandals and flip flops. Those are not appropriate or safe for the rough lava surfaces, and wearing those will force you return home prematurely without having seen the lava. If you plan on staying past sunset (and we highly recommend this), each person should carry their own flashlight for the walk back.

If you want to be truly prepared, take 5 minutes and watch this video about safe viewing of ocean entries made by the Hawaii volcanoes national park staff. It is especially good to watch if you want to get as close as physically possible to lava ocean entries (don't!): lava-safety-video

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Guided Lava Tours

If the lava flows are on land that is accesible to public, you can join a guided lava tour to get very close to the lava or join a boat tour to see the lava stream into the ocean. If the lava is not that easilty accesible your best option is to book a helicopter tour that will fly you over the active crater.

Visiting the Lava with a professional guide.

Hiking to the Lava

You can find up-to-date information about the lava viewing area at the "what's going on with the Volcano" webpage of the Volcanoes National Park. There are also several companies that offer guided hikes to the lava flow at night if public access to the lava is possible. Some companies are better than others, but in general their guides are trained professionals that know the terrain intimately, and can provide you with plenty of interesting background information and safe passage.

Lava from the Ocean

Visiting the lava from the ocean side does not allow you to come as close to the lava as with the lava tours over land, but it can offer you sights that are unique and that are not visible from the land. Think about (if you are lucky) volcanic steam explosions, red rivers of lava, littorial explosions, bench collapses, plume clouds, erupting lava bombs, & ocean entry splatter cones.Check out the lavaocean / seelava Lava Boat Tours.

If the lava is not flowing, you can still get a spectacular sight at newly formed black sand beaches, frozen lava flows and the incredible scenic Puna Coast with a Volcano Boat Tour.

Big Island Activities