Rangers are on duty at the end of Chain of Craters Road from late morning until evening. Sometimes, lava may be seen in the distance flowing down the mountainside. Often, a red glow may be visible on the slopes after dark. A steam plume is visible when lava enters the ocean; it glows orange and red after sunset.

Kilauea is a dynamic volcano. Lava viewing conditions change daily. Talk to the ranger in the Kilauea Visitor Center when you arrive for current information.

Volcano Tours on the island of Hawai'i - CLICK HERE!

Thanks to Ron Tencati for his photo contributions

We can't overemphasize being prepared for the hike - too many times we see tourists with sandals and flip flops - not appropriate or safe for the rough lava surfaces.  If you plan on staying past sunset (and we highly recommend this), each person should carry their own flashlight for the walk back. 

August 2008 Vog Update
Visitor Alert - Kilauea is currently emitting elevated levels of sulphur dioxide gas and an ash-laden fume cloud from a new vent within Halema`uma`u crater.  Closure of certain areas of the park may become necessary during times when winds vary from the normal northeast tradewind pattern. Trades generally blow the plume (cloud of gasses and ash coming out of the vent) away from visitor areas. Park personnel and scientists from the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory are monitoring the situation closely.  check out the latest information on Park Closures.  Also, check out the Volcanoes National Park interactive map showing park closures on Crater Rim Drive.

March 2008 Lava Flow Update
In June of 2007, the Kilauea lava flow changed its direction, flowing further east and through more remote areas of the Big Island.  This change unfortunately prevented the general public from viewing the geological phenomenon.  Prior to this date, the lava flow was consistently viewable after a short hike from the end of the Chain of Craters Road.  Since June 2007, the lava flow threatened to overrun the Royal Gardens housing subdivision, south of Pahoa, but for the most part the lava flow remained hidden from public view. But, as of March 9th, 2008, the dynamic conditions changed yet again as the lava flow made a turn and presented a wonderful opportunity for tourists and locals alike to view the active lava flow's ocean entry - where the rivers of lava flow into the ocean resulting in plumes of steam, hissing of super-hot lava mixing with the roaring ocean waves.  View a map of the lava flow as of March 6th, 2008.

You can view the lava flow by driving to the end of Highway 130 (south of Pahoa), then follow the newly installed dirt road to the end.  Daily viewing will be from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m., with the last car allowed in at 8 p.m.  Sightseers can hike a half mile over rough ground with no shade from the road to the ocean.  There will be portable toilets and emergency water supplies.  See excerpt of article posted on our volcano blog. 

For up to date lava flow information, visit the official park website.
View driving map for directions from the Volcanoes National Park to the lava flow area (not located on park property).

Halemau'Uma'u Crater Vent (2008)
A swarm of earthquakes and formation of a gas-emitting vent the morning of March 12, 2008, signaled the start of something new at the summit of Kilauea. Three "throat-clearing" explosions has given this new activity the distinction of being the first explosive eruption in Halema`uma`u Crater since 1924 and the first lava erupted from the crater since 1982.

The new explosion pit continues to vigorously vent gas and ash, with the plume alternating between brown (ash-rich) and white (ash-poor).  You may not have an opportunity to view the lava flow because of changing conditions, poor weather, or you don't have the time - however, you can easily view the smoke plume at the Halema'uma'u Crater and gain an appreciation for the power of Pele and the Volcano.  Visitors may view the new vent within Halema‘uma‘u crater and the plume from the overlook at Jaggar Museum. Other overlooks with views include: Steam Vents, Kilauea Overlook, Kilauea Iki Overlook, and Volcano House hotel.

Historic Photos of the Lava Flow
The below Photos pre-date the current lava flow (pre-2007) and although these views are currently unavailable, they show historic photos of what was previously viewable (and perhaps again in the future...)

Pre-2007 Lava Flow Information
Prior to June, 2007, lava entered the ocean at the end of Chain of Craters road in Volcano National Park.  We used to drive to the end of the road, park, then follow the long line of hikers walking across the dried lava beds to get a closer view point of the lava flow.

We normally would pack a dinner and arrive at the lava flow area prior to sunset.  Here we would picnic and get in position with our cameras prior to dusk.  We recommend you find out when official sunset is and add time backwards from that point to give you the time to hike.  It is an awe inspiring scene to see the transition to dusk and then night, as the red lava glows brighter in the dark.  Check out our latest Lava Hike Blog entry.

After a day of outdoor activities and hiking, spend the night at the historic Volcano House Hotel, or a variety of other hotels close by.  Being more than 90-miles away, it is often more convenient to spend the night at a hotel near the Volcano or in Hilo when visiting the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. 

Visit our main Hawaii Volcano Park page for more details and photos of the rest of the national park attractions, sights, hiking, and camping.