http://www.govisithawaii.com/
There are few sights more impressive and exciting than observing hot lava ooze and flow on Hawaii’s Big Island. The words
amazing and
incredible are overused these days, but honestly, they both apply to the experience of watching lava flow. It’s a display that will surely have you saying
wow over and over again.
So, how do you find out what’s going on with the lava flow? Fortunately, there are some great resources that provide frequently updated status of the volcanic activity on Hawaii. This list is all you need to stay in the know:
1. Hawaiian Volcano Observatory’s Kilauea Status Reports is updated daily with all the Kilauea activity. It’s got quite a bit of scientific language, but you can still glean the basics of the volcano activity from the reports. Notice that from this site, you can access links to see semi-live (still photos captured and displayed every five or ten minutes) web cams volcano vents and craters –
Puu Oo and
Halemaumau.
2. County of Hawaii’s Kilauea Eruption Update Website provides information and maps on lava flowing outside of the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The site also provides Civil Defense information and advisories in case of an emergency. This site along with the Kalapana Lava Viewing Hotline (808.961.8093) are good resources to help you find the active lava flow and viewing areas that are outside of the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
3. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park’s Web site has
a page dedicated to updating the volcano activity, but it isn’t updated as frequently as the others that I’ve already mentioned. When you are on Hawaii’s Big Island, I do recommend a visit to the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. (See tips for visiting
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.) While you are there, do stop into the Visitor’s Center for a wealth of information and advice on Kilauea’s activity and lava viewing.
Always bear in mind that
volcanic activity is unpredictable. I think that’s part of the mystic of a volcano. So, do plan to be flexible when you visit Hawaii and want to see the lava flowing.
As you make your plans to see lava on the Big Island, be sure and review my
tips for viewing the lava flow so that you’ll be properly prepared and safe.
Have you seen lava flowing on the Big Island? How would you describe the sight?