Lava splatters within Halema‘uma‘u Crater on September 13/NPS, Sami Steinkamp

With the lava lake in Halema‘uma‘u Crater visible for the first time since May 2015 and lava flowing into the ocean at the Kamokuna site, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park has seen an influx of visitors after dark who want to get a glimpse of one of the world’s natural wonders.

Crowds gather nightly at the Jaggar Museum observation deck to watch the lava lake spatter and glow within the summit crater of Kilauea, vying for the best parking spot and vantage point. Rangers have been busy directing vehicles at Jaggar Museum from 5 p.m. until well after dark, often sending people to park at Kilauea Overlook, about 1/3 of a mile away.

Park rangers share the following tips for an optimal viewing experience:

• Avoid the busy times, and visit the lava lake during the day or after 9 p.m. The park is open 24 hours a day.
• Be mindful of air quality. Hazardous volcanic gas and particulates can drift over the summit area in light or southerly winds. These gases are a danger to all, especially people with heart or respiratory problems, young children, and pregnant women. Kilauea Visitor Center offers updates on air quality 24 hours a day, and visitors can monitor the Hawaii SO2 network website.
• Be prepared to hike a 1/3 of a mile each way between Kilauea Overlook and Jaggar Museum on the Crater Rim Trail. Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes, bring rain gear, water, binoculars, a flashlight, and extra batteries.
• Carpool if possible to reduce the number of vehicles in the parking areas.
• Ensure viewing for all. Don’t stand on the wall, and make room for wheelchairs.
• Be quiet and listen to the vent for spattering and booming sounds.
• Monitor the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory website and webcams. The KI camera provides a panoramic view of Halema‘uma‘u Crater from HVO, near Jaggar Museum. The tilt, shown on the deformation page, illustrates changes in magma supply into Kilauea.

In addition, air quality is poor at the coast, where another eruption from Kilauea enters the ocean at the Kamokuna site. Park rangers have roped off sections downwind of the ocean entry and have placed signs warning about toxic fume clouds that contain sulfur dioxide, volcanic particulates, and hydrochloric acid near the coast.

To stay upwind of the fumes, it is currently best to hike in from the County of Hawaii lava viewing area on the Kalapana side to access the ocean entry in the park. The Kalapana access is open daily from 3 to 9 p.m. It’s about a 4.2-mile hike from the Kalapana boundary to the ocean entry viewing point, one way, along the gravel emergency access road.

Find the current conditions at the Hawaii Volcanoes website.