You are here

Home » Where's The Lava At Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park?

Where's The Lava At Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park?

Share

Published Date

October 3, 2021

Visitors watch Kīlauea volcano erupt from a safe distance/NPS, J.Wei

Captivating images and video of the new lava lake eruption on Kīlauea volcano are going viral, but they often do not represent what visitors can safely see when they visit Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. 

So what can visitors expect to see? It depends on when they arrive, and the weather. 

In the Dark. A magnificent reddish orange glow fills the dark sky above a massive 127-acre (52 hectare) lava lake, reflecting into the gas plume wafting out of the volcano, and onto any clouds above the summit crater, Halemaʻumaʻu. Jagged crater walls are illuminated, showing the scars from the 2018 summit collapse. 

In Daylight. Volcanic gas and steam billow out of Halemaʻumaʻu, and the entire summit caldera, Kaluapele, is fully visible. Koaʻe kea, white-tailed tropicbirds, are often observed flying above the crater. 

The best eruption viewpoints day or night are along Crater Rim Trail, and include Uēkahuna, Kīlauea Overlook, Wahinekapu (Steaming Bluff), Kupinaʻi Pali (Waldron Ledge), Keanakākoʻi and other overlooks. Glimpses of lava from the rising lava lake were spotted periodically from Keanakākoʻi and Uēkahuna last night and today. Please note there is limited parking at Devastation Trail parking lot, used to access Keanakākoʻi. 

Check the Weather. Rain and clouds are not uncommon at Kīlauea, and conditions can change quickly. The 4,000-ft. (1,210-m) summit can also be chilly. 

Safety First. Volcanic eruptions can be hazardous and can change at any time. Stay on marked trails and overlooks, and avoid earth cracks and cliff edges. Do not enter closed areas. Maintain social distance of six feet and wear a mask to reduce the spread of COVID. Stay home if you are feeling sick. 

Be Respectful. Park landscapes are sacred places for many people. Please be respectful and allow them to practice their traditions privately.  

The current eruption is just one feature of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, a revered landscape and a World Heritage Site that spans 335,259 acres from sea level to the summit of Mauna Loa volcano. For more information about the park and the new eruption, visit https://go.nps.gov/new-eruption. 

Related Stories:

Kīlauea Continues To Put On A Dazzling Show At Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park
A Day In The Park: Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park
Exploring Paradise In Three Days

Stories about:

Story Categories:

Support National Parks Traveler

Your support for the National Parks Traveler comes at a time when news organizations are finding it hard, if not impossible, to stay in business. Traveler's work is vital. For nearly two decades we've provided essential coverage of national parks and protected areas. With the Trump administration’s determination to downsize the federal government, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s approach to public lands focused on energy exploration, it’s clear the Traveler will have much to cover in the months and years ahead. We know of no other news organization that provides such broad coverage of national parks and protected areas on a daily basis. Your support is greatly appreciated.

 

EIN: 26-2378789

Support Essential Coverage of Essential Places

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

  • Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
  • Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
  • Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
  • North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
  • Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
  • Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
  • Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

Add comment

CAPTCHA

This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.

Your urgent support helps the National Parks Traveler increase awareness of the wonders and issues confronting national parks and protected areas.

Support Our Mission

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

FREE for iPhones and Android phones.