Monday, June 25, 2007

When to visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, lava flow Kilauea
If you consider a Hawaii vacation on the Big Island in order to watch the hot lava of a live volcano in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park like Joe Duck told in his recent Big Island vacation trip report, well, you might have to think again, unless the hot lava is not on your top priority list.
John Hibberd and Josephine Howarth traveled 10,000 miles from England to Hawaii to see lava. The two visitors seemed to think their arrival the previous week at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park was poorly timed because they didn't get to see flowing lava. Having lived on the Big Island for many years, there were always times of poor or no lava flow. We always felt kind of sorry for our Big Island vacation rental visitors from all over the world when Kilauea was not spitting fire fountains and lava rivers. But guys this is mother nature (or Pele the Goddess of the Volcano)! No prediction can be made.

This time though it seems to be different. Currently, lava is no longer flowing from the Puu Oo vent, and it will likely remain empty for a few weeks, if not longer, Poland said. Geophysicist Mike Poland hopes visitors realize just what exciting events are happening, even if no lava is coming from Puu Oo and creating its trademark steam plume. Based on past performances, the lava will likely flow again.

Read more on recent and future lava flow at Kilauea Volcano in Hawaii Volcanoes National at West Hawaii Today article 'Eruption Pattern changes'

In any case, when the lava starts flowing again, we recommend night time visits but pay close attention to the signs of the Park rangers and take plenty of water and variety of clothes - ocean front is extremely hot and one gets dehydrated from walks to lava flows easily - whereas at 3000 ft elevation of the Hawaii Volcanoes Park, it gets quite cold when the sun has set. Believe us the visit will be an experience of a lifetime, with or without lava flow. Aloha, Pua Hawaii Big Island Vacation Guide
p.s.
Nearly forgot to mention that the stop of Kilauea's lava flow has a big advantage for the residents and visitors in Kailua Kona and the rest of the west coast...no vog (sulphur fumes from the volcano lingering over the coast!), just clear, blue skies everywhere! Enjoy this rare event!

Related articles which Hawaii blog visitors read
Volcano Watch Big Island Hawaii

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