Looking for the Lava?
With the entrance to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park just minutes from 5th Street Ohana, most of our guests are looking for the lava! The most recent flow from Kilauea Volcano, which has been continuously erupting for more than 30 years, is located southeast of Puʻu ʻŌʻō, high on the mountainside.
According to Big Island Video News, it’s just over 3 miles long and is advancing steadily about 330 feet each day. The active flow poses no immediate threat to populated areas, and it’s still quite a distance from the ocean. Currently, the lava can only be seen via helicopter, but eventually there will be hiking and boating tours available.
Although it may be tempting to try to access the lava on your own, it’s not something anyone should do without a knowledgeable and professional guide.Meanwhile, there are excellent viewing opportunities of the bubbling and churning lava lake at Halema’uma’u crater within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. At the Jaggar Museum overlook, a daytime plume of smoke is visible, but the nighttime view is the true money shot, with the impressive glow of lava breathtakingly contrasted with the dark sky. Bring your camera!
Find up-to-the-minute reports on current lava activity and viewing opportunities, or call HVNP at 808/985-6000.
Then book your stay at 5th Street Ohana, where looking for the lava is just one of the amazing and memorable things you’ll do.
by Kim LaPat / Travel Editor, Emma Spencer Living
