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Can you see lava at Volcano National Park?

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is open 24 hours a day, so your chance to see glowing lava (from near or far) is pretty good when the volcano is actively erupting (it's periodically erupting only at the summit in Halemaumau currently), especially when it's dark.



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Kilauea volcano is not erupting No lava fountains, flows, or nigh glow is visible at this time.

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Yes, you can still see the glow from the lava lake inside Halema'uma'u, after dark, weather permitting. The best spot for viewing is inside the Park at the Jaggar Museum overlook.

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The best time to observe the glow from Halema'uma'u is before sunrise, or after 9 p.m., when most visitors have left. The park is open 24 hours a day.

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Visitors of Volcanoes National Park get the chance to see inside craters and watch lava flowing down the island. There are guided tours, boat rides on which molten rivers can be seen flowing into the ocean, and helicopter tours offering a prime vantage point.

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It is illegal to take lava rocks from Volcano National Park. Not only that it can bring very bad luck as its an insult to Pele. Hundreds of lava rocks get sent back to Hawaii because of this well known kapu(taboo) on snatching parts of Pele the Goddess of the Volcanos!

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If the park determines that access to the flow is safe you can go on a hike to see the lava. Because viewing conditions change on a daily basis you should look up the most recent information about the active surface flows shortly before you plan to see the lava yourself.

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Today, Hawai?i Volcanoes National Park on the island of Hawai?i is one of the few places in the world where visitors can come face to face with an active volcano—a truly unforgettable experience.

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Even though you might not see lava flowing out – as is the case now with Fagradalsfjall – you'll often see steam or gases rising from the crater, secondary cones or even from fissures within the lava flows. The surface of the lava looks a blackish-grey colour once it has cooled down, but appearances can be deceptive.

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If the lava is pooling or advancing slowly, you can stand right next to it to get a shot. You can not stand there long…you may have to get your shot and quickly retreat…but you can get very close. It is a self regulating….

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Common Items from Hawaii NOT ALLOWED into the U.S. Mainland or Alaska
  • Fresh fruits and vegetables, some exceptions are those listed below as permitted.
  • Berries of any kind, including fresh coffee berries and sea grapes.
  • Cactus plants or cactus plant parts.
  • Cotton and cotton bolls.
  • Fresh flowers of jade vine, and Mauna Loa.


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It is highly unlikely that you can walk across the surface of an active volcano without getting burned by lava or magma. Lava is molten rock that can reach temperatures of around 1,200°C (2,200°F) or higher, and it can cause severe burns or even death upon contact.

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