O'ahu consists of two extinct volcanoes, Ko'olau to the east and Wai'anae to the west. Ko'olau Volcano consists of the eruptive products of the shield (2.5-1.7 million years old) and rejuvenated stages; no postshield stage lavas are known.
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Sorry to tell you, most visitors do not see lava. Here's why: Lava is dangerous. As soon as lava is fountaining or flowing in a certain area, Hawaii Civil Defense determines if it is safe to allow people near it. Usually it is not safe and the area is closed off.
Lava is best seen at night along the south rim. There are three main viewing locations: Kupina?i Pali (Waldron Ledge) from Crater Rim Trail, Kilauea Overlook, and Keanakako?i Crater. Keanakako?i Crater is the closest eruption viewpoint - here you'll see a lava lake that emits a reddish-orange glow at night!
There are currently no lava flows outside the crater or ocean entry of lava, therefore Lava boat tours and many lava related tours are not currently running due to the lack of molten lava flowing outside of the crater. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is open and has plenty of volcano related things to do and see.
Volcanic eruptions like the ones in Guatemala, Italy, the Philippines and elsewhere, do not occur in the Aloha State. So you would not be in any sort of immediate danger in Hawaii from a volcanic eruption. You definitely won't be if you're not visiting the Big Island.
Lava zone 2: Black Sand Beach, Nanawale Estates, Hawaiian Beaches, Hawaiian Shores, Hawaiian Parks, Kehena, Puna Beach Palisades, Kalapana Seaview Estates, Kaimu-Makena Houselots. Pahoa is of course also in this lava zone.
Diamond Head CraterSituated just minutes from Waikiki, this impressive 300,000-year-old volcanic crater invites visitors to go hiking and take in the natural beauty and untold mysteries of Hawaii.
The HTA added: “Currently, travel is still welcomed to the island of Hawaii. Visitors are encouraged to contact their hotel accommodations provider and airlines for updates that could affect their stay on island.”
Other areas on Maui (including Kahului, Wailuku, Kihei, Wailea, Makena, Pa?ia and Hana), as well as the other Hawaiian Islands of Kaua?i, O?ahu, Lana?i, Moloka?i and Hawai?i Island remain unaffected.
The truth is, Hawai'i has historically been pretty safe, with some extremely notable exceptions. Disastrous hurricanes and tsunami are relatively rare but they can cause serious damage if they do occur.
And this is not anything new either. Except for the occasional vog, the main islands of Oahu, Maui, Kauai, Molokai and Lanai are unaffected by the volcano. And even on the Big Island, it's business as usual. The only exception is Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, the Puna District and nearby areas.
It's not only illegal to take lava rocks from Hawaii, but it's also considered bad luck. Known as Pele's Curse, taking lava rocks from the islands is said to bring bad luck and misfortune upon the thief. So if you're planning on visiting the islands anytime soon, leave the rocks behind and enjoy your vacation!
The answer… really really close. 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.
Current Lava Flows (Updated 2022)In 2023 there are no active surface flows outside of the crater to be seen. However, there have been eruptions that have stayed entirely contained within Halema'uma'u crater, that allow you to see an evening glow and molten lava within the crater.