Hawaii coastal lava flowsThe lava flowing into the sea originates from another volcano: the smaller but more active Kilauea, nestled below the bulky flanks of Mauna Loa on the southeast coast of the Big Island.
People Also Ask
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.
While all Hawaiian Islands have a volcanic history, the Big Island is known for its extremely active volcano - Kilauea, which is located within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
The eroded West Maui volcano, known as Mauna Kahawai or West Maui Mountains, last erupted 320,000 years ago. Haleakala is in a non-eruptive stage. You won't find lava erupting out of Maui's volcanos on your visit to the Valley Isle. You won't be able to miss seeing them though.
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 Kilauea is a dynamic volcano, and lava viewing conditions change daily. Even if a viewing area is organized by the National Park, this does not guarantee close access of the lava.
The Lava HikeNui Pohaku offers the shortest hike to the lookout where you can see the lava flowing into the ocean. The hike itself is an easy 30- to 40-minute walk (we were told it was around 1.5 miles) until the end of the trail.
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.
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.
Is Hawaii Safe to Visit? If you're wondering “is Hawaii safe to visit” the answer is a resounding YES! While Kilauea's lava flow remains powerful after an initial eruption on May 3 and series of subsequent earthquakes, the island is not completely shut down – contrary to popular belief.
The world's most active volcano never fails to put on a show, and if you're looking to learn more about volcanoes and what causes them, Kilauea is the best place to go. In general, there are two ways to see Kilauea when you're in Hawaii. You can book a tour or you can go on your own and see it for yourself.
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.