David, the info on hike from Devastation Trail parking lot is listed under "Eruption Viewing Area near Keanakkoi", the 3rd of 6 viewing areas listed on the NP website link I posted earlier. Walking distance:500 feet to the east of Ukahuna overlook over mostly paved terrain with some elevation gain. As more people come you lose that experience. Photograph may not depict eruptive conditions accurately due to diminished volcanic activity. Klauea, whats considered the current home of the Hawaiian goddess Pele, has been erupting since September 2021. Then pick an overlook to get to for sunset and to see the lava after dark. Nice easy and scenic hike to see a different view of volcano. Hawaii National Park Crowds of spectators come to see the glow of lava, which is best seen when the sun is down. For easier access and a much shorter walk (with the tradeoff being not the best view) consider the Klauea Overlook. No questions have been asked about this experience. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. $$$$ American Hawaiian Vegetarian Friendly, $$ - $$$ American Hawaiian Vegetarian Friendly, $$ - $$$ Thai Fusion Vegetarian Friendly, $$ - $$$ American Seafood International. It is about a mile hike in the pitch black so good to bring a light. Throughout the night, eager spectators and photographers pull their cars on the side of the road to witness Mauna Loas breathtaking glow. It is prohibited to hike Puu Puai. Go on a 30 minute hike along the Devastation Trail for views of recent lava flows that have covered the ground and roads before heading over to see the Chain of Craters Road and the iconic Holei Sea Arch. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. If you park in the overflow parking (Pu'upua'i lot) for lava viewing you can walk through a trail with a barren desert-like volcanic landscape with some forest areas - Devastation Trail (be prepared - it gets pretty dark at night if no one else is around). Since erupting on Sunday, lava from the Cumbre Vieja volcano has destroyed at least 150 houses and forced thousands of people to . Is this possible with current conditions? It is good enough for you to find something under a car seat but the light is not strong enough and it does not project far enough. While an eruption is an exciting experience, keep in mind you are observing a sacred event. Being there is the quiet dark was amazing. What time did you actually get to the viewing spot? Pictures cant describe this area, you must go there and take the short hike. There is another trail at the same location as the devastation trail which might be longer, but more interesting. 91% of travellers recommend this experience. Check the NP website for updated current conditions and best viewing areas: https://www.nps.gov/havo/learn/nature/september-2021-eruption.htm. Oh good luck! is also a great resource to learn more about the, timeline of seismic activity at Mauna Loa, and where to see eruptions inside the park. Lava or a night glow may not be visible at this time. Reservations are not accepted for lunch and is walk-ins only. The main lava lake is obscured by the cone, but depending on lava conditions you might get to see some other hot spots in the caldera as well as the glow in the sky. Er zijn genoeg bezienswaardigheden om te bezoeken rond Volcano Golf Course. Cinder cones form from hot cinders that "weld themselves together into a spatter cone". A red glow is visible at night. You will not be close to the lava. What restaurants are near Devastation Trail? The Devastation Trail walk is situated along a straightforward paved path where you're surrounded by a "recovering landscape that was buried by falling cinder from the lava fountains of the 1959 Klauea Iki eruption. I was there last week too & found this to be best combo of accessibility (no waiting for parking, no long hike) & visibility. Puu Huluhulu, a native tree sanctuary and nature trail is also open. The park is about 40 minutes from Hilo and about 50 from Kona. , If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Most major airlines have nonstop flights connecting the mainland with Kona. The people are so resilient and manage their expectations of home/island life. Hawaii County has currently set aside spots to safely view the eruption along Daniel K. Inouye State Highway. You'll hike through some vegetation and through some.desert looking area for about .5 miles. These phenomena are named after Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of volcanoes. Otherwise, youll be walking away from the eruption. Everything in one place. If you want the shortest drive, you fly into Hilo. (The park is open 24 hours a day every day.). The paved trail allows visitors to explore the site of 1959 eruption of Klauea Iki crater . But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. 95% of travellers recommend this experience. Not only does the restaurant offer stunning views, but the food is also delicious and full of local flavors. A U.S. Coast Guard aircrew hoists people from flooded areas near Sanibel, Florida, after Hurricane Ian, Sept. 29, 2022. Immediately after the main entrance take a left at the fork. Thanks, those are all things Ill be adding to my packing list! This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. 1959 eruption of Klauea Iki [ edit] Devastation Trail in 1973 Wear long pants and sturdy closed-toe shoes, Rain poncho (it could be very windy, and umbrellas wont work), Flashlight and/or camping lanterns (Cell phones wont work, see above), Toilet paper (there may or may not be toilet paper inside the potties). The most recent eruption of the Klauea volcano started on September 29, 2021, in the Halemaumau crater, and eruptions and lava flow in various magnitudes can be observed on and off since then. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. In previous trips I've been to the "viewpoints" but couldn't actually see anything other than orange colored steam clouds. Then my favorite thing to do is drive down Chain of Craters Road to the cliffs and watch the sun come up. At the midpoint of Saddle Road, the Gilbert Kahele Recreation Area is open to view the Mauna Loa eruption. Lava viewing is exceptional from this vantage point! And remember: Donot go past blocked off areas, even if its just for a moment to capture a photo for Instagram. May 5, 2022 This is a comprehensive guide to viewing the presently active volcano eruption and lava flow of Kilauea, located in the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Stop in at the visitor's center and ask the rangers. [3][6], "Summit Eruption of Kilauea Volcano, in Kilauea Iki Crater, November 14 - December 20, 1959", "Variations in the Lava of the 1959 Eruption in Kilauea Iki", "Walk the Devastation Trail on Kilauea Volcano Saturday", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Devastation_Trail&oldid=1105438408, This page was last edited on 20 August 2022, at 08:14. On the NPS website it suggested arriving to the parking lots early as they fill up fast between 5-9pm, so I assumed getting there early and hanging out until sunset was the norm. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. Klauea and Mauna Loa from the same lookoutswith the right weather conditions. So it really comes down to which you dis/like better/worse. If you are lucky and the lava is flowing, you will be able to get a good distant view that comes out great if you have a zoom lens on your camera. Kristen B. said: This place is awesome and in my opinion better than the other surf, Kelly M. said: My husband and I heard great reviews from a friend about this place., Tourism and excursions on Hawaii. There is just so much to see, so get your cameras ready. [1], By nightfall, the earthquakes stopped, and the eruption began. Bring flash light & warm jacket. For weeks, the largest active volcano on the planet has been rumbling, sparking a series of mini earthquakes. Difficulty: Easy Distance and hiking time: 1 mile (1.6 km) one way, 2 miles (3.2 km) roundtrip. Lava flow is also increasing in volume. Afterwards, enjoy . You might be able to wake up early at the beginning of your trip if you have not yet adjusted to the Hawaii time zone. The last 300 yards of the trail is over an uneven surface of loose rock. The view from the Devastation Trail is definitely best and where you want to go. The park is super congested between the hours of 6 8pm and parking is close to impossible. If youre short, like me, that could defeat the whole purpose. NPS Photo/J.Wei Were staying in Hilo Sunday night which is why I was thinking wed stay after sunset, since it would be a shorter drive in the dark. Devastation Trail. Best viewed in darkness. Before and during your trip to the Big Island, its critical to stay up to date with the latest information on the Mauna Loa eruption. Ill keep my fingers crossed though . U . If youre starting to feel sick and you believe its due to vog, the best course of action is to travel away from the volcano. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 46 min to complete. Fountains of lava erupted from three fissures in the rift zone, reaching heights between 100 to 200 feet. Klarna Bank AB (publ). More: Trip to ice-covered Proxy Falls brings winter . At night. Moreover, rain and fog could also obscure the view so be sure to check the weather report before your visit. However, the drive is about 2 hours and 15 minutes long. There are not many places where you can get so close to this type of scenery it is similar to Canary Island. If you visit VNP this is a must do- even better at night! Do not take Chain of Craters Road - Turn right and park at the Devastation Trail parking area. Currently Viewing . If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. The last 300 yards of the trail is over an uneven surface of loose rock. The Park Ranger informed us at the beginning of the month if you want to be able to park at the lot close to the viwing vs. the Overflow lot (which nearly doubles your walking distance in the dark), go after 9 pm. Currently this short hike has a paved trail for about a half mile over cinders. At the midpoint of Saddle Road, the Gilbert Kahele Recreation Area is open to view the Mauna Loa eruption. The lava tube is not closed. On weekends, the line could be long, but it is worth the wait. After entering through the main entrance continue straight ahead on Crater Rim Drive. It's fine to go after sunset.. it's crowded but possible and worth it. Trailhead: Park at the Devastation Trailhead parking lot. For anyone making a trip to Big Island to witness these eruptions, this is what you need to know. Tickets For Less was created as a one stop resource, Jessica S. said: A friend wanted to come here for her birthday celebration in, Call to schedule a rental or activity 808-328-1234. Unbelievable the impact this place had on me; it really brought home the devastation suffered by the islanders. I also find the prices very reasonable given that this is the only restaurant inside the park, and it offers a spectacular view. The overlook from the the old Jaggar Museum site could give you that glow, but is much further from the lava lake itself. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. It can pose risks to the health of humans and the environment. Bring binoculars so you can see it spurting You can also view the orange glow from the Kileaua overlook on the other side. As of our visit in May 2019, I'd suggest this: Park in the Pu'u Pua'i parking lot and start the trail from there. I, f the parking lots are full, visit another area or try again later. Sunset viewing is very crowded and, as far as I know, you're not really allowed to stake out a spot and wait. Edit: I've been corrected, the lava tube is closed. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Attractions. Big Island Hikes has other hikes from this trailhead. Its a hazard to everyone but especially young children and those with respiratory diseases. In Hawai, i Volcanoes National Park, you can head to the. NOTE: At this intersection youll see several portable potties. Since the timing of the activities is completely unpredictable, you go there when it is erupting. Or, crowds but easier timing? At the first stop sign turn left and continue on Crater Rim Drive for about two miles. Currently the best viewing point is the one mile hike from Devastation Trail parking lot. . However, the masks do not provide protection against sulfur dioxide or vog. Then on Nov. 27, at around 11:30 p.m. a fissure opened on the floor of the summit caldera. Hilo International Airport is much closer to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, where you can see both Klauea and Mauna Loa from the same lookoutswith the right weather conditions. Since then, the world has been following the volcanic eruption at Mauna Loathe first since 1984. As of this writing, the eruption is ongoing and is seemingly increasing in intensity. Face masks such as KN95swhich many people are now familiar withhelp reduce inhaling of these particulates.