How to See Lava in Hawaii
by Mariam Beard • Last Updated: November 2021
***NOTE: Keep in mind that LAVA FLOW is not a 24/7 or 365 days event. Check the Volcanoes National Park website for the most updated information on lava flow .***
Big Island (Hawai’i Island)
Exploring the Big Island of Hawaii is an unforgettable experience! From the lush rainforests to the stunning beaches, there’s something for everyone.
But one of the most unique experiences is seeing the lava flow from the volcanoes. In this article, we’ll explore how to see lava in Hawaii, what to bring, and what to expect.
Exploring the Big Island
We started our day with a delicious drink served in a real pineapple with whipped cream on top. After that, we headed over to the Puna Chocolate Company. This place was great for souvenirs and treats for your pets. They also had lots of chocolate drinks, including the ice chocolate which was absolutely delicious.
We then headed to Volcanoes National Park. We arrived around 8 pm and were glad we did. It was dark, but there were plenty of park rangers to show us the way. We saw the stars and constellations, and of course the volcanoes.
The next morning, we woke up and headed back to Volcanoes National Park. We stayed at a nearby Airbnb which was only a 5-minute drive away. The price was reasonable and the owner was super nice and friendly. He gave us some tips on where to eat nearby.
What to Bring
When visiting Volcanoes National Park, it’s important to bring the right gear. The best time to go is between 8 pm and onwards. If you’re traveling with kids, it’s best to go earlier. The later you go, the better you’ll be able to see the glow of the volcano and the lava.
It’s important to dress warmly. It gets chilly in this area and it’s very windy. I wore a tank top, t-shirt, hoodie, fleece, and a giant windbreaker. I also brought a beanie and it was very comfortable.
If you have a professional camera, it’s best to bring it. I wish I had brought mine, as the photos I took with my iPhone weren’t as good. I also brought a headlamp and two flashlights. It’s pitch black out there and you don’t want to get lost.
What to Expect
When you arrive at Volcanoes National Park, there are two different parking lots. The first parking lot is closer to the entrance point and closest to the lava flow. At 8 pm, this parking lot was closed, so we parked in the second parking lot. It’s an extra half a mile walk to the main parking lot and then another mile and a half to get to the lava viewing.
When you get there, you’ll see the park rangers wearing glowing outfits. They’ll be able to point you in the right direction. It’s important to stay on the paved trail, as it’s easy to get lost in the dark.
Once you get to the lava viewing, you’ll be able to see the glow of the volcano and the lava. It’s an incredible sight. We were lucky enough to have two professional photographers there who let us borrow their light set so we could take some really nice pictures.
After exploring Volcanoes National Park, we headed back to Hilo Town. We stopped at Coconut Grill for a hearty brunch and Sugar Coast Candy for some treats. We then headed back to the Hilo Airport and flew back to Oahu.
Our Experience
We had an amazing time exploring Volcanoes National Park and seeing the lava flow. It’s important to bring the right gear and dress warmly. We were lucky enough to have two professional photographers there who let us borrow their light set so we could take some really nice pictures. We had a great time exploring the Big Island and would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for an adventure!
***NOTE: Keep in mind that LAVA FLOW is not a 24/7 or 365 days event. Check the Volcanoes National Park website for the most updated information on lava flow .***
