Summary
Introduction to Kalapana Lava Viewing Area
The Kalapana Lava Viewing Area in the Puna District of Hawaii’s Big Island was, as of December 2009, the only accessible location from which you could observe the active lava flows of Kilauea volcano, including the mesmerizing point where lava meets the Pacific Ocean.
Location and Access
Located at the end of Highway 130, the Kalapana Lava Viewing Area is approximately 32 miles and an hour’s drive from Hilo. The site is also just over 40 miles from the entrance of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
To reach the viewing area, follow Mamalahoa Highway (Highway 11) to Kea’au and keep an eye out for Highway 130 signage. From Hilo, the highway will be on your left, while coming from Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, it’ll be on your right. Continue along Highway 130 until the road ends, where you’ll see Restricted Access signs.
Beyond these signs, you will travel about a mile on a rough road to the designated parking area, where County staff will direct your parking. A donation box is located at the trailhead to help cover site maintenance costs.
Visiting Experience
In March 2012, the County of Hawaii announced plans to close the Kalapana Lava Viewing Area due to budget constraints; however, it remained operational as of late 2016 when lava again flowed into the ocean, leading to the establishment of a new viewing area in Pahoa.
Hiking Safety Tips
Visitors should be aware that the Kalapana Lava Viewing Area is not open every evening. If wind conditions direct volcanic gases toward the site, it may close for safety reasons. Daily updates are provided by a Lava Hotline at (808) 961-8093.
During my visit in December 2009, the area was open daily from 2:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m., contingent on safe conditions. The last cars were permitted entry at 8:00 p.m., allowing visitors some time to see the lava flows. Arriving by 5:00 p.m. is recommended to take advantage of daylight during the hike.
The trek to the viewing site, which spans between 0.25 to 1 mile across older lava flows, varies based on the lava’s path. Hiking shoes are strongly advised, and visitors should bring water, a flashlight, and ideally wear long pants. Due to the difficult terrain, a hiking stick can also be beneficial.
Volcano-Related Activities
A trip to the Kalapana Lava Viewing Area is one of many incredible volcano-related experiences on the Big Island of Hawaii. Visitors are encouraged to explore Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, where you can learn about the islands’ formation and view numerous lava flows and craters.
Other activities include:
- Volcano Bike Tours: Experience the park on a bike with guided tours that cover 15 miles on mostly downhill roads.
- Doors-Off Volcano-Waterfalls Experience: Take a thrilling helicopter ride for stunning views of active lava flows and volcanic landscapes.
- Lava Ocean Adventures: Witness the lava entering the ocean up close with guided tours that provide a unique perspective.
- KapohoKine Adventures: Explore both land and air tours of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, alongside lesser-known areas of the Big Island.
