Hawaii Series 003: Hiking to Hot Lava on Big Island
About Puna District on Big Island
I live on the southeast side of Big Island, also known as Puna district. While each of the Hawaiian islands maybe appear small, Big Island itself is the largest of the islands, where ALL of the other Hawaiian islands can fit into Big Island with room left over. Puna district is one of those areas of Big Island that is perhaps as big as one of the other major islands.
Kilauea and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
On the southeast side of Big Island also sits the youngest surfaced volcano, Kilauea. While most people tend to go to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, wanting to see some kind of lava upfront, for the most part, you will only get to see the glow from the caldera. Lately though, the lava lake height has been high enough to be able to see the lake. But quite honestly, Jagger Musuem area gets quite crowded and also you can't get right next to the lava, so making the long drive to the park to me isn't that exciting or worth it.
Hiking Across Lava Field in Kalapana
What's really worth the time is driving to the end of an old highway at Kalapana and then hiking or biking over several miles to the latest lava flow. There you can hike right next to the hot lava.
Let me repeat, out of respect for the native Hawaiian's belief in their goddess Pele, DO NOT poke with the lava or throw objects into the lava. It can be quite dangerous and is also disrespectful. Sadly, you'll see some uninformed tourists who will do this, but you'll be the better person knowing not to do this.
My Lava Flow Hike Back in July 2016
The current flow that is going on in Big Island originally started around May 2016 of last year. These are my photo accounts during the month of July 2016 from last year. Much has changed since, so please be sure to check the latest flow map here.
Below is where the flow was happening from last year ... so these are NOT current to the present, but from last year.
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Have you seen lava up-close before?
Let me know below!
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Real burning hot lava? It does look frightfully dangerous! What was the ambient temperature?
Luckily, the ambient temperature is nowhere near the actual surface temperature of the lava. I'd say standing 6 feet away, it felt like being close to an open burning oven, so perhaps around 350 degrees F. Otherwise, the actual air temperature was around 75 degrees F.
6 feet? 350 degrees F? I don't know how much is it but I'm glad that you didn't get burns. :))
I don't want to imagine what the lava feels like to the touch
@hustletoparadise. lmao I doubt you would be around long enough to find out.
Ask the Residents of Pompeii !!
Luckily, the volcanic flow on Big Island is nice and slow. So it gives residents several days to prepare and plan ahead in case the flow will take over homes/businesses. It happened once back in Sept 2014 when the flow almost went into Pahoa town. It kept the town on edge for many many months, until the flow reached the town center just by a few feet. They say the volcanic goddess Pele decided to spare the town.
It looks dangerously cool ... and lots of fun too. Nice adventure you got there.
Thanks Arnel. It's definitely an experience that everyone should check out once in their lifetime ... seeing the youngest pieces of "Earth" form.
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STOPNever seen lava from so close. Nice pictures!
That thing is crazy red hot! keep the good work coming! If you fancy travel blogs, do check my latest post on India https://steemit.com/travel/@alexkoshy/god-s-own-country-kerala-why-should-you-tour-india-v
Alex Koshy