The lava keeps flowing at Volcanoes National Park and it is quite a sight to see. People are flocking to the park to see the latest stream of flowing lava from Kilauea Volcano. While the flowing lava doesn’t pose a threat, it is important to remember to view it safely. Here are some safety tips for viewing Kilauea’s latest eruption safely.
- Check out the designated viewing areas
Viewing areas have been designated to accommodate visitors wanting to see the eruption. Learn about the viewing areas here.
2. Easy Viewing
The easiest place to see the lava flow is at the end of Chain of Craters Road in the park. Reports of great visibility in the evening have been reported where the pavement ends and the gravel emergency access road begins.
- Do not try to hike out to lava flow
Park rangers do not encourage visitors to hike out to the lava flows. Hikers would need to endure a challenging 10-mile hike over very uneven and sharp lava rock terrain. There is no trail, and getting lost after dark can be quite easy.
- Stay on the Trail
If you do go for a hike, remember to stay on marked trails. It may seem harmless to stray off of the trails when on a hike, but staying on the trails is for your own safety. The terrain off-trails can be tricky to navigate and cause injury. Don’t let your hike end abruptly because of a slip up.
- Know Before You Go
Get updates on the lava flow and latest activity before you head out to sneak a peek. Knowing what to expect ahead of time is key to keeping you and your family safe. Get the latest updates here.
- Take Care of Yourself
Eat plenty of protein-packed food and make sure you stay hydrated. Dehydration can happy quickly and be very dangerous. Don’t wait until you are thirsty to start drinking water. By this point, you are already dehydrated. Instead, carry a water bottle with you at all times and drink often.
- Watch this video
Watch this short video from the National Park Service