Monday – July 27: Today we made it a day and went to see the Kilauea lava fields at the “Waikupanaha Ocean Entry” point. We saw the other 2 entry points on the helicopter trip at the “Kupapa’u” location. You cannot see these 2 points from this entry point. The lava activity is on private property, in the Royal Gardens area I think, not in the national park.
The trip is pretty much on the opposite side of the island, so we went over Saddle Road and returned via highway 19 on the coast. I would not recommend the Saddle Road at night. To Hilo, I’m guessing its is about 15 minutes shorter through Saddle Road, but it is pretty desolate and winding, it is very scenic however.
We spent a little time in Hilo, shopping around. It is like Kona with a new section and old section. Coming in from the Saddle Road, you fall into the old section and the new stuff is just a couple of miles south on highway 11.
South out of Hilo, on highway 11, you come to highway 130 and just follow it to it’s end. The National Park Service has this link to current activity and the County of Hawaii has this one. The USGS has this daily site update as well. All have good information to check before you go. Travel 21 miles from the intersection of highways 130 and 11 to the end of the road.
The gate at the end of the road has concession stands with people selling photos, water and flashlights. The end of the road is where the Hawaiian Civi Defense agency has a FOOT GATE that is locked. The gate is open between 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. for foot traffic only. When we went, the trail to the obseravation point is about 3/4 mile, if that. It is well marked.
We arrived at about 4:30 p.m., prepared ourselves and walked in at the opening of the gate, again the traIl is well marked. We stayed watching the fireworks until about 7:45 p.m., it is truly spectacular!
TIP for the future: there is plenty of parking, go have dinner, arrive at 6:00 or so and watch the sunset and the glowing lava emerge. No sense in being there right at the gate opening. Bring flashlights (we did), BINOCULARS, and water and maybe even a picnic. There were people who did and it was, for a Monday night, quite crowded at the observation area. But, there are plenty of places to see the show, so don’t worry.
You can also see the path of the lava tubes on the forest, it is smoldering and when night falls, you can see the glow of the tree and vegetation burning higher up in the foothills.
Truly spectacular! The drive back through the northern route was long and tiring. I think we left Hilo, after dinner, about 9:30 and arrived home about 11:15 p.m.