has anyone hiked to see red lava from end of Chain of Craters Road?

[voltdoc]

Is there any red lava flowing that can be seen from the end of Chain of Craters Road (8/15)? If so how long does it take to hike there round trip?

Any information would be appreciated.

Voltdoc

[Vmalcolm]

http://www.nps.gov/havo/visitor/lava.htm

 

Doesn't look like there is lava flowing into the ocean now. We were thinking about hiking out to see it when we go in October, but I guess we'll just spend more time touring the park in our rental car.

 

Valerie

[808lady]

The lava flow changes daily! Best to check with the park service. I was there in Feb or Mar 02 and the hike was over 4 hours one way. By June it was less than 1 hour one way. I was back in July 03 and the hike was nearly 2 hours. Be advised it is a very rough hike, but totally awesome.

[Laura4cruise]

Yes, the lava is very unpredictable; it can change daily, hourly, etc. I visited in May 2003 and just the month before the end of the Chain of Craters road was covered by lava, apparently destroying the old parking area. And just the day before we visited, you could see red lava from the end of the road without hiking across the old lava flows. So you just never know.

 

It's best to ask where to see lava at the visitor center when you get to the park and keep an eye on this website before you leave home: http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov/kilauea/update/main.html