11-11-2013, 04:06 AM
This has been going on for many months (the Kahauale'a II flow, that is). It started around May and for much of that time was flowing northward toward the spot that the trail from Captain's Drive in Fern Forest exits the forest to overlook Pu'u o'o. In recent months, it has turned eastward, although you can see some small northward outbreaks as well if you look at the lava flow maps.
The best resource for monitoring this activity seems to be http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov/activity/kilaueastatus.php and http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov/multimedia/?display=default in addition to the previously posted lava flow maps.
I do not recommend using the trail at the end of Captain's Drive for several reasons. Firstly, if the trade winds die down and you get any kind of wind from the South, you will be directly in the path of the gas plume, which can be deadly for up to a mile (possibly more, I'm not an expert). I met a guy who lost a friend to that. Secondly, they have updated the penalties for using the trail. Previously it was "up to a $2000.00 fine" and now it's "up to two years in prison". I've heard from others who live nearby that they are pretty easy on people who live near the trail, but it's a big chance to take. Finally, there are a number of side trails and it is a mucky trail through mud and roots so it isn't too hard to get lost or twist an ankle, especially if you don't know the area.
It could, however, be a pretty neat tourism idea to do guided hikes there, although the red tape would probably be more lethal than the fumes.
The best resource for monitoring this activity seems to be http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov/activity/kilaueastatus.php and http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov/multimedia/?display=default in addition to the previously posted lava flow maps.
I do not recommend using the trail at the end of Captain's Drive for several reasons. Firstly, if the trade winds die down and you get any kind of wind from the South, you will be directly in the path of the gas plume, which can be deadly for up to a mile (possibly more, I'm not an expert). I met a guy who lost a friend to that. Secondly, they have updated the penalties for using the trail. Previously it was "up to a $2000.00 fine" and now it's "up to two years in prison". I've heard from others who live nearby that they are pretty easy on people who live near the trail, but it's a big chance to take. Finally, there are a number of side trails and it is a mucky trail through mud and roots so it isn't too hard to get lost or twist an ankle, especially if you don't know the area.
It could, however, be a pretty neat tourism idea to do guided hikes there, although the red tape would probably be more lethal than the fumes.
Me ka ha`aha`a,
Mike
Mike