12-24-2024, 01:18 AM
We had made plans yesterday for a park visit today, prior to the eruption. Arriving mid morning, we parked at Pu'upua'i after discovering Devastation trail lot was already full. Many people are walking in from there to the good viewing area used during previous eruptions, but we stuck with our original plan of hiking Byron ledge to the visitor center and then loop back via Halemaumau trail. Turns out there are several spots affording a good view of the eruption along Byron ledge.
Upon returning to the usually vacant parking lot approximately 2 hours later we found it packed with cars. Not many folks on the trail when we started, quite a few heading against us as we neared the parking lots.
Upon returning to the usually vacant parking lot approximately 2 hours later we found it packed with cars. Not many folks on the trail when we started, quite a few heading against us as we neared the parking lots.