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My sister, her husband and their 2 kids are going to be on the Big Island for 3 weeks in May - 2 in Kona and 1 on the east side. This will be their first time on the east side and I want to recommend some things for them to do. I haven't been there since the flow subsided, so I wanted to ask where can you go in Puna now to see the flow effects while being respectful? I know you can hike into Pohoiki... Anybody have some thoughts or recommendations? Is Lava Trees still there?
We've talked up the east side so much it's inspired them to visit, so we want to do what we can to ensure they have a good time.
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The hike out over the lava field to Kalapana beach fronting Uncle Roberts is always worthwhile (about 1/3 mile out).
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Right now (things can changes, so make sure closer to the time:
New lava hikes are:
Beach rd to 4 Corners (Do not park on beach rd, pull off, esp up by the mail boxes if no place closer) hike over lava to the lighthouse rd to Cape Kukukahi lighthouse, follow the old Champaign pond route to new beaches & to see the NE edge of the Fissure 8 flow
drive through or hike the Fissure 17,22.... flows from Mackenzie park to Isaac Hale park & see the SW edge of the Fissure 8 flow...
Leilani has been open & closed to non-residents, sins are still posted... may change by May... Fissure 8 is down Leilani beyond where Nohea used to join...
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You can drive to Pohohiki now, no need to hike, unless you want to. It is a neat hike. Lava Tree is still there and you can drive just past it and see where the lava crossed the road by the y intersection.
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Thanks for the replies. Good to know about Pohoiki.
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Leilani has been open & closed to non-residents, sins are still posted...
I just can't help myself. sins are still posted...
I can see it now.. all Leilani residence have their sins posted on some sort of bulletin board at the entrance to the subdivision. I mean gee, if fire didn't purify their souls public confession certainly will.
But for reals..
Besides all the Puu Leilani stuff, I hope you point them to a day at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. There's something about that view, hanging out near the Volcano House with the whole caldera before you and Mauna Loa behind that is so otherworldly, so beautiful. And, whispering in their ear that besides the summit, they might make time to take a ride up the Mauna Loa Strip Road so as to get that overview from way up there looking down at all of the southeastern side of the island.
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I second Hawaii Volcanoes Park. Be sure to get there as early as possible because it is definitely an all day affair(indeed could be several days). Go to the excellent visitors center first. They will help you plan your day. Bring a light jacket!
Two places in the park not to miss: One, Chain of Craters road all the way to the end (to the sea arch). Two, on the way down Chain of Craters road, take the road to Mauna Ulu and do the short hike to the Lava Trees, Fissure & Spatter Rampart.
https://www.nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/ccr_tour.htm
The title of your thread is about lava fields but you do say you "want to recommend some things for them to do", so...
Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden north of Hilo. Be sure to take the "scenic drive" to get to it. And stop at "What's Shakin'" for lunch or a smoothie afterwards!
http://www.htbg.com/
If it's raining, or even if not, the Tsunami or Lyman museums are always worth a visit. Lyman has an incredible rock and mineral collection.
Those are just a few of the things we liked to do when we were tourists...
Edit to change “lava arch” to “sea arch”
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Thanks all. HVNP is on the list (wasn't sure if the museum was open again). I've been to the botanical garden and What's Shakin', definitely will recommend. I saw it was for sale (What's Shakin) in one of Harry P's emails a few months ago and wondered if it was still going... Anyway, we've been to the tsunami and lyman museums and will also recommend them. Also the People's Theatre in Honokaa and other fun stuff.
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Don't forget the best rainy day adventure of them all:
https://www.outdoorproject.com/adventure...mana-caves
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