Lava viewing in Kalapana question

[Iju]

In HTH's Sunday issue, it said that the lava still flows down to the ocean in Kalapana at Waikupanaha but not at Kupapa'u. Which entry is it that can be seen from the viewing area. And is the viewing area still open to the public? Thanks.

[Greg]

The viewing area is still open to the public from 5-9pm(last car in at 8).

The Waikupanaha entry is very visable now as the lava bench has moved out past the point. There is also some surface flow on the Pali.

Kupapa'u (a little further away) was also visable from the viewing area until a couple of weeks ago. It has stopped for now.

enjoy []

punatoons

[Rob Tucker]

Greg,

Mahalo for the updates. You are always helpful. It is noticed and appreciated.

Assume the best and ask questions.

Punaweb moderator

[mdd7000]

How far is the walk at this point? Is it a tough walk? Wife's ankle will never again be at 100% and she would like to know if she could see the lava flow again? She last saw it in 2003 which required a 4 mile one-way hike through some tough flows for hiking. (She has a metal plate and screws in it now)

Thanks!

[csgray]

I've done the walk several times, although not since I broke my ankle. It is your standard issue pahoehoe: relatively flat ropey surface interrupted with big and little cracks and sudden raises and drops of 1 to 8 inches. It is not loose or rocky like a'a but it isn't a paved sidewalk by any means (well maybe Pele's version of paved.) When I finish healing and regain my balance I will go out again.

I would recommend picking a full moon night and walking out at dusk when you can still see where you are putting your feet and take a good LED flashlight for each of you. My husband really likes his LED headlamp and I like my hand held. If it is a full moon you may not even need the lights to go back. Try walking along the cliff tops in HPP, McKenzie park, or the pahoehoe at 4 mile in Hilo to get a sense of how hard it is. A coworker of mine took his 85 year old mother out and she had a blast! We are going to just drive out to the lava flow before the parking area and just watch the flow down the pali this weekend if conditions hold, since I am not ready for the walk yet. I get really annoyed with the crowds at the viewing area.

Carol

[PaulW]

The walk is an easy well-marked 20 mins, a snap for those who remember the epic hike from the other side just a year or two ago.

[Obie]

You can also get a good view of the steam plume and surface flows on the pali from the new black sand beach at Kalapana.The path has been covered with red cinder and it is a very easy walk.

We have also taken the boat tour on the Lavakai.All of our friends from the mainland who have taken this trip have raved about it.

http://www.lavaocean.com/

I believe they recently installed a metal roof for safety.

[csgray]

That metal roof will really help protect people's lungs from the long term effects of breathing the air born equivalent of battery acid.

Carol

[Obie]

My lungs have burned more when driving past Pahala and on those days when Kona winds blow the vog toward Hilo and I have had to drive to Hilo.
The times I have taken the boat trip we never entered the steam plume and the trade winds provided us with fresh air.

[Erlinda]

I'm a klutz so I took a walking stick. If I can do the hike just about anybody can. Just bring a good light.