KALAPANA, Hawaii – At the end of the three mile trek along the Hawaii County-side of the Highway 130 emergency route, lava enthusiasts can get a good look at the 61g lava flow as it slides down the Pulama pali. The flow is hugging the western boundary of the abandoned Royal Gardens subdivision, and part of the active flow is within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, which borders Royal Gardens to the west.

The county emergency route ends at the border of the National Park. There sits a gate that remains closed and locked.

National Park officials say the gravel route beyond the gate is designated for emergency access only and the park does not encourage its use. The Park Service says the closest viewing of the current flows is from the Hawaii County Lava Viewing Area in Kalapana.

The county lava viewing area is open daily from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., so if viewers are determined to use the National Park – which is open 24 hours – the park service is offering some warnings and recommendations.

First, the easiest vantage point from the park side is at the end of Chain of Craters Road, past the Holei Sea Arch, where the pavement ends and before the gravel emergency access route begins. Staff and visitors have reported good views of lava streaming down the pali in the evening, but there has been poor air quality at times due to volcanic gas.

Also, overnight camping on the flow field is prohibited.

No matter what side of the park boundary you are on, Park rangers do not encourage visitors to hike out to the flows. From the park side of Chain of Craters Road, it’s a grueling, 10-mile roundtrip hike over sharp, uneven lava rock terrain, rangers say.

All who attempt to reach the lava flows are urged to prepare ahead and bring plenty of water.

Hawaii County Civil Defense issued this reminder today, as well:

MEDIA RELEASE

The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) reports the active lava flow southeast of Puʻu ʻŌʻō continues to advance across the coastal plain on the southern flank of Kīlauea. The flow has spread about 400 yards beyond the base of the pali (cliff) of the abandoned Royal Gardens subdivision; and is about 1.8 miles from the ocean. Bright incandescence is visible from the active lava flow field, and the lava flow does not pose a threat to any community.

To maintain public safety and to preserve the emergency road or Highway 130, the County of Hawai‘i opened the emergency road to lava viewing since last week Thursday, June 30, 2016. Vehicular traffic on the emergency road is limited to local residents and emergency vehicles, and is being monitored by security guards posted along the viewing area.

Visitors need to be aware of the following reminders:

• Viewing area hours are from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. daily, with the last car allowed to park at 8:00 p.m.
• It is about 6 miles round-trip from end of the pavement on Highway 130 to the end of the viewing area and back. The flow can be seen starting from just beyond the parking lot all along the viewing area route.
• The road is unpaved and surrounded on all sides by rough lava flows on private property. Public access is restricted to the graded roadway and viewers are asked to please respect private property and the rights of local residents.
• Restroom facilities are limited and lack running water.
• All members of your party should dress appropriately with boots or sturdy, covered shoes, long pants and a hat.
• Be prepared for rain, wind, sun, heat and dust exposure.
• Bring lots of water (1-2 liters per person), there is no potable water available.
• Bring a flashlight for walking at night over the rough ground.

Our goal is to maintain public safety, protect the interests of Kalapana residents, and protection of the emergency road or Highway 130. We ask for your patience and kokua (help).

(USGS photo) On July 2, the flow front was roughly a quarter mile out from the base of the pali, and was 1.8 miles from the ocean. Scientists say the front consisted of slabby pāhoehoe, though ʻaʻā was also active at the base of the pali.