Heading Out with Good Intentions

Most people visiting the Big Island of Hawaii have a trip to the volcano on their agenda. The ones who have done their research have blocked off at least a day of their calendar. The outdoorsy types have marked off more than a day and have a tent and some sleeping bags in the trunk of their rental car. Others think they will swing by, take a picture, and move on. The last group usually regrets that train of thought.

Rub in the Sunscreen…and Don’t Forget Your Raincoat!

The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park consists of 333,000 acres of land that spreads from the top of Mauna Loa (which last erupted in 1984) at 13, 677 feet, down to the sea level, where the molten lava flows into the ocean and creates new land. There are many designated trails and paths for hiking and walking, with something to accommodate all levels of fitness. Depending on where you are at, it may be as hot as an oven, or chilly and wet—be well prepared for both.

Lots of Pretty Pictures

You can walk across the Halemaumau crater, which makes you feel that you are trekking across a black moon. But when you climb back out of it, the astounding beauty of the lush, vibrant, tropical rainforest will take your breath away. You will have an opportunity to see vegetation that can be found nowhere else in the world, and if you’re lucky, you might even get to see our beloved (and on the endangered species list) State Bird, the Nene goose.

But Where’s the Lava?

Yes, there is a lot to see at the top of a volcano, even if it isn’t erupting. But Kilauea is, and has been since 1983. But getting an up-close shot of the incredible sight is not as easy as pulling up in your air-conditioned rental and standing on the edge of a scenic lookout point. If you want that shot, you are going to have to work for it. Or else buy it at the gift shop.

If you decide you don’t want someone else’s shot, you want your own, then put on some good shoes, grab a sturdy stick, and get out there. But do it right. Many people can show you their battle scars, especially if they had to make their way back in the dark, crawling on their hands and knees because their flashlight ran out of batteries. Or they didn’t bring one.

Make it a Safe Hike

For those of you who are set on an up-close view of the lava, there are a few precautions that you should take to make this as safe a journey as possible. First of all, this hike is not for everyone. If you have health problems, especially diseases of the lung or heart, this is not for you. It is also not a suitable trek for pregnant women. I’ll not risk insulting any of my elders, but if you’ve been around the planet for awhile, consult your doctor before making this trip.

When you enter the park gates, one of the first things you will encounter is the Kilauea Visitor Center. Park your car and go in there; don’t make a note to do it on the way back. Besides a host of other interesting things, they show a very informative video that should be seen before the hike, not after.

• What to wear: Even though it will be really hot, pants will offer a little protection in the event you should fall on the unforgiving lava rock, which will shred you like broken glass. Gloves are also a good idea. Make sure your shoes are sturdy and have a closed toe. Sunscreen is an absolute necessity.

• Things to bring: Make sure some one in your party is carrying a first-aid kit. A simple trip can be the cause of serious injury. Each person needs their own flashlight, with extra batteries. Do not take this suggestion lightly, if you are going in the afternoon or evening. Walking on lava in the dark would be the equivalent of blind folding yourself and waking over broken glass and potholes. If you are seriously injured it will take a lot of time before help arrives If you have a head lamp, bring that. Binoculars will come in very handy if you would like to see the lava from a safe distance. Oh, I almost forgot, bring a big, sturdy stick too, to pound on the ground ahead of you; better safe than sorry when it comes to lava beneath your feet.

• Nourishment: Be sure to pack some snacks for the energy boosts you will need, for the long hikes to and from the active flow. Even for experienced hikers, it will take a minimum of 2-3 hours or more. The average tourist, this adventure will take much longer. You don’t want to be stuck out there weak and hungry. Bring water, water, and a little more water. I have seen it recommended in pamphlets that 2-3 liters per person is suggested. From experience, I must respectfully disagree with the experts, and suggest at least twice that amount.

Walking Through Fields of Lava

Walking through lava fields, is not the same as skipping through fields of pansies and butterflies. The closer you get to the goal, the higher the temperature and the humidity. The terrain is uneven and rough, and in many places it may be fragile and not yet completely solidified. The temperature during the day often climbs into the high 90s. The humidity combined with the heat of the lava creates a sauna-like environment. People on certain medications (check with your doctor) are at a higher risk of heat stroke, which can be fatal.

If you come across and area that is roped off or blocked with a sign, do not disregard the warning. To do so could result in you stepping onto the ceiling of a collapsible lava tube.

Little Bits of Atlantis

You will most certainly be warned to stay at least ¼ of a mile inland. The new land that is formed where the lava meets the ocean is called a bench, and is unstable. There have been several incidents of people disregarding the warnings and entering the bench area; they died when the bench area collapsed into the ocean.

Life threatening fumes containing volcanic blasts and hydrochloric acid are created when lava enters the ocean. Avoid these fume clouds, especially if you have asthma or any other breathing problems.

Things Blow Up Too

Be wary of burning vegetation, underground methane explosions occur in these areas, blasting rocks and debris in every all over the place.

You Reached the Fountain, Now What?

If you haven’t been scared off by all this, and you make it to the active flow, you will certainly witness one of the most incredible sights that God’s creation has to offer and be glad that you took the trudge. What happens next varies widely from person to person.

You may be tired and want to sit and rest. You may be awed and want to sit and watch. Or you may be a little freaked out at the fact that you can see the 1000+ degrees Celsius lava between the cracks of the rocks you are standing on. Or maybe the melting rubber soles of your tennis shoes are causing you alarm. It’s okay to turn right around. You can walk away knowing you did it, and that you’ll never forget what you saw.