 | Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Chain of Craters Road Reviews | 1 - 10 of 24 |  |
From Volcano House, this 50 mile roundtrip drops almost 4000 feet to the coast. It used to continue along the shore, providing another entry route into the Park from Hilo, but continual lava flows from the East Rift Zone have covered the road. Trails wander off the road to explore craters beyond. Several smaller calderas also lie right next to the road. At Kealkomo Overlook, there is a magnificent view towards the coast as the road begins a 1000 foot drop through the cliffs of Holei Pali. The road goes atop lava sea cliffs for several miles, thereafter, before abruptly stopping in the flowing lavas. Explore the road's end carefully. Lava hisses into the sea as island building continues. Nighttime is a special show, but be aware the road is a long and narrow one. For updates on where and how to see the lava: http://www.nps.gov/havo/visitor/lava.htm Leave a Comment Address: P.O. Box 52, Hawai'i National Park, HI 96718-0052Phone: 808.985.6000Directions: 96 miles from Kailua-Kona driving southeast on HWY11 (2 to 2 1/2 hour drive) or 30 miles from Hilo (45 minute drive).Website: http://www.nps.gov/havo/
|
 | |  |
The 40-60 foot lava cliffs which you drive along near the end of the Chain of Craters Road are very impressive. Waves originating in the vast depths of the Pacific smash up against the cliffs. It is possible to hike west from the Chain of Craters Road along the Puna Coast Trail to old abandoned settlements of Keauhou and Halape - the latter destroyed by a tidal wave in times past. It is 9.7 miles to Keauhou and another 1.6 miles to Halape. There are primitive shelters at each with the possibility of water, though check at the Park Headquarters before setting out to make sure. Besides, you will need to obtain a backcountry permit, as well. More information on hiking towards Halape can be found at: http://www.nps.gov/havo/visitor/halape.htm Leave a Comment Address: P.O. Box 52, Hawai'i National Park, HI 96718-0052Phone: 808.985.6000Directions: 96 miles from Kailua-Kona driving southeast on HWY11 (2 to 2 1/2 hour drive) or 30 miles from Hilo (45 minute drive).Website: http://www.nps.gov/havo/
|
| | |
This remarkable formation was caused by lava flowing into the sea. When it cooled, it hardened in the form you see. The area has a small ranger station and picnic tables, as well as a walking path. Be sure to bring plenty of water with you, as the black rock really retains the heat. Address: P.O. Box 52, Hawai`i National Park, HI 96718Phone: +1 (808) 985-6000Directions: Go to the parking lot at the (southeast) end of Chain of Craters Road, right before the road closes. The arch is down a short path on your right (towards the sea).Website: http://www.nps.gov/havo/
|
When possible, rangers mark a trail out to the margins of active lava flows or to the coast to view lava as it enters the ocean. For most visitors this is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Stop by the Kilauea Visitor Center to check on current conditions.
A trail out to lava flows or viewing the lava entry would leave from the end of Chain of Craters Road. The end of the road is about 30 miles (50 km) from the visitor center and takes about 1 hour to drive each way. From the end of the road follow the marked trail to the viewing area. The trail is usually less then 1 mile (1.6 km) each way. It is extremely important to follow the instructions posted on signs. Most visitors injured in the coastal area of the park have disregarded clearly posted warning signs. When possible, visitors can look down the coastline to watch lava enter the ocean. The best time to view the lava entry is at sunset. After sunset, a flashlight is required to follow the trail back to the road. Altogether the driving, walking, and lava viewing will take a minimum of 4 hours.
Another great hike is out to Puu Huluhulu. a pre-historic spatter cone. Puu Oo is the vent for the current eruption and contains an active lava pond. The Napau Crater Trail leads to Puu Huluhulu. The trail starts from the Mauna Ulu parking lot, a few miles (km) down Chain of Craters Road. Puu Huluhulu is about 1 mile (1.6 km) from the parking lot. The round trip hike takes 1-2 hours. Puu Huluhulu is the only readily accessible area in the park where Puu Oo can be seen. Leave a Comment
|
| | |
If you drive along Chain of Craters Road and expect to make it to Hilo, you will run into a bit of a surprise. In 1983, a volcanic eruption covered the road with lava. While repeated attempts were made to re-open the road, the regular lava flows made this impractical. At the impromptu "end" of the road, there's a mobile ranger station, designed to be moved in case threatened by a new lava flow. Park at the ranger station, and continue on to view the lava. Address: P.O. Box 52, Hawai`i National Park, HI 96718Phone: +1 (808) 985-6000Directions: Continue along Chain of Craters Road until the road is buried by lava... (you will have to walk the last 1/2 mile or so for safety...)Website: http://www.nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/lava.htm
|
This is the most fun activity in the whole national park because you actually get to see red hot lava flow.
For the more adventurous, a hike into the field is recommended because you can see more things. And if you hike in far enough (a couple miles at least), you can see hot lava next to you. The lava flow is constantly expanding. In 2005, the park gained 44 acred due to lava flow.
For less fit and adventurous, go to end of the road after sunset. You can see lava flow from a distance. It's still pretty spectacular.
Chain of Craters Road gets busy. Cars parallel park along the road. Try to be there around 4 pm or 6 pm so you can get a good parking spot and position yourself for best lava viewing. Directions: If you choose to hike, bring at least two quarts of water. Wear sturdy shoes (hiking boots or sneakers) and layered clothing.Website: http://www.nps.gov/havo/
|
The Chain of Craters road goes 24 miles downhill toward the sea.
You will pass several craters and then drive about 5 miles along the coast.
There you will have to find a place to park and start walking.
Most everything that was once in this area is now covered in lava.
There are some nice views of the sea from here. Leave a Comment
|
A must see is the Thurston Lava Tubes. You must park your car and get out and walk to see this. Take your bins with you also because there are many birds around this rain forest area.
The inside of the tube is well lighted. Leave a Comment
|
Puu Puai is the next stop. Running alongside the hill is the devastation trail. Leave a Comment
|
On the Chain of Craters road there is one crater that is not just full of lava. Ko'oko'olau Crater is an excellent example of what happens to a crater after about 200 years of an absence of lava. The crater is completely overgrown with native forest. Leave a Comment
|
More Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Tips Best Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Travel Deals Oceanfront Hawaii Hotels
Hotels That Suit Your Taste & Style Starting From $64! Hurry & Book Now Hawaii Hawaii Hotels
Low Rates on Hawaii Hotels. Also Book Flights & Cars at ORBITZ! Hawaii Hawaii Hotels
Save on Hotels, Motels & Resorts Call 1-800-276-7415 Or Book Online Sponsored Links |
|
on May 15, 2004
on April 1, 2007
on April 19, 2004
on January 3, 2006
on November 7, 2007
