A Recent Hike out to the Lava Flow

the lava flow at night



a skylight where you can see down into the lava tube



fragments being thrown up by the steam explosions (the tiny black spots in the steam)



Mike from Indy



a Tumulus - where the flow crust cracks and allows an upwelling of lava



Here's an E-mail I got from a man who hiked out to the lava flow from the Kalapana side last month. Notice, this man has a degree in geology and an interest in volcanology, so he's got a little more knowledge on how to be safe in this situation than the rest of us! (meaning - don't stand on new lava right next to flowing lava unless you want to get burned or killed! - don't try to copy this guy's picture)

Lisa:

I was browsing for information on Kilauea and came across your site describing your amusing experiences with lava flows. I was just last month on the Big Island and had my first experience with an active flow. I have a degree in geology although it is not my profession and have particularly been interested in volcanology. In 1991 I was out there to view the total eclipse of the sun and we attempted to hike out to an active flow one night. However it began to rain when we were about halfway out and we had to turn back. This time I made it to a flow from the Kalapana side and it was very exciting, maybe the coolest (not cool, better to say "neatest") thing I have ever done :-) I even managed to dip up some samples! I expect to return sometime next year.

Season's Greetings,

Mike in Indy

and I wrote back:

Hi Mike! Wow! Great picture!! :) That's so great that you got to see it from the Kalapana side - most of my good experiences were Kalapana side too. Would you mind if I put that picture up on my website, with the narrative? If the answer is no, that's fine - just thought I'd ask! So last month from the Kalapana side huh? How far did you have to hike in?

Hi Lisa, yes you can post the photo. Send me the link if you do. I could probably send a few more of the lava and ocean entry if you need them. Are you familiar with the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory website? All kinds of cool stuff there:

http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov/kilauea/update/main.html

The lava I hiked out to was no further than the ocean entry at Ka' Ili Ili, two miles at the most . Look at the map here:

http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov/kilauea/update/archive/2006/Oct/061031-web-map_L.gif

I am pretty sure the flow I visited was the thin splinter that branches off the east side of the Campout flow (red) parallel to the pali, then turns a right angle towards the ocean. I think it has advanced farther south than shown on the map and has also branched out farther to the east. Let me know if you try to reach it. Do wear long pants (I forgot), carry water and a walking stick is helpful.

Mike in Indy

Thanks Mike! -- If you are planning a hike out, be sure to contact Hawaii Volcanoes National Park for current hiking information and safety information.