Lava Watching in Hawaii

Volcanoes are some of Hawaii’s most fascinating and recognizable features. Lava is, of course, always dangerous, even when it’s the relatively slow-moving kind typically seen on the islands. But it’s also mesmerizing to watch, and curious visitors can do so from the safety of the Kalapana viewing site or Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, sometimes called “the world’s only drive-in volcano.”

One way to get close to the lava is through the Ahiu Hawaii lava tours, which are lead by volcanologists and include information on Hawaii’s history and culture. Want to put a little more space between yourself and all that molten rock? Lava Ocean Tours offer year-round excursions around the coast of the Big Island. Visitors regularly witness steam explosions, bench collapses, plume clouds and more.

As of the writing of this article, the Puna region of Hawaii is evacuating residents due to advancing lava from the Kilauea volcano. The lava flow began back in June, and is continuing to move towards the town of Pahoa. Kilauea has been the site of regular eruptions since 1983, and the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory releases regular updates on the status of lava conditions across the islands.