Posted on: Monday, May 9, 2005
Hot hike gets you to Kilauea's flow
By Karen Blakeman
Advertiser Staff Writer
Kilauea volcano continued to drip fingers of glowing lava into the ocean over the Mother's Day weekend, visible to those willing to make the three-mile or longer hike across old lava fields from the end of Chain of Craters Road, said officials at Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park and the U.S. Geological Survey.
U.S. Geological Survey: hvo.wr.usgs.gov/
National Park Service: www.nps.gov/havo/ The smaller two, clustered at East Lae'apuki, are closer and yesterday featured at least four lava falls tumbling down the old sea cliff onto the growing delta below.
The new lava flows, according to the Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park Web site, are three miles from where Chain of Craters Road is covered by old lava flows.
Hikes across the old flows, the park service warns, will require four hours round trip and can be dangerous and demanding.
Because of intense temperatures, the park service advises against hiking in the heat of the day, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sun, humidity and heat from the volcano can create a saunalike atmosphere.
No trails are marked en route to the new flows and the terrain is rugged, uneven and sharp. Sensible shoes are essential. Boots are helpful. Long, lightweight pants and a pair of light gloves can help to prevent cuts on the razor-sharp rock.
Sunscreen is a must, and a hat is helpful.
Hikers should carry and drink three to four quarts of water per person, and a little food can provide necessary energy.
If viewing lava after 6 p.m., each hiker should carry a flashlight with extra batteries.
Reach Karen Blakeman at 535-2430 or kblakeman@honoluluadvertiser.com.
Of the three ocean entries yesterday, the one at Kamoamoa four miles from the end of the road was the largest, with the brightest glow and the largest plume, said the U.S. Geological Survey.
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