Hawaii’s Lava Fields & Volcanic Landscapes: A Geologist’s Guide to Explosive Beauty

Hawaii’s volcanic landscape is the star of outdoor activities. From hiking across hardened lava flows in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park to exploring lava tubes near Hilo, these geological wonders offer an adrenaline rush and a science lesson all rolled into one. Planning a trip? Let’s get you prepped with what to expect, what to bring, and how to experience this explosive beauty safely.

Understanding Hawaii’s Volcanic Genesis

Before we lace up our hiking boots, a quick geology lesson is crucial. Hawaii is a volcanic island chain, created by the movement of the Pacific Plate over a hotspot – a plume of magma rising from deep within the Earth’s mantle. This hotspot has been erupting for millions of years, creating islands that eventually drift away as the plate moves northwest. The Big Island, Hawaiʻi, is the youngest and most volcanically active island. Kīlauea, one of the world’s most active volcanoes, is the prime sculptor of the island’s dramatic terrain. The constant creation and destruction by lava flows shape the island, leaving behind incredible formations like pahoehoe and ʻaʻā lava.

Decoding Lava: Pahoehoe vs. ʻAʻā

You’ll hear these terms often, so let’s clarify what they mean. Pahoehoe lava is smooth, ropy, and relatively fluid when molten. It creates smooth, undulating surfaces. Think of a solidified chocolate lava cake. ʻAʻā, on the other hand, is rough, jagged, and fragmented. This lava is more viscous and cools quickly, creating a clinkery, rubble-like surface that’s notoriously difficult to walk on. Imagine walking on broken glass mixed with gravel. The difference in texture is due to variations in lava temperature, gas content, and flow rate. Knowing the difference is not just for fun; it dictates what shoes you should wear (or avoid!) and how carefully you need to tread.

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park: A Must-Visit

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is the epicenter of volcanic activity and the best place to explore lava fields. Entry to the park costs $30 per vehicle, valid for seven days, which is totally worth it. Several options exist for accessing the park, driving the Crater Rim Drive, exploring the Thurston Lava Tube, and hiking various trails. Let’s break down some of the most popular:

Crater Rim Drive

This scenic drive circles the summit caldera of Kīlauea, offering stunning views of volcanic features like steam vents, sulfur banks, and the Halemaʻumaʻu crater. Pulling off at various overlooks, such as Jaggar Museum (currently closed for safety reasons due to seismic activity, check status before going) or the Kīlauea Overlook, provides ample photo opportunities. Even if you’re not up for hiking, driving the Crater Rim Drive provides a fantastic overview of the park’s volcanic landscape.

Thurston Lava Tube (Nāhuku)

This easily accessible lava tube is a prime example of how lava flows create underground tunnels. It’s a short, well-lit walk through the tube, showcasing the smooth, solidified walls formed by flowing lava. The surrounding rainforest is lush and vibrant, offering a beautiful contrast to the stark volcanic rock. Note that the tube can be damp and slippery, so wear enclosed shoes. The National Park Service has done a great job on maintenance so while it’s a little damp, it’s a relatively easy stroll.

Kīlauea Iki Trail

This moderately strenuous hike takes you down into the Kīlauea Iki crater, a solidified lava lake created during a dramatic eruption in 1959. The trail starts through a lush rainforest before descending into the crater, where you’ll walk across the relatively flat, cooled lava lake. Keep an eye out for steam vents and hardy plants adapted to the harsh volcanic environment. The hike is about 4 miles roundtrip and takes around 2-3 hours. Because it’s a loop you come up the far side, so save time for the ascent. Pack plenty of water and wear sturdy hiking shoes as the trail can be uneven.

Devastation Trail

Aptly named, Devastation Trail showcases the impact of the 1959 Kīlauea Iki eruption. This paved trail takes you through a landscape that was once a thriving forest, now covered in cinder and volcanic ash. It’s a short, easy walk with interpretive signs explaining the devastation caused by the eruption and the slow process of ecological recovery. This is a good one to do if you want a gentle walk and still get a sense of how amazing, and destructive the landscape is.

Chain of Craters Road

This scenic road descends from the summit of Kīlauea to the sea, winding through a stark volcanic landscape dotted with craters, lava flows, and dramatic coastal cliffs. It is 19 miles long, and has an elevation of 3700 feet. At the end of the road, at the Holei Sea Arch, you can see where previous lava flows met the ocean. There are several pull-offs along the way for photo opportunities and short hikes. This is a great option for a driving tour, allowing you to witness the diverse volcanic features of the park.

Lava Fields Beyond the National Park: Exploring the Big Island

While Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is the main attraction, other areas on the Big Island offer unique opportunities to explore lava fields:

Lava Tree State Monument

Located near Pāhoa, this park features eerie lava “casts” of trees that were engulfed by a lava flow in 1790. As the lava flowed around the trees, it cooled and solidified, leaving hollow molds when the trees eventually burned away. It’s a short, easy walk through the park, offering a unique glimpse into the power of lava and its interaction with the environment. It’s particularly interesting to see the textures of the bark now imprinted on lava.

Puna Coast Lava Flows

The Puna district, particularly areas affected by the 2018 Kīlauea eruption, offers a raw and dynamic volcanic landscape. While some areas remain restricted due to ongoing volcanic activity and safety concerns, guided tours are often available to explore the newer lava flows and black sand beaches formed by the eruption. These tours often provide insights into the eruption’s impact on the community and the ongoing geological processes shaping the coastline. This also will change a lot based on the actual lava flows at that point in time.

Kalapana Lava Viewing Area

Historically, Kalapana was a prime location for viewing active lava flows entering the ocean. While surface flows are currently paused, this area still offers stunning views of the coastline created by previous eruptions, including black sand beaches and dramatic lava cliffs. Check with local authorities for current conditions and access information. Some tours may offer boat trips to view the coastline from the ocean, providing a different perspective of the volcanic landscape. Even if not active, seeing where lava flows once dramatically poured into the ocean is pretty amazing.

Practical Tips for Exploring Lava Fields

Footwear is Crucial

Forget flip-flops or sandals! Sturdy, closed-toe hiking shoes are essential. ʻAʻā lava is incredibly sharp and can easily cut through flimsy footwear. Ankle support is also beneficial, especially when hiking on uneven terrain. Consider investing in hiking boots with good traction and waterproof construction, as conditions can change quickly in the park. Seriously, you want thick soles, otherwise you will feel every bump and sharp edge with each step. Your feet will thank you.

Dress Smartly

Wear lightweight, breathable clothing that covers your skin. Long sleeves and pants can protect you from sunburn, scratches, and insect bites. The sun can be intense, even on cloudy days. A wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses are also essential. Consider wearing moisture-wicking fabrics to stay cool and comfortable, as hiking in lava fields can be physically demanding.

Hydration and Sun Protection

Carry plenty of water, even for short hikes. Dehydration can be a serious concern, especially in the hot, dry volcanic environment. Apply sunscreen liberally and reapply frequently, even on cloudy days. A lip balm with SPF is also a good idea. A good rule of thumb is to carry at least 2 liters of water per person for a moderate hike.

Time of Day

Consider the time of day for your hikes. Early morning or late afternoon are generally cooler and offer better lighting for photography. Midday can be extremely hot and sunny. Night hikes, especially with guided tours are amazing, but they need additional preparation like flashlights as well extra safety measures.

Stay on Marked Trails

It’s tempting to wander off the beaten path, but it’s important to stay on marked trails. Lava fields can be unstable and dangerous, with hidden cracks and fissures. Wandering off-trail also increases the risk of getting lost or damaging fragile volcanic formations. Erosion is a major problem from overuse.

Heed Warnings and Closures

Pay attention to warnings and closures issued by the National Park Service or local authorities. Volcanic activity can change rapidly, posing potential hazards. Closures are often in place for safety reasons, so respect them. The USGS Volcano Watch is an official resource for information on the current status of volcanoes.

Respect the Environment

Leave no trace behind. Pack out all trash and avoid disturbing the volcanic formations. Do not collect lava rocks or other souvenirs, as it’s illegal to remove anything from the national park. Volcanic ecosystems are fragile and take a long time to recover from disturbance.

Guided Tours

For a more in-depth and informative experience, consider joining a guided tour. Local guides can provide valuable insights into the geology, history, and ecology of the lava fields. They can also lead you to areas that are not accessible on your own and ensure your safety. There are many tours offering different themes, from Geology walks to hikes with a sunrise breakfast.

Safety First: Volcanic Hazards to Be Aware Of

Volcanic environments can be hazardous, so it’s important to be aware of the potential risks.

Volcanic Gases

Kīlauea emits volcanic gases, including sulfur dioxide (SO2), which can be harmful to your health. High concentrations of SO2 can cause respiratory problems, especially for people with asthma or other respiratory conditions. Check the air quality conditions before your visit and avoid areas with high gas concentrations. If you experience respiratory irritation, move to a well-ventilated area and seek medical attention if necessary.

Steam Vents

Steam vents release hot steam and gases, which can cause burns. Avoid touching or getting too close to steam vents. The ground around steam vents can also be unstable and prone to collapse.

Ground Instability

Lava fields can be unstable, with hidden cracks, fissures, and lava tubes. Watch your step and stay on marked trails. Avoid walking on thin or hollow-sounding lava.

Flash Floods

Rainstorms can cause flash floods in lava fields, especially in low-lying areas and canyons. Check the weather forecast before your hike and be prepared for sudden changes in weather. Avoid hiking in areas prone to flash floods during heavy rain.

Sun Exposure

As mentioned before, strong sun exposure can lead to sunburn and heatstroke. Protect yourself with sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses, and drink plenty of water.

Photography Tips for Capturing Volcanic Beauty

Hawaii’s lava fields offer incredible photographic opportunities but planning your photographic approach in advance helps

Golden Hour

The golden hour (the hour after sunrise and the hour before sunset) provides the best lighting for landscape photography. The soft, warm light enhances the textures and colors of the lava fields.

Composition

Use leading lines, such as lava flows or roads, to draw the viewer’s eye into the scene. Look for interesting patterns and textures in the lava formations. Experiment with different perspectives and angles.

Filters

A polarizing filter can reduce glare and enhance the colors of the sky and vegetation. A neutral density (ND) filter can be used to create long-exposure effects, such as blurring clouds or water. Graduated ND filters can balance the exposure between the bright sky and the dark foreground.

Safety First

Don’t get so caught up in taking photos that you forget about safety. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid getting too close to unstable areas. It’s easy to get distracted, so take your time and remember where you are.

Accommodation near Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

Planning to stay near the park? Here are a few options to think about.

Volcano House

Located right inside the park, Volcano House offers stunning views of the Kīlauea caldera. Reservations can be made online, but need to be made well in advance, as they are extremely popular.

Local Bed & Breakfasts

The town of Volcano, just outside the park, has several charming bed and breakfasts and vacation rentals.

Hilo Hotels

If you prefer to stay in a larger town, Hilo offers a wider range of hotels and restaurants, about a 45-minute drive from the park entrance. Consider the drive time when planning your days.

FAQ Section

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions regarding the lava fields and volcanic landscapes of Hawaii.

Is it safe to visit a volcano in Hawaii?

Yes, with precautions. Stay on marked trails, heed warnings, and be aware of volcanic gases and unstable ground. Guided tours are recommended.

What should I wear when visiting a lava field?

Wear sturdy, closed-toe hiking shoes, lightweight, breathable clothing, and sun protection. Long sleeves and pants are recommended to protect your skin.

Can I take lava rocks as souvenirs?

No, it is illegal to remove anything from Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, including lava rocks.

Are there any active lava flows on the Big Island right now?

Active lava flows can change frequently. Check the latest updates from the USGS and local authorities before your visit.

What is the best time of year to visit Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park?

The park is open year-round, but the weather is generally drier during the summer months (April to October). However, conditions can change quickly, so be prepared for rain at any time of year.

Can I see the lava at night?

It depends on the location and lava activity. Night tours are often available to view active lava flows, if they exist. Check with tour operators for the latest information and safety guidelines. Even if there are no flows, stars over the black landscape on a clear night can be its own awesome sight.

References

• United States Geological Survey (USGS) – Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
• National Park Service (NPS) – Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
• Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO)

Ready to witness the explosive beauty of Hawaii’s lava fields? Book your trip today, pack your bags, and prepare for an unforgettable adventure! Just remember to respect the power of nature and follow safety guidelines. Explore responsibly, discover the wonder, and create memories that will last a lifetime. The Big Island is calling your name – answer it!