Kilauea Volcano Eruption and Lava Viewing
Within Halema‘uma‘u crater at the summit of Kīlauea, Pele the goddess of fire and volcanoes stews in wait. Pelehonuamea, meaning “she who shapes the sacred land,” creates and destroys the island around her. Towns and valleys have seen her wrath, falling to her fiery temper. It’s a small price to pay to live in proximity to a goddess. Madame Pele also nourishes the Big Island. Adding more than 70 acres of fresh potent land in the last 40 years, she consistently evolves in shape and form.
Pele Awakens with Volcanic Eruption on Kilauea
After barely a month hiatus, Madame Pele awoke with eruption within Halemaʻumaʻu crater in Kilauea's summit caldera. Detected by the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, a radiance appeared on January 5, 2023, and continues today.
Previous to this latest outburst from Pele, she had a 16 months-long venting from September 2021 to December 2022. After increased earthquake activity awoke her from slumber, lava bubbled within the crater for more than a year. With no other eruptions migrating to any other area of the volcano, the current eruption is expected to remain in the crater.
After huge changes that occurred with a 2018 eruption, some had guessed that Kilauea would not erupt for a significant period of time. Pele had other plans. Over the past 200 years, Kilauea summit eruptions have lasted from less than a day to more than a decade.
Lava Viewing on the Big Island
To witness Madame Pele in all her glory is a life changing experience, saved for those daring enough to get close to her passionate heat. Lava viewing can be unpredictable, depending on the goddess’s mood.
Open 24 hours a day, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park at night is your best chance to view the glowing red lava. Spotted easily in the dark, the glow is bright during the active erupting. Park Rangers will greet you upon entry and are your best guide to the most current conditions.
Kilauea’s immense lava lake bubbles with molten rock and illuminates a blazing red tint into the night. Gas plumes reflect back, billowing across the rocky horizon. The 2018 summit collapse shows its craggy remains, a visual story of Pele’s precarious past. To see lava fountains rupture, drive along the south rim on Old Crater Rim Drive, and take a moderate hike over a mostly paved path. For an easier sight, the lava lake can be seen from Kilauea Overlook located on Crater Rim Trail. Kūpinaʻi Pali also off of Crater Rim Trail has minimal crowds while The Overlook near Keanakākoʻi Crater has the most visitors.
Expect heavy traffic, parking lots at capacity, and many fellow Pele worshippers. Peak crowd hours are between 6 pm and 9 pm, but the viewing is best before sunrise and after 9 pm for the full scarlet glow. Keep in mind, this is an active temperamental volcano and full safety measures should be observed. Madame Pele can turn quickly. Stay on marked trails, avoid earth cracks, and stay away from cliffs. Drive slowly and keep patient. Bring a rain jacket, keep limbs covered, and avoid open-toe shoes. Use a flashlight. Check on weather conditions to ensure wind, fog, and rain are on your side. The spirit of the goddess will reward you.
Where to stay near Kilauea
About an hour's drive from Kilauea resides the best place to stay near Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Located north of the Kilauea summit, The Inn at Kulaniapia Falls has everything you need to make your visit authentically Hawaiian. The private property is run fully off the grid, extracting hydroelectric power from Kulaniapia Falls and solar panels scattered discreetly throughout. Lush bamboo forest and macadamia nut trees create seclusion, making the Inn feel a world away. Each room is decorated with Asian-inspired touches and comes with locally sourced breakfast included in the room rate. The Inn at Kulaniapia Falls has water sports available to guests and day pass holders including paddle boarding, kayaking, and canoeing under the waterfalls. For those seeking an extra thrill, try rappelling down the falls with expert guidance and safety equipment provided. The Inn at Kulaniapia Falls provides you with a peaceful retreat after the bounty of adventure the Big Island has to offer.
Related Blog Post: Visit the Active Volcanoes on the Big Island