March 27th 08...Within the last week increasingly violent eruptions of steam and ash have been observed in the upper National Park within Kilauea Caldera. This area's last violent eruption in 1923 scattered multi ton boulders widely and caused havoc downwind so the National Park Service is being very cautious to keep visitors at a safe distance....
Meanwhile the Lava is still flowing into the sea at Kalapana on highway 130 via Pahoa town. What we are doing with our tours is going to the National Park to view that eruption from a distance and then going down the 40 some miles to the coast at dusk to observe the moving Lava under reduced light after sunset when it is at its moist spectacular.
Stay tuned to the websites listed in the March 7th report below but realize that the government has to err on the side of safety.

March 7th 08...After a long pause from June 17th 2007 Lava has finally made it back to the coast providing some spectacular viewing.
Unfortunately for viewers it is outside the National park in County controlled territory meaning first that legal viewing begins only at 2:00pm with last car in by 8:00pm and everyone out by 10:00pm. Do NOT go at or near 2:00pm as it is chaotic and unpleasant...Government in action.
To make matters worse viewing is strictly controlled and some of the best outbreaks are off limits. Predictably Madame Pele shut off the lava and as of March 10th we are awaiting new outbreaks although reports filtering back from guests indicate small flow front outbreaks here and there....
Even with grossly excessive regulation it is still an amazing sight....come on down and take our tour, take a plane flight or rent a car but see it....soon !!

For current updates go to http://volcano.wr.usgs.gov/hvostatus.php The town of Pahoa is no longer threatened.

For the webcam pointed at the flow, specially at night go to http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov/cam3/ during the day that silver slash across the middle of the pic is flowing left to right into the distance downhill.

 

While we take pains to keep information current, this notice may be inaccurate due to unfolding events. To assure your tour time, and place in the van, please reconfirm the day before your tour. 808-969-7097 between 8am and 8pm Hawaii Standard time.

* * The above tour description is a generalization of average activities, the actual tour may change in response to weather, seasons, daylight and guide preferences. Roads may close in response to Lava flows or threatened major eruptions. Lava sometimes stops for days or weeks at a time or becomes too distant to reach. Arnotts Lodge is not responsible for these events, provides alternative tours in other parts of the Park, and no refunds will be given. Reservations, to be confirmed must be guaranteed by credit card or advance payment. 48 hours notice of cancellation is required and you may be charged if an otherwise full seat is left empty because we turned others away.

(No Children under 10)

• M a k e   A   R e s e r v a t i o n

Safety Briefing --- This is NOT an easy hike.

• Please bring water, two liters is recommended.... at least the large sized 1.5 liter bottle. Preferably more. Drink it !!
• Most leg injuries occur to people with previous sprains or breaks which become aggravated by the tough terrain.
• The objective of this hike is to get adventurers out to Lava and back within a reasonable time, if you are slow you will have to turn around.
• Bring a backpack, do not hand carry anything, you need your hands for balance.
• Bring high energy snacks, the trail mix sold at Kilauea Store in Volcano Village is excellent.
• Wear long pants and suitable footwear, modern sneakers are OK but cheaper brands may separate on still hot Lava. Slippers and Sandals are not sufficient as new Lava is razor sharp. We will not take you with inadequate footwear !!
• Due to the black color of Lava it gets very hot from the sun, bring a hat and wear light clothing. Have a light jacket in case of passing showers.
• While hiking, pay strict attention to where your feet are going. If you want to look around STOP.
• As we approach the active Lava flows our guide who has seen its evolution will decide on the best viewing for the day, FOLLOW the guide. Fresh Lava is very deceptive with a thin crust concealing 1800 F. 1000 C. molten lava
• If the hike goes to the sea entry of the lava flow, special precautions are needed, most deaths and injuries in the National Park have occurred in this region. Hot Lava and cold seawater can cause violent explosions. Stay close to your guide and heed his instructions, be aware of developing cracks parallel to the coastline that may indicate an impending breakaway. Your guide knows the old safer areas from new dangerous areas ...... do not go off on your own no matter how tempting the scene.
• Hike safely and enjoy your visit to one of the worlds most awesome scenes.

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