Trip to see the lava (the state reccomended way!)

After returning from Kona, we received news that they had opened up a new viewing site for the lava where it had begun to enter the water with a short hike path across the lava shield. We of course had to see this new site as soon as we could.

When we got up to the sign that detailed the new regulations and times that people were welcome we realized this would be a very different experience. There were tourists as far as the eye can see, cars lining the sides of the road, and little stands where people sold disposable cameras and water bottles at exorbitant prices. We walked down the path marked with glow tape and lined with security guards following behind families, hopeful photographers, and other tourists. When we got to the viewing site we were surprised by how very far away the lava was. We were about a mile if not more from the flow. Now I'm all for safety, especially when there are children involved-- this was a little silly.

Far in the distance plumes of steam came up from the water and there was almost a faint glow from a rock in the water. As the sun began to set, we saw what I can only conjecture should be amazing if we were just a quarter of a mile closer. Through the zoom lens on Briana's camera we could see 3 glowing fingers of lava flowing down a rock into the ocean with clouds of steam and smoke billowing around it. I'd love to say that I could capture such a picture with my cute little burnt orange point and shoot digital-- but that would be a lie. I took many pictures, a few even showed an idea that there might be something shiny in the distance...

While we were there we saw the shelf that was supporting the lava flowing into the ocean collapse. For a brief moment we saw the glowing molten rock flow into the ocean easily with our own eyes-- but minutes later it was again covered. I understand why one would not want to be on the edge of such an occurrence but the extent that they were keeping people away seemed extreme to me. In the end the experience was disappointing and a little lack-luster after having the previous experience that we did.

If you ever go to the big island of Hawaii and hear of a group about to hike the long walk out to the existing flow over the land -- take it-- stay off the shelf by the ocean, be safe and use your brain-- but take it. The hygienic, state approved, safe trip to the viewing site could never ever compare to the real life heat of hiking across jagged lava shield to the lava oozing down the mountain.