Best Places to See the Big Island’s Volcanic Eruptions

LGBTQ+ travelers love to be out and about in nature; so, give us a once-in-a-lifetime experience to visit Hawaii and see Kilauea and Mauna Loa volcanoes spewing hot lava – and we’re there – if done safely. If you’ve been keeping tabs, it’s been almost 40 years since the two volcanoes have been active at the same time.

In fact, local officials have already expressed that now is the perfect time to visit, like Hawaii County mayor Mitch Roth. “People are here and seeing some of the most unbelievable sights ever, and you don’t have to go up Saddle Road. You can see [the Mauna Loa lava flow] from Hilo. You can see it from Kona. You can see it from Kau,” said Roth during a press conference earlier this month. 

According to Hawaii County and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park officials, here are a couple of excellent vantage points and things you should know to safely view these incredible natural wonders.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Kupinai Pali (aka Waldron Ledge) and Volcano House – visitors can see both eruptions from these two locations in the park and are also easily accessible. 

Visit during off-peak hours from 9 am or after 9 pm. Of course, the nighttime will probably give you the best photos of the glowing lava, but be aware that eruptions can change (or stop) and the weather can affect those Insta-worthy snapshots.

Don’t Hike Mauna Loa Trails 

These popular hiking trails at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park are closed, and visitors are warned to stay away and not hike to the lava because it’s not only dangerous, but it’s also considered trespassing. In addition to sharp volcanic rock, the trails are near the Pohokuloa Military Training Area, where unexploded ordnance was found recently.

View from Inouye Highway

Hawaii County opened a traffic hazard route for vehicles almost two weeks ago so people could safely view the lava flow heading toward the Inouye Highway. The flow has stalled, but it’s uncertain how long the route will remain open. 

Be Respectful of Local Traditions

More importantly, while checking out these volcanic eruptions, vacationers are asked to be respectful when visiting the different sites around the island because Hawaiians may be visiting sites for prayer and to give offerings to Pele, the goddess of volcanoes, fire, and the creator of the Hawaiian Islands. So save your photo-taking for the lava flow only and don’t disturb locals during this unique cultural tradition.

For more updates about Mauna Loa, click here to visit the United States Geological Survey’s site.