We finally had a chance on May 5, to
go to Kilauea and view the that has filled the Overlook Crater. We had a
meeting in Hilo and arrived at Volcano National Park at around 10:00 PM. At
that hour the crowds had dispersed and we were able to park at the Jaggar
Museum. A short walk to the viewing area revealed a spectacular sight. We have
been to the VNP hundreds of times since our first visit in 1979. We have seen
active lava flows, stood right next to them and watched fire hoses of lava
enter the ocean. We have seen lava advance down the road in Kalapana. Nothing
that we have seen has come close to the view of the lava lake that now exists.
As we viewed the lava lake there was
a lava fountain occurring at the far side that was spectacular. The surface
consisted of floes of cooled lava that drifted across the lava lake. Molten
lava separated the floes and occasionally gas bubbles would burst in those
bright red molten areas. There is a telescope set up in the viewing area which
affords a great close-up view of the lava lake.
Be aware that it is cool at the
viewing area and often rains. When we were there the temperature was 55 degrees
F, however there was no rain and we had a beautiful, almost full moon. It was a
fantastic view with the moon just to the left of the lava lake. If you are on
the Big Island, do not miss the opportunity to take in the view of a lifetime.
