Lava enters the ocean

Pele's latest march to the sea has resulted in an ocean entry of lava. Yesterday lava entered the ocean for the first time in several years.

            The lava is accessible after a six mile round trip hike from a viewing area set up by the County in the Kalapana area. However, be advised that viewing the ocean entry is extremely hazardous. The ocean entry area is on a ledge that rest on loose debris that is easily eroded by wave action. People have lost their lives in the past when the ledge  collapsed into the ocean as they were standing on it. Actually, a better view is obtained either from the air or by boat. Tours are available to take you at prime viewing time by either plane or boat. Both are much better options than hiking to the ocean entry area.

Pele is flowing again

A breakout of lava from Puʻu Oʻo on the southeast rift zone of Kilauea has moved past the top of the cliff  (pali) and has traveled rapidly down to the coastal plain. It is now about two miles from the ocean.

The County has set up a parking area which is about 3 miles from the flow in the area of Kalapana. The lava can be seen from the parking area. You can hike out to the flow, about a six mile round trip hike. If you do that make sure your footwear is appropriate, you have plenty of water, and flashlights if you will be out after dark. There are several tour companies that will guide you out to the flow.

As is always the case, there is no guarantee the flow will persist. It could end as quickly as it started.

Kilauea a year later

It has been a year since we viewed the lava welling up in Halemaumau Crater. It was an experience that few have ever seen. However, the lava soon receded and has not again made its way onto the crater floor. To experience something like that is all a matter of timing. During the past year the lava level has been oscillating, but has not rising to the extent that it did a year ago. It is always best to check on the lava levels before visiting the crater. To do this visit the website which shows webcam views of the eruption areas at: http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov/cams/ . The various cameras will give you a good idea of what is visible at the eruption site. In any event, the best time for viewing is after dark when at least the glow from the lava is visible.

Check the weather on Hawaiʻi Island

            If you are coming to Hawaiʻi or even if you live here, it is important to know what the weather will be. Most of what one does on the island is weather dependent and that is something that we cannot control. There are a few websites which I use that are very good at giving you information regarding the weather.

            Usually, the first one I check is: http://radar.weather.gov/radar.php?rid=hkm&product=N0R&overlay=11101111&loop=no, which will give you the current weather radar for the upper half of the island. The radar is located on Kohala Mountain so there are some areas that it does not reach. For example, it cannot reach the upper portions of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, or even Kohala. But it does give a good idea of where it is raining. To get the southern part of the island go to: http://radar.weather.gov/radar.php?rid=hwa&product=N0R&overlay=11101111&loop=no. This one is located near South Point and is blocked by Mauna Loa to the north. It does, however, give you good coverage of Volcanoes National Park and the Hilo area.

            The next site I check is: http://mkwc.ifa.hawaii.edu/current/hawobs.cgi?banner=uhmet. This is a University of Hawaiʻi Department of Meteorology site, The first page will give wind directions throughout the State and weather at selected locations. On the left side of the page are links to some good sites. The Satellite Imagery link will take you to  a page where you can see satellite data for infrared and water vapor sensor. I find the Hawaiʻi Wide View the most useful, Click on it and you will get an enlarged view which you can set in motion by clicking on the animation at the bottom of the picture. This gives you a good idea of what is coming.

            Also on that Department of Meteorology site is a link to Tropical Weather which is useful in the hurricane season from June through November. You can get information on any systems in the Central Pacific or, for that matter, in the Eastern Pacific or Atlantic.

            For weather forecasts go to: http://www.prh.noaa.gov/hnl/ which is a National Weather Service site, You can click on a location on the map and get a forecast for that specific place. Also on the left side of that page isa link that says Forecasts Hawaiʻi. Click on that and then go to Graphic Forecasts at the top of the list. That will take you to a map of the State and forecasts every three hours. If you click on the Big Island header you will get a detailed map of Hawaiʻi Island and clicking on the forecast times will change the data on the map.

            Another interesting site is: http://weather.mhpcc.hawaii.edu/wrf/hawaii2/rainfall.html. This is an experimental site from the Haleakala Weather Center which you can set in motion at the bottom of the map. It will give detailed rain forecasts for three days.

            If you are planning to to Mauna Kea check: http://mkwc.ifa.hawaii.edu/forecast/mko/index.cgi. This is the site of the Mauna Kea Weather Center where you can check current conditions and also check on web cams from every observatory.

            With these sites you will have a good idea of what may be ahead of you on the island, When we were running tours I would check them every morning before starting out.

Another Great South Kohala Restaurant

            Brown's Beach House at the Fairmont Orchid Hotel in the Mauna Lani Resort has always had a good reputation. We have avoided reviewing it because they have refused to give us our favorite waiter and we were disappointed with their chef. All that has changed as they have a new chef and management. We went back this past weekend and were delighted with the changes. The venue has always been spectacular and now the service and cuisine matches the location.

            When we made reservations we requested Christian as our server as we always do. We have known him for years. This time there was no question as we were immediately escorted to his station. If you dine there you will not be disappointed with having Christian as your server.

            We were with friends and we all started with Macallan 12 which was very reasonably priced. The menu had changed drastically and we had a difficult time choosing as everything sounded delicious. Christian made some suggestions which were excellent. We began with a romaine salad and a red and white gazpacho. Both were excellent and show-cased local produce. For entree we both had Maui axis venison with an ohelo berry sauce and Molokai purple potatoes. If you haven't had ohelo berries, you are missing a great local treat. They grow high on Kilauea and Mauna Loa and this is the beginning of their season. Legend is that these are Pele's favorite and when you pick them you must always give the first one to Pele. The venison was done perfectly and we just love Molokai potatoes. Needless to say we were delighted with this choice.

            For dessert we all shared a strawberry shortcake and ice cream made with a malasada. While we have had better malasadas made by friends, this combination was excellent. The Kona coffee we had with it was one of the best we have had. When you are on the Big Island it is a requirement to have our Kona coffee.

            Throughout the meal there was an accomplished local guitarist playing which added significantly to the ambiance. The evening was a total delight and we will definitely be returning in the near future.