The Big Island of Hawaii is not only the largest of the Hawaiian island chain, it is also the youngest.  The Big Island with 4038 square miles of land mass is nearly twice the size of all the Hawaiian Islands combined. 

 

Hawaii is also the home of Volcanoes National Park.  Must see sites within the park are Halemaʻumaʻu crater, Thurston Lava Tube, Steam Vents, Kilauea Iki, Jaggar Museum, Visitors Center and the Southwest Rift.  Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park is open 24 hours a day year-round. * Kilauea Visitor Center is open daily from 7:45 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. * Jaggar Museum is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. * Jaggar Museum Bookstore is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. For information regarding advisories and closures please visit this link.

 

The Big Island is home of five volcanoes, Kohala, Mauna Kea, Hualalai, Mauna Loa and Kilauea.  Kilauea has been continuously active since 1983 and produces nearly a half million cubic yards of lava a day.

 

As last confirmed on October 29, 2008, lava is entering the ocean outside of Volcanoes National Park at Kalapana.  Fountains of lava can be seen from the viewing area set up by the County of Hawaii.  Video above is actual footage of the Kalapana lava viewing site.

 

Visitors can visit the Kalapana lava site in their own rental vehicle or hire a tour company to safely guide them .  The viewing area is open daily between 2:00 PM - 10:00 PM.  Vehicles may enter the site until 8:00 PM.  Bring plenty of water and flashlights for night viewing.

 

Please call 1-888-295-2994 for lodging and professionally guided tours of the Big Island of Hawaii including Volcanoes National Park and the recent lava flows in Kalapana.  Information above was offered as a courtesy by Paradise Excursions Inc.  "Fun-Filled Adventures for the Entire Family"