Have you ever wanted to take a walk on an alien planet? What a strange and beautiful landscape…read more There aren't a lot of tourists here, and getting here means turning off the Google Maps once you're near and using an old fashioned map with a little sense of adventure. I think most people end up in the parking lot wondering "is this the place?" Follow the home drawn signs and keep walking. Don't dress for swimming, this isn't a swimming beach, wear sturdy shoes, workout shoes with good support or even hiking boots. Wear a hat to protect your head and sunscreen before you get out (it takes a few minutes for sunscreen to work). There is no way I can prepare you for what you will see, it's not like anything else I've ever encountered. So bizarre, so uncommonly beautiful.

We loved the black sand beach with turtles coming in to rest. Not much sand mostly rocks and the…read moreday we went it was windy and I wouldn't swim.

This place is super exciting! The downfall is that it's far from Kona, so my family and I were…read morereally tired when we got back to our hotel room. It's best to come here at night to really see the lava flow, but be up for the long drive back to Kona if that's where you're staying.

A difficulty arises in writing a review for a natural phenomenon - these things can be so…read moresubjective and even temperamental based on the time of year, weather, personal opinion, et cetera - but Kalapana Lava Flow is undoubtedly one of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders I've ever experienced. And it's definitely something you experience rather than just see - you see the juicy yellow and orange glow of the molten lava, you feel the heat radiating on your face from several yards away, and you hear the cracks and pops as it slowly settles and oozes onto the land beneath it. You feel as though you are witnessing the last remnants of Creation, the sixth day has yet to finish, and the primordial energy of eons past is still in the throes of its final breaths. You and your fellow observers will likely feel the need to whisper and speak in hushed tones, as if it is holy ground or the embodiment of some celestial force. Anyway, if you can see the flow at night, this'll undoubtedly be one of the most profoundly majestic experiences you can imagine. The lava ebbs and flows even within the spans of minutes and hours, so don't be discouraged if you see only a bit of oozing rather than a true flow once you arrive. It's dynamic and moves slowly but stealthily, and a new eruption site can arise on the periphery that wasn't there just ten minutes prior. As a reference, we arrived at the bike rental area (from Hilo, drive the 130 through Pahoa and completely to the south end of the 130, at which point it will force you onto a smaller road in a southwestern direction that will eventually dead end in a parking area), around 5pm, paid $20 a person for a high quality mountain bike, biked the first mile or two in, and then started our journey north over the rocks around 5:20. This leg took at least an hour or so, and we loitered around the different lava sites for at least an hour before making the trek back in the dark. All in all, allow for at least four hours of time from start to finish - we were driving away back to our condo at nearly 9pm exactly. Tips: - bring STRONG flashlights or headlamps for the trek back over the lava. The cheaper and dimmer the light, the more difficult. Also bring the basics such as cash, snacks, water, your [charged] camera and phone, and sunscreen for the trek in. - wear hiking boots; any sturdy tennis shoe will do but the igneous ground, often simultaneously rough, grainy, and hot, will do a number on any flimsy sneakers. Don't wear any stylish or fancy tennis shoes either, or even hardy sandals - I guarantee you will regret it. - if you wear contacts, bring back up glasses. - don't park at the first parking area or get your bike from the vendors; shop around smart. Many vendors are obnoxiously hawkish. - on a similar note, do indeed get a bike to go the first mile or so! The first leg of the walk is pretty but dry and dusty and pales in comparison to the actual destination. All the bike companies look like they throw in extra lights, water, and snack bars. You'll really appreciate the bike for the last leg back as well - best $20 spent so far. My husband and I both finished up the trip in complete agreement that seeing the lava up close in person was one of the most spectacular moments of our lives thus far!

I broke my leg on 04/06/18 when I took the "Sunset Lava Hike" which was a distance of over 13 miles…read moreand nearly 8 hours. I broke my fibula on a fall I took at about mile 10. I was required to hobble for 3 miles/ 2 hours on a broken bone. Chris was our guide and offered zero first aid or concern for my situation. When we returned, Fabienne was unaware that I had even been injured. Neither she or Chris offered any first aid or advice as to where I could seek medical attention. I knew that this hike would be strenuous, but the longest estimate I could find for how long this hike would be was 6.5 miles. It was at least 13 miles. That's a half marathon. I booked the tour and was told I would be contacted three days before to confirm the start time. I heard from Fabienne less than 24 hours before, and that was the first time a distance of 8 miles was mentioned. I said 8 miles was at my top limit of ability. No mention was made that there was the potential for longer. When we arrived at the starting point for the hike, flashing road signs said "3.5 miles to lava". A group of 6 of us (another couple, a father and his 10 year old son ) started at 3:50pm. Sunset was at 6:36pm. As 6pm passed, we had already traveled nearly 5 miles. When questioned how much longer until we would find lava, Chris answered defensively. He stated that we were traveling a longer distance because it was a less steep incline, which while true, he refused to tell us how much more distance this was was adding. He said we'd find lava "In another 15 to 20, no more than 25, minutes ". We found lava at 7:05: an hour after Chris' estimate and well after sunset. We stayed for about 20 minutes and then agreed we were exhausted and wanted to head back. We estimate we had already hiked 7 miles. We left the lava around 7:30. At about 9:40, around mile 10, I fell and (unknown to me at the time) broke my left fibula. I was in a tremendous amount of pain, but tried to put on a brave face and say "I hope it's only sprained". My husband asked Chris "Do you know first aid"? Chris, standing 15-20 feet away, in the dark, did not approach me or examine my foot in anyway and replied "Yeah, I know first aid, but she doesn't need it. If she was really hurt, she'd be having a bigger reaction". Fortunately, my husband had an ankle wrap and we tended my food as best as we could. I was unable to put weight on my ankle at all. I tried hobbling with my husband supporting me on my left side, but it was excruciating. Another member of our group, Hung (the father of the 10 year old) came to my assistance without being asked. With his and my husband's aid, I hobbled the last 3 miles. Chris never once called back to see how I was doing or offered any moral support or guidance. About 1 mile before reaching the road, I misstepped with my bad food into a fissure in the lava field. I cried out in pain and was stuck. I managed to slip my foot out of my shoe, and pried it out of the crack. Chris came back to check on us and said "Yeah, you really have to be careful where you put your feet". At this point, my husband lost it, raising his voice to Chris. "Great advice. 'Watch where we put our feet'. Got it. You have one job. Get us to the road!" Chris replied "Man, nobody has ever yelled at me before". We arrived back on the road at about 11:40 pm: 7 hours and 50 minutes after setting out. Fabienne came out to meet us, all smiles, asking if it had been awesome. When we informed her of my injury, her response was a simple "Oh bummer, but did you at least get there before sunset?" When we told her no, she said, "Oh man, I'm going to have to start these hikes earlier". That's it. No care or concern or even awareness that I had been injured two hours earlier. When we started the hike we had made a note that my husband's fit bit registered 8500 steps. When we finished, it read 42,332 for a total of nearly 34,000 steps. This hike is dangerous. There is no way to not make it so. I accepted that before I booked the trip. What I take enormous issue with is the lack of forthrightness about how long this hike could potentially be. I was leery of an 8 mile hike, but was up for it. If I had been told "But it could be over 10-12 miles" (let alone over 13 miles) I would not have done it. We signed no liability waivers. Chris, as a guide, offered no leadership skills. His defensiveness and lack of answers when questioned fostered no confidence. His complete disregard for my injury and unwillingness to perform first aid (let alone actually examine me) is negligent bordering on criminal. The injury occurred on April 6th. I returned to L.A. on April 9th and saw a doctor on April 10th who confirmed I had broken my tibula. I have had my leg in a cast for nearly 5 week, am facing another 3 in a walking boot, and will require physical therapy after that.

Our tour guide took us (family of four) at the last second on Thanksgiving day. The group was…read moreprobably 16ish, led by two guides. Our kids were younger, and she ended up staying with just the four of us all night. The lava is always changing, so there was concern (on our part) that we might walk away without seeing lava, but you can tell she wouldn't let us leave without seeing lava, so we kept trekking until we got to some good flows. Once we got there, we didn't feel rushed at all, and she helped us take tons of pictures. Long hike back, in the dark, but that's where the provided headlamps came in handy. Small operation that obviously focuses on the customer's experience...would highly recommend if you're looking to cross this off your bucket list.

Right around the corner from where I stayed. It's clothing optional. Some folks enjoyed…read moresummersaults and tree climbing in there nothingness. The waves can be quite strong. It's pretty, and popular.

Beautiful beach. Ocean is rough, no lifeguards. The hike…read moredown to the beach is difficult. So be careful. There are 2 separate ways to get to the beach. It's very quiet, black sand beach. There was less than 25% of those in the nude during our few hours on the beach, no one seem to flaunt about. Just carefree individuals.

We found this place on our way back from the "End of the Road" and really enjoyed our time. The…read moreview from the cliffs are truly amazing and I took some really great photos. The parking lot is indeed small, but a great place to sit for a minute, use the bathroom, or have a picnic lunch. Highly recommended.

We took the red road and stopped here for some amazing views of the ocean waves crashing into the…read morerocks and cliffs. Nature at its best! You can also walk along the coast for a bit. Bathrooms are available and free parking. Quite private and little to no people. Highly recommend this place.

A beautiful hike to such a peaceful reward at the end!…read more As an avid hiker, this hike was doable. It took us only about half an hour going down and up. When you arrive, parking for hikers is recommended not at the valley parking lot but on the side road leading to the parking lot as the valley parking lot is for those who are just visiting the lookout and not hiking. Once you walk towards the trail entrance, there are a couple of people waiting to assist hikers. They discuss the safety protocol and warnings when visiting. There is no time limit to how long you can be down there but because no swimming is allowed, i have found people stay only about half an hour before heading back up. We recommend wearing hiking shoes because the ascend is not easy and have seen people struggling.

Great short hike with excellent views as you descend. We tried this ~ 30 years ago and the trail…read morewas narrow and not well developed plus very muddy the day we originally tried it, so had to turn around. Now, the trail is nicely improved with some strategic rock "steps" though it is still slippery, even on a dry day. We saw a number of people doing it ( Very cautiously) in inappropriate shoes and that is not at all recommended. It is steep. The pond and beach at the bottom is nice for contemplation and wave watching.

DO NOT BOOK! I booked a tour online and showed up at 5am and no one was there!! They did not answer…read moremy calls, texts, or emails. So I was stuck at the park in the dark at 5am by myself and very upset to not see lava. Still awaiting my refund ...

News of the recent Kilauea volcanic activity on the island of Hawaii reminded me that I still…read morehadn't reviewed EpicLava, and my phenomenal experience with John and his wonderful team this past Christmas. The word epic may not even do justice to the ethereal experience of watching these rivers of liquid fire up close; the flowing lava is 2,400 degrees hot! The 5-mile hike over pahoehoe lava fields starts at 4AM, so that by the time the blazing sun is in the sky, you're well-nigh finished with much of the exposed hike. These folks have an unwavering focus on the safety of the group; they pace the hike according to the capabilities of all the individuals in the group. John's passion about this geological marvel is contagious. John and Jessica advise visitors to wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts, long socks, and sturdy, closed-toed shoes for the hike; they provide gloves (along with water and snacks) for the hike. This is because the sand particles covering the lava flow crust have the sharpness of broken glass, and can cause serious cuts if they come in contact with the human skin. By the time I had finished the hike, I had already planned my next trip with this team of lava explorers.

Perfect hike for relaxing vacation. Mostly flat and only up & down to get to the walk on the crater…read moreitself. 3.3 miles around the rim (include walking across the crater). Lots of great views around the crater from all angles. And it was fun to be in the crater itself. You have to follow a path of stacked rocks else you won't find the place to exit the crater. It's a very doable hike for beginners; unless it's hot. Then it might be more challenging. There are several parking areas, but I didn't know that, so ended up parking on the edge of a closed street and 'finding' my own trail to get to the main trail. haha.

This awesome 4 mile looped hike takes you to the bottom of a crater and provides beautiful views…read morewhile it takes you through changing scenery and varying temperatures. You can start this hike in a counter-clockwise direction at Kilauea Iki overlook, number 4 on your map. You'll find more available parking here during peak times. You can start your hike clockwise from Nahuku, number 3 on your map, which is also the same location as the Thurston Lava Tube. Due to the popularity of the Lava Tube, parking here can be difficult. The distance between the two parking lots is .5 miles. We started our hike at Nahuku around noon in December. This moderate level trail started with a chilly walk through a forest of ferns down stairs and over roots with muddy spots throughout. Once you reach the bottom, you can walk across the crater and over lava rocks. The weather at this point was windy. Once we reached the end of the crater and climbed our way back up to the trail, we took a break and had some lunch overlooking the crater. From this point. It was a 2 mile hike up to the top. The weather changed once again, and my jacket was no longer needed. Make sure you bring or wear the following: -Layered clothing to adapt to the varying temps -Hiking shoes with good traction -Hat -Water -Snacks or lunch -Sunscreen Restrooms are available at both starting points, but the overlook location are porta potties. I suggest using the restrooms at the lava tube. We left the location around 2pm and it was pretty crowded. Best to arrive by noon to avoid crowds. -

I lava you. This was…read morereally great to see real life lava. It has always been a life long dream of mine to urinate inside a volcano. Lol I can tell you this lava flow is miles away from the volcano it self and once you get with 10ft of the lava. The heat is so intense! I was able to watch the lava break and flow like a hot lava watefall. It just like watching National Geographic expect with 1000 degrees in heat right in your face! My pictures don't even begin to outline of details the acutally site, heat or awe of amazement. Right now it is a 4.2 mile hike out to the lava. I opted to rent a bike. The bikes are $10 an hour and pretty good bikes. Full suspension. But I can tell you this it is not an easy ride. The road is made of loose gravel. I was in the lowest gear 99% of the time. It took about 40min to paddle out there. I was going faster than most. As I was passing people so keep that in mind. I can regularly ride my bike 8.4 miles or more. But this ride is really tuff. I consumed 1.5liters of water on this ride. So bring lost of water and stop and chug it often. I did this trek at night hoping to see more glow and less flow. What I got was both and it was a spectacular show. If you look to the right off in the distance you can see what looks like two red eyes glowing. That is pele smiling at you as she oozes gifts of new land. YES! new land. You can actually watch the earth be made and how it's made. Totally worth the trip! Add this to your bucket list!

Excellent adventure to the lava flows at Kalapana! This couple respects the land and culture and…read moreis knowledgeable on both as well. They guided us carefully through the Kalapana lava flows, seeking out the most comfortable path available through the lava yet doing so as not to tread on anything fragile or dangerous. Hank was supremely prepared - binoculars, snacks (fruit, nuts, energy bars), flashlights, medical and boot repair equipment, etc. and spares of everything. As a former hiking guide myself, I can tell you that Hank and Malia are doing this absolutely right! For anyone looking to hike to the active lava flow from Kilauea, we highly recommend this terrific couple!

Our 4:30am lava hike was one of the highlights of our trip to the Big Island. We met up at their…read moreoffice close to the Kalapana Gardens at 4am, checked in, signed some papers and got snacks and coffee (included in the tour). It is recommended that you wear long pants (but some did it in shorts) and requires that you have shoes that cover your toes (no water shoes or sandals). I did it in work out legging and sneakers and my boyfriend did it in jeans and hiking boots. We were both fine and neither of our shoes melted though at one point, his feet got really hot bc I made him stand by the lava for so long for a picture. Bring a good amount of water or your camelback and a hoodie bc it was cold in the morning. They provide you with good headlamps and flashlights since you are hiking in the dark. We were in a group of 12 or so and we loaded up in their nice van and drove out to start our hike. They take you as far as you can go on the road (where people would be otherwise renting bikes or walking) so it saves you some walking. From there, it's just up the lava you go. It was nice that the tour guide told us to take a look at the lava rocks and the texture which was glass like. Basically a warning to tell you don't slip and fall bc this stuff might hurt you. As we walked, it sounded like glass shards breaking under us and we walked towards orange glows up the mountain. Eventually we made it while it was still dark and it was crazy you could feel the heat as you got close to the lava. We spent an hour or so taking pictures of and with the lava and relocating to a few other areas with lava as it eventually got light. We hiked back down the same way and ended around 8:30am. Highly recommend this company as they do a good job making everyone feel safe and we completed the hike at a nice pace. They do not allow kids under 12 and it's probably not recommended for anyone over 50. There are parts where you might have to hop down or take a big step up or down and keep your balance. Our group did a good job and most were in their 20's and 30's and maybe one brave solo hiker in her 40's. Super worth it to wake up early and experience this in Hawaii!

The best thing I've done in Hawaii! We went out on their second day with the new (bigger) boat,…read morewhich provides a pretty smooth ride. We did the sunrise tour, which I would highly recommend. You get to the flow while it's still dark and can watch the sunrise out of the ocean which is another awesome aspect. Parts of the flow were breaking away while we were out there causing new patterns of flowing lava, it's just ever changing the entire time you're watching. A bonus was while on the way back, we came upon a pod of bottle nose dolphins and they swam along with us for awhile. No sooner we left those to continue to the dock, we came up on a pod of spinner dolphins. We absolutely recommend this and it is worth every single penny. Looking forward to doing this again next time we're on the island