devastation trail lava viewing

For the first time in nearly 40 years, Mauna Loa and Klauea are erupting side by side. Steam vents are always cool to see in the daytime. I believe this entire trail is Devastation Trail, not just the first .5 miles. It's fine to go after sunset.. it's crowded but possible and worth it. Box 52 Best viewed in darkness. Another option would be to go really early in the morning since it is less crowded then. You can park directly at the end of the trail (Pu'u overlook) for a nice view point so it's not necessary to do this hike. This short paved trail travels for about a half mile over cinders from the violent 1959 eruption ofKlauea Iki. There have been car accidents on Saddle Road due to the influx of traffic and distractions. You will come to another stop sign at the intersection of Chain of Craters Road and (as of this writing) the road ahead of you is closed. Kayak rentals, tours, and sales, Deep Blue Eco Tours offers Private Luxury Sunset Cruises, Whale Watching, Shark. Fountains visible from this overlook. The trail begins at either the Pu'u Pua'i . Big Island - Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Driving Tour, Private Guide: Meet In Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Big Island Adventure Bundle: 5 Epic Audio Driving Tours, Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Big Island, Big Island in a Day: Volcanoes, Waterfalls, Sightseeing, History, 3 Hour Fat Tire E-Bike Tour - Volcanos National Park, Night Manta Ray Adventure on the Big Island, Hawaii, Volcano Unveiled Tour in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hilo Shore Excursion: Volcanoes National Park, Rainbow Falls and Highlights, Deluxe Sail & Snorkel to the Captain Cook Monument, Mauna Kea Summit Sunset and Stars Free Astro Photos Hilo Kona Waikoloa Pick Up. This trail is a bit confusing, probably due to the recent devastation. Residents from neighboring Hawaiian Islands and out-of-state visitors have been flocking to the Big Island for a chance to see this historic eruptiona once-in-a-lifetime moment for some. In previous trips I've been to the "viewpoints" but couldn't actually see anything other than orange colored steam clouds. View:A sliver of the lake surface is occasionally visible on the east portion of the lava lake. 98% of travellers recommend this experience. To avoid the crowds at nighttime viewing, consider arriving after 8pm or very early in the morning like 4 5am. If youre waiting for crowds to dissipate, much further away, the nighttime view from the steam vents (Kiluea lookout), is empty. Hotel and restaurant guests enjoy spectacular views, but there is also a public outlook outside the hotel along Crater Rim Trail. Tickets For Less was created as a one stop resource, Jessica S. said: A friend wanted to come here for her birthday celebration in, Call to schedule a rental or activity 808-328-1234. Some links are affiliate links and Klarna may earn a commission. https://www.nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/eruption-viewing.htm, See post #2 here: https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g29217-i268-k13992459-Easy_walks_in_VNP_recovering_from_ankle_sprain-Island_of_Hawaii_Hawaii.html. Headquarters: Stockholm, Sweden. If you want to see an active eruption, the nearby Devastation Trail takes visitors past the Halema'uma'u Crater, which began erupting on January 5. These are the only toilet facilities in the area. U . With the right weather conditions, both Kilauea and Mauna Loa can be seen together.Photo: Grace Maeda. HI Its a hazard to everyone but especially young children and those with respiratory diseases. So there is a hike from the Devastation Trail parking lot? With clear weather conditions, the glow of Mauna Loa can also be seen, providing a sweeping view of the two erupting volcanoes. The last 300 yards of the trail is over an uneven surface of loose rock. The main lava lake is obscured by the cone, but depending on lava conditions you might get to see some other hot spots in the caldera as well as the glow in the sky. Devastation Trail Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park Round Trip Mileage: 1 mile Elevation Gain: 50' This short paved trail travels for about a half mile over cinders from the violent 1959 eruption ofKlauea Iki. Bring binoculars so you can see it spurting You can also view the orange glow from the Kileaua overlook on the other side. They showed on the news last night it looks pretty impressive, but you know it can change at any time. Before and during your trip to the Big Island, its critical to stay up to date with the latest information on the Mauna Loa eruption. Amenities:Parking (125 stalls total), Wheel Chair Manageable and Easily Accessible, Picnic, Information and Restrooms at Visitor Center. Ill have to give morning more consideration. I, f the parking lots are full, visit another area or try again later. Other popular Hawaii activities are Hawaii helicopter tours where you can get a bird's eye view from above. You can see the lava moving a bit during the day but at night it is spectacular. Wealth of info you already paid for as well as maps of park and summit area. Volcano eruptions can cause vog, a form of air pollution that results when sulfur dioxide and other gases from an active volcano react with sunlight, oxygen, moisture and dust. [3], Sixteen explosive episodes were recorded during the eruption. All told, it's a journey of 7 miles. Walking distance:From Klauea Visitor Center cross Crater Rim Drive and walk south on Crater Rim Trail. Don't go in slippers and bring a light. Not much shade so make sure you have a hat and bring water even though it is short. Yeah I checked the lava conditions site, but that doesnt really talk about anything but standard viewpoints. One mile hike out to see lava- this was a once in a lifetime opportunity for us and we are glad we took it! Up to 50% off. This is much better than going to the Kilauea site near the steam vents. Crowds of spectators come to see the glow of lava, which is best seen when the sun is down. It is prohibited to hike Puu Puai. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. If so, how and when? As of this writing, the eruption is ongoing and is seemingly increasing in intensity. Personally I'd stick with the standard viewpoints. For easier access and a much shorter walk (with the tradeoff being not the best view) consider the Klauea Overlook. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. If you want to get closer that this viewing area, you need to take boat ride. Forest fires were also noted. There are many locations and lookouts where you can observe the eruption (and see the lava lake if you are lucky) but I am going to show you how to get to the best and the closest viewpoint of the Halemaumau crater. Hawaii County has currently set aside spots to safely view the eruption along Daniel K. Inouye State Highway. We want to see the lava at night and want to know the best way to navigate this, not with a tour. Go past the Visitors Center and continue for about two miles and turn left at the Klauea Overlook sign. Both eruptions are spectacular sights to see. We went in early January and it was spectacular, but I understand that several days later there was nothing to see. Trailhead: Find the entrance to Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park a few miles to the west of the town of Volcano Village. Hike: From the Devastation Trail parking area, walk to the north side of the lot and find the Devastation Trail. The best place to see the lava is from the Keanakako'i Overlook site which you access by parking at the Devastation Trail parking lot and walking on a road (Old Crater Rim Drive) that has been closed off. There is a parking lot, and the trail is wheelchair and stroller accessible.This trail is an easy half-mile walk each way. If youre starting to feel sick and you believe its due to vog, the best course of action is to travel away from the volcano. Ill keep my fingers crossed though . Few nene Nikki Vas January 21, 2023 Walking Easy walk. Bekijk de beste plekken om te bezoeken in de regio en plan je volgende avontuur vandaag nog. You could always leave Kona at 2am and still see the lava before sunrise. It is about a mile hike in the pitch black so good to bring a light. Photo/J.Wei Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. Throughout the night, eager spectators and photographers pull their cars on the side of the road to witness Mauna Loas breathtaking glow. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. (Arrived a little late yesterday so tried again today.) Oh good luck! Easy viewing & parking, but an early wake up? Organization number: 556737-0431, Private Guide: Meet In Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Big Island Adventure Bundle: 5 Epic Audio Driving Tours, Big Island - Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Driving Tour, Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Big Island, 15 days in Southern California & Island of Hawaii, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park itinerary maker website, https://www.nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/hike_day_devastation.htm, Popular things to do in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Trips in Devastation Trail by other users, FAQ for Attractions & Businesses Listed on Klarna Trips. On Nov. 30,there was only about 3 miles between the leading lava flow and the essential roadway, the fastest route connecting the east and west sides of the island. Where to park:Devastation Trailparking area (limited parking) Nice easy and scenic hike to see a different view of volcano. Uwekahuna the worst. Instead, go early in the morning before sunrise. Im flying into the Big Island on Friday and plan on doing HVNP on Sunday. [1], By nightfall, the earthquakes stopped, and the eruption began. Kristen B. said: This place is awesome and in my opinion better than the other surf, Kelly M. said: My husband and I heard great reviews from a friend about this place., Tourism and excursions on Hawaii. The paved trail allows visitors to explore the site of 1959 eruption of Klauea Iki crater. Also, if you go through Hilo on your drive, you can swing by Kaumana caves if you're really missing the lava tube experience. We stayed in Hilo for the first part of our trip. [1], The eruption produced both Pele's hair, the geological term for threads or fibers of volcanic glass, formed when small particles of molten material are thrown into the air and spun out by the wind into long hair-like strands, and Pele's tears, produced when airborne particles of lava cool and harden in the shape of teardrops of volcanic glass. See Keanakkoi Crater and The Byron Ledge Trail. The U.S. Geological Survey is closely monitoring the distance between lava and Saddle Road. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. What time is best to get there? Expect traffic delays and full parking lots between the hours of 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. due to heavy visitation. Bring: Water, hat, sun protection & raingear. Much to our disappointment, Thurston Lava Tubes was definitely closed. One of the parks most popular viewing locations is the overlook near Keanakkoi Crater. Ok! Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Devastation Point is the best viewing. Thanks for sharing, this is really helpful! more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Will make sure to check it out. Geologists estimated that 130 cubic yards (100 cubic meters) of lava was erupting per second from the vent at this stage. Before and during your trip to the Big Island, its critical to stay up to date with the latest information on the Mauna Loa eruption. 96718, Download the official NPS app before your next visit, Witnessing the crust of an active lava lake being dragged into seething fountains is unforgettable. New 4.5 mile one way lava viewing road opens opposite Kahele recreation . Then my favorite thing to do is drive down Chain of Craters Road to the cliffs and watch the sun come up. Otherwise, youll be walking away from the eruption. However, no parking is allowed between mile marker 16 and 31. Lava flow is also increasing in volume. I also prefer Hilo due to its rustic beauty, lush rainforests, and gorgeous waterfalls. These are commonly created in Phoehoe lava flows, and can be seen along Devastation Trail. Witness life returning to this once devastated area", according to nps.gov. The end of the trail has a viewpoint over Pu'upua'i cinder cone, where you can also see the lava flow at night. We tied this hike in with the crater and really enjoyed it. When we first arrived there, it was only my boyfriend, myself and another person. Eruption distance:1 mile. On weekends, the line could be long, but it is worth the wait. This is best visible at nightwhich means it will be dark and cold. The Park Ranger informed us at the beginning of the month if you want to be able to park at the lot close to the viwing vs. the Overflow lot (which nearly doubles your walking distance in the dark), go after 9 pm. Devastation Trail See all things to do Devastation Trail 4 248 #10 of 26 things to do in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Nature & Wildlife Areas Scenic Drives Visit website Call Write a review About Once a forest, this area is has been completely devastated by the volcanic eruption of 1959. What are the best resources to state up to date, With any volcano eruption, there are hazards including an increasein air pollution as well as road closures. If you dont mind spending over $300 400 a night, the view could be just outside your hotel room at the Volcano House. Good thing is that this trail is wheelchair and stroller accessible. Happy to hike a significant distance if it will allow me to see it. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is also a great resource to learn more about the timeline of seismic activity at Mauna Loa and where to see eruptions inside the park. Eruption distance:0.5 mile. Trail is paved so easy and relaxing hike, DEVASTATION TRAIL (Hawaii Volcanoes National Park) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go. It was out of this World! Mokaweoweo within hours and produced a lava lake that overflowed on its southwest end. [2] Got back from Volcano NP two hours ago. You'll hike through some vegetation and through some.desert looking area for about .5 miles. Walking distance: 2 miles round-trip over mostly paved terrain if parked at Devastation Trail. The people are so resilient and manage their expectations of home/island life. On the plus side, if you take HI-11 you will be traveling along the coast and your drive is scenic most of the way. Press J to jump to the feed. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-112765297', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Big Island the first week of March and interested in seeing flowing/live lava. The Devastation Trail is one of these volcano-related sights that you can get to from Crater Rim Drive. The drive is easy from Hilo. I highly suggest staying the night in Volcano and heading into the park about two hours before sunrise. While an eruption is an exciting experience, keep in mind you are observing a sacred event. It is one mile each way walking on a paved road that is closed. The lava tube is not closed. You will quickly see the Visitors Center on your right. Is this possible with current conditions? I suppose we could consider morning, but my boyfriend is not much of an early riser on vacation haha. You will walk down the paved road for a mile and there will be signs to direct you to an unpaved, rough, and rocky path on which youll travel for about a quarter of a mile. Is a mile hike out to see the lava and a mile back. As of this writing, the eruption is ongoing and is seemingly increasing in intensity. I was hoping to do Thurston Lava Tube but apparently its closed right now. Once a forest, this area is has been completely devastated by the volcanic eruption of 1959. After entering through the main entrance continue straight ahead on Crater Rim Drive. If you park in the overflow parking (Pu'upua'i lot) for lava viewing you can walk through a trail with a barren desert-like volcanic landscape with some forest areas - Devastation Trail (be prepared - it gets pretty dark at night if no one else is around). Edit: I've been corrected, the lava tube is closed. 91% of travellers recommend this experience. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. If you plan to be there at night, consider bringing a sweater or even warmer clothing. Rain racket and rain pants might also be helpful as a outer layer and in case it rains or you are walking in a dripping jungle/forest after it rains. The views along the route are of lava fields and ones you reach the end you will have to walk over the lava fields made of lava rock for 5 min to reach the lava viewing area. Please note the subreddit rules before posting. Most photos you see are taken with big zoom lenses. Devastation Trail is an easy, paved walk that crosses over the cinder outfall of Kilauea Iki's 1959 volcanic eruption. P.O. You can hear the volcano. Nature tours take hiking tours to see the many volcano attractions such as the Thurston Lava Tube, Pu'u Loa Petroglyphs, Devastation Trail, and the Hilina Pali Lookout. The last 300 yards of this trail is over loose rocky cinders and an uneven surface. Maybe a 15 minute walk, tops. Since the timing of the activities is completely unpredictable, you go there when it is erupting. Ranger-led walks are offered free of charge on a regular basis. Most major airlines have nonstop flights connecting the mainland with Kona. Moreover, your battery will be drained very quickly. 100% of travellers recommend this experience. . The park is about 40 minutes from Hilo and about 50 from Kona. The website says the one near Devastation Trail is the most popular, so would that be a good spot? Drone video shows an aerial view of Champlain Towers South, a once L-shaped building, which lost its entire northeast-facing corridor nearly half the building in seconds around 1:30 a.m . Currently the best viewing point is the one mile hike from Devastation Trail parking lot. Hike is about 20 minutes one way on mostly flat road. (The park is open 24 hours a day every day.). Many are heading to Daniel K. Inouye State Highway, commonly referred to as Saddle Road, to see rivers of lava flowing down Mauna Loa. There are a few overlook points and some placards that explain what you're looking at. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Malaysia. Copyright 2020, BigIslandHikes.com. With any volcano eruption, there are hazards including an increasein air pollution as well as road closures. The area was blanketed in cinders from the 1,900-foot tall lava fountains during the 1959 eruption of Klauea Iki. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Get the latest update on volcanic activity. When the lava cooled down and solidified, all that was left of the trees were hollow cylinders known as tree molds. For viewing the lava flow from Mauna Loa, Daniel K. Inouye Highway has become a popular destination. With clear weather conditions, the glow of Mauna Loa can also be seen, providing a sweeping view of the two erupting volcanoes. Any other suggestions? Be prepared and informed so your visit is safe and enjoyable. The last 300 yards of this trail is over loose rocky cinders and an uneven surface. Bring binoculars so you can see it spurting You can also view the orange glow from the Kileaua overlook on the other side. Klauea and Mauna Loa from the same lookoutswith the right weather conditions. You can see areas where the pavement is busted up. There is no debate that you get a much better view in the dark and you can see the orange glow of the lava but there is no guarantee that a daytime eruption will last into the night. Devastation Trail. This is a significant time and sacred event in Hawaiian culture as many Native Hawaiians are paying respect and honoring the volcano deity. Or should we avoid it because itll be too crowded? [4], During the 1959 eruption, southwest winds blew fragments of molten lava to the forest. For weeks, the largest active volcano on the planet has been rumbling, sparking a series of mini earthquakes. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Not a long trail but you get the idea what devestation is. On Nov. 29, fountains from fissure 3 reached up to 82 feet and were feeding the main lava flow to the northeast.Photo: USGS/M. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. At the same time, the summit area of the park was dramatically changed by tens of thousands of earthquakes, towering ash plumes, and a massive collapse of Klauea caldera. Not only does the restaurant offer stunning views, but the food is also delicious and full of local flavors. Hawaii National Park Patrick. But if you drive over in the morning or head back after sunset (your original plan) remember that it's dark AF on those roads so take extreme caution. Walking along the trail you get a feeling of the far reaching impact of the lava flow. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Even when erupting for week or months, the activities could pause for days or hours without notice, and restart anytime, again, without notice. The fissure eruption produced fountains of lava which cascaded to the floor of the crater some 100 m below the erupting fissure. Then on Nov. 27, at around 11:30 p.m. a fissure opened on the floor of the summit caldera. Then you'll come to another parking lot and you'll continue for another mile on a paved path that used to be a road. [3][4], Pele's hair and Pele's tears can be seen in their natural environment, well preserved among the cinders. At night. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. 1000 feetto the west of Klauea Overlookover mostly paved terrain with some elevation gain. All rights reserved. Lava or a night glow may not be visible at this time. These phenomena are named after Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of volcanoes. We did the morning viewing of the lava yesterday and today. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. You may have just made it in time then, I think as of Aug 1st, the lava tube is closed indefinitely because of cracks shifting. May 5, 2022 This is a comprehensive guide to viewing the presently active volcano eruption and lava flow of Kilauea, located in the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. But according to geologists, the lava is moving at a speed of400 feet per hour, and its expected to slow down even more as it moves to much flatter terrain. It is the easiest to get to and also involve the least amount of walking. What restaurants are near Devastation Trail? How far is the hike, etc. It does not store any personal data. By the next morning on Nov. 28, the eruption moved to the upper northeast rift zone. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Youre putting yourself in danger and possibly others. There are four active volcanoes on the Big Island of Hawaii Kilauea (which we will be visiting), Mauna Loa (largest active volcano in the World), Hualalai, and Kamaehuakanaloa (under water). Maybe this park needed some narration or explanation but there wasn't much to see here and not really worth doing from point of view. Sunset viewing is very crowded and, as far as I know, you're not really allowed to stake out a spot and wait. Alternatively, you may use, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Hotels and Places to Stay, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Travel Forum, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Vacation Rentals, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Vacation Packages, Flights to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Restaurants, Things to Do in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Travel Guide, https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g29217-i268-k13992459-Easy_walks_in_VNP_recovering_from_ankle_sprain-Island_of_Hawaii_Hawaii.html. Face masks such as KN95swhich many people are now familiar withhelp reduce inhaling of these particulates. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. View:Lava is visible as surface plates from the active lake surface are dragged back into the lava lake. Follow Crater Rim drive until it intersects Chain of Craters Road. Unfortunately when we went, it was raining and little foggy, so didn't get good lava views Lauren e January 20, 2023 Hiking The trail was fine, an easy walk along a now-closed road. more information on current conditions deep connections between Native Hawaiian culture and this landscape. You can also find interesting lava features like spatter effects, and Peles tears and hair (small glasslike lava and threadlike lava). Face masks such as KN95swhich many people are now familiar withhelp reduce inhaling of these particulates. Crews continue to conduct search and rescue operations in affected areas. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. One of the most often asked questions is when is the best time to see the volcanos? During the day, at night, or early in the morning before sunrise? 1959 eruption of Klauea Iki [ edit] Devastation Trail in 1973 Our rough itinerary is to drive from Kona in the morning, grab lunch in Volcano Village, stop by the visitor center, do the Crater Rim Drive and stop at overlooks along the way. Cinder cones form from hot cinders that "weld themselves together into a spatter cone". It's best viewed in the evening or early. Thanks, well definitely be stopping by the visitors center! Klauea, whats considered the current home of the Hawaiian goddess Pele, has been erupting since September 2021. I was there in June. If you visit VNP this is a must do- even better at night! In Hawai, i Volcanoes National Park, you can head to the. Kalapana Lava Viewing Trail. It is good enough for you to find something under a car seat but the light is not strong enough and it does not project far enough. Trailhead: Park at the Devastation Trailhead parking lot. Of wandelen of fietsen je ding is, Volcano Golf Course is een regio waar 18 verborgen pareltjes op je staan te wachten. I was there last week too & found this to be best combo of accessibility (no waiting for parking, no long hike) & visibility. Devastation Trail is an easy, 0.5 mile, out and back paved trail (one mile total) that is wheelchair and stroller accessible. Devastation Trail, 1973 Coordinates: 19.4064602N 155.2550908W Devastation Trail is a trail in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Outdoor Adventures (35) Zipline Adventures (3) ATV & Off-Road Tours (3) Horseback Riding Tours (6) . If youre starting to feel sick and you believe its due to vog, the best course of action is to travel away from the volcano. Amenities:Limited Parking (58 stalls total), Restroom at Trailhead, Information Available. Erupting pumice started building a new cinder cone that was later named " Puu Puai", (gushing hill). Guide to Volcano Eruption and Lava Viewing in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Hilo, Review: United First Class to Hawaii LAX ITO 737-900, 22 Best Moderately Priced Cultural and Iconic Places to Eat in London, 16 Best Iconic and Cultural Places to Eat in Athens, Greece, 18 Iconic, Cultural, and International Places to Eat in Singapore, 22 Best Cultural and Iconic Places to Eat in Chicago, 22 Best Iconic and Cultural Places to Eat in New York, Review: ANA Lounge Tokyo Narita Airport NRT Satellite 2. No questions have been asked about this experience. However, do not enter Devastation trail. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. If youre short, like me, that could defeat the whole purpose. The park is super congested between the hours of 6 8pm and parking is close to impossible. Visiting (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 44 Hawaiian and Pidgin Phrases Every Visitor Needs to Know, 20 Thoughts Every Hiker has had on the Trail Up Koko Head Crater, Shop These 5 Sophisticated Aloha Shirt Brands, The Enduring Nostalgia of Hawaii's Historic Drive-In Restaurants. Klaueas, lava lake is visible from overlooks along Crater Rim Drive. When the eruption ended on December 20, 1959 the area was devastated. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 46 min to complete. With another eruption, more neighbor island and out-of-state visitors are traveling to the Big Island. The easy and fully accessible mile-long (round-trip) Devastation Trail is a fascinating amble in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. This viewing spot is far away from the actual action but is still a great lava viewing site. The 2-mile loop winds through lava fields and old-growth forest to a view of upper and lower Proxy Falls. The Hawaii County Civil Defense provides alerts to both residents and travelers. [4] Other cinders that fell farther from the eruption site had time to cool down and created a cinder blanket. It can pose risks to the health of humans and the environment. erickson retirement communities lawsuit,