Aloha Folks! We had cancelled our tours yesterday because of the winds, but we did a boat tour that was awesome. The ocean was fairly nice and the ride was smooth. On the way down to the ocean entry we saw many of the landmarks from a different angle which was beautiful. As we came up to the flow we had noticed that a large section of the lava bench had collapsed during the time that we hadn’t gone out. This is what we have been warning about because these bench collapses can happen without warning. The first ocean entry was steamy and we could see the lava pouring into the ocean every once in a while, but the second ocean entry was not as steamy and the lava could be seen much easier. This flow was amazing! We also saw a few surface flows that were flowing down the cliff near the first ocean entry. After viewing the lava, we headed back to the boat harbor and could see the moon making it’s way higher into the sky. What a beautiful night!

Aloha gang! Sorry for the inconvenience. We have been canceling our tours because of unstable weather North of our islands. This type of disturbance has caused our normal trades to stop and our southerly winds to play a big factor in our tours this week. These winds have made touring out to the flow a  health hazard. The gases from the ocean entry can restrict breathing abilities and also cause death if inhaled. These gases consist of hydrochloric acid and volcanic glass. Not something that you want to be breathing in.  We are terribly sorry for the inconvenience this may be causing, but safety is our top priority. Hopefully the winds will switch to be safe enough for us to resume our tours. Until next time , Aloha!

Here are some random photos for you to see….Aloha!

Aloha! Inflation at the summit of Kilauea has made lava activity high on the coastal plains and also at the ocean entry area. Surface flows were active and  easily and safely approachable. Nice Pahoehoe flows and also little rivers of Lava were seen on the tour last night. Our tours were treated to a beautiful lavafall at the ocean entry. Lava spewed over the edge of a cliff and continued to flow on to the lava bench. Awesome ocean entry also. There were multiple ocean entries but the most eastern ocean entry was the most active one. All of our guests were extremely happy. Activity will still be high today because of continued inflation at the summit of Kilauea and Pu’u O’o crater. Come and join our tour today. Mahalo!

Aloha Viewers! We had an awesome time on tour. The ocean entry could be seen very clearly and as night fell the colors were glorious. The activity also began to pick up while at the ocean entry as we would see multiple littoral explosions. The surface flow was just as amazing as we were able to see multiple breakouts and feel the heat on our face as we safely got up close to them. Up on the Pali, the surface flow that is on the hill has advanced in the past few weeks and is making it’s way to the base of the hill. We are keeping an eye on this flow because it is angling slightly to the east. Another beautiful night, Aloha!

Aloha folks! Lava continued to be active just above the ocean entry with multiple surfaces flows on the coastal plains and near the ocean entry. A nice river of Lava flowed on the surface and continued to flow over the cliffs on the  lava delta next to the ocean’s edge. This incredible lava activity was amazing and spectacular To see. Our tours could get right up to these flows safely. The ocean entry continued to be active in 3 different entry point. The most eastern point was the most active one and the most easiest to view. Nice rivers off lava entered the ocean. Just an amazing night it was. Mahalo for tuning in to our daily blog and stay tune for more. Also you can check us out on Facebook at Kalapana-Cultural Tours on our friend page and also on our buisness page at Kalapana(Guided) Lava Hikes. Mahalo!

Aloha! We had a great time at the flows and our groups were able to see lava flowing into the ocean as well as safely get up close to surface flowing lava. The ocean entry was awesome and we could see that the lava bench has grown. There could be a bench collapse soon as the lava bench is continuing to grow in size. This bench collapse would happen without warning, so no one should be on the bench area. We were able to view this ocean entry from a safe vantage point along the old sea-cliff. As for the surface flows, they were amazing! We got within 10 ft from the flowing lava and witnessed multiple breakouts that were spectacular. Just being able to feel the heat of lava that has traveled far from it’s source, but is still so hot and molten is something that can’t be put into words. You have to be there to experience it for yourself as nature makes you feel small, amazed, and among other things leaves you in total awe. Well, until next time, Aloha and A Hui Hou!

Aloha Gang! Our night was great being that we were able to safely get up close to surface flows and view the ocean entry from a safe vantage point. The surface flows were approximately 400 yards from the ocean towards the Pali and was moving really well and advancing. While we were there we witnessed multiple breakouts, which were awesome. The surface flow on the Pali has advanced and could be seen once night fell. The surface flow that broke out last week near the base of the Pali has made it’s way onto the coastal plains, but has stalled a little. Overall lava activity is good. Aloha!

Another amazing night! Aloha Folks. We had an awesome guided lava hike being that the activity was great. Both the surface flows and ocean entry were fantastic. We found surface flows about 400 yards above the short lived ocean entry point of last week. There were multiple breakouts that we were able to safely get up close to. While we were there, we saw the changes that occurred as new lava covered older flows. Experiencing the heat that emanates off of the new lava was something that our guests had never experienced, but gained a newfound respect for Pele and what the forces of nature can do. An amazing experience. As for the ocean entry, we viewed this phenomenon from a safe vantage point and were able to see an occasional littoral explosion. All in all, it was a beautiful night. Aloha!

Aloha Folks! Tonight we had awesome activity. The surface flows broke out while we were there and we got close to them, while being safe. The heat was amazing and could be felt from 15 feet away. The ocean entry was just as active and could be seen from a safe vantage point as well. Lava is still entering the ocean, but there seems to be a tiny deflation, which can be credited to the breakout near the base of the Pali. This breakout happened two nights ago and the glow could be seen from the Kalapana Lava Viewing area. We could really see it from our tour area on Friday and it was amazing. A stream of lava coming down the Pali. This surface flow has since advanced onto the coastal plains. Higher on the Pali, the surface flow that broke out two weeks ago has also advanced, but is not rushing down the hill. Another successful guided lava hike. Lucky we live Hawaii, Aloha!

Aloha! Lots of lava activity at the ocean entry and surface flows. Multiple breakouts were visible and we were able to safely get close to them. The surface flows were changing in the time that we spent there and had changed drastically before we left. The ocean entry is very active and has created new black sand beaches. These new black sand beaches are usually next to the Lava Benches/Deltas, which could collapse at any time without warning, making it an unsafe area to be at. The new black sand beach also has a lot of Pele’s hair, which is lava that has been stretched into a hair like form, but it is glass of course and not to be played with.

This flow, which is being called the peace day flow, has been flowing since late November and has stopped twice for a short period of time. Since the flow stopped last in December, the lava has been flowing non-stop till today. Currently, the lava  activity is great. Till next time, Aloha!