Emergency Road Opens to Lava Viewing Today

June 30, 2016, 9:59 AM HST
* Updated July 1, 7:30 AM

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June 27 lava flow. Paradise Helicopters photo.

Hawai‘i County is opening the emergency road for lava viewing beginning today.

The active lava flow from Puʻu ʻŌʻō is making its way over the Pulama Pali along the western boundary of the former Royal Gardens Subdivision.

The lava flow does not pose a threat to any community.

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To maintain public safety and to preserve the emergency road or Highway 130, the County of Hawai‘i will open the emergency road to lava viewing on June 30, 2016.

Lava viewing along the three-mile stretch of the county’s portion of the emergency road is permitted between 3 and 9 p.m. daily.

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Vehicular traffic on the emergency road will be limited to local residents and emergency vehicles.

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Security guards will be posted on the emergency road or Highway 130 before the entrance to Kalapana Gardens to provide lava viewing information and to direct parking.

As in previous lava viewing events, visitors will be asked to park in marked areas near the end of the paved portion of Highway 130—approximately three miles from this parking area to the end of the county portion of the emergency road.

Vehicular traffic on the emergency road will be limited to local residents and emergency vehicles.

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Visitors are reminded that the emergency road is a gravel road that traverses over older lava flows and ends at the National Park Service boundary.

Visitors are also reminded to prepare for the trek with proper footwear, sun screen, warm clothing and water.

The county has established lava flow viewing areas along Highway 130 as far back as 2001 and most recently in Pāhoa in 2014.

Hawai‘i County’s goal is to maintain public safety, protect the interests of Kalapana residents and the protection of the emergency road or Highway 130.