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 The
road continues in the coastal area on the gently-sloping south
flank of the volcano. The rocks here are 500-750 year old. Vegetation
is sparse due too low rainfall. At the end of the road is the
lava viewing area and the youngest rocks in the park where the
road becomes completely covered by recent 2003 lava flows. A
one-mile-long trail leads from Chain of Craters Road to Puu
Loa (Long Hill). Puu Loa is know for the numerous petroglyphs
carved into the rocks.
 Chain
of Craters Road runs parallel to the coast for many miles. The
lava flows in this area are 500-750 years old and erupted from
Kane Nui O Hamo, a shield-shaped vent on the upper East Rift
Zone of Kilauea. The eruption from Kane Nui O Hamo covered a
large area on the south flank of the volcano. If the eruption
rate was similar to that measured today, Kane Nui O Hamo would
have needed to erupt several decades to cover such a large area.
Some volcanologists have suggested the current eruption of Kilauea
may continue for decades to come. Holei Pali is in the distance.
There are numerous pulloffs that offer views along the coast.
One of the most popular is Holei sea arch (in this photo). This
natural arch is the result of wave erosion.
 Most
days, visitors are allowed to walk to the end of the road. Cars
must be parked on the mauka (up slope) side of the road facing
out. The walk on the road is typically one-half to one mile
(1-1.5 km) each way.
At times, if lava viewing conditions
are favorable, a trail leads out from the end of the road and
visitors can view the lava up close. The trail can be up to
one mile (1.5 km) each way and is across fresh, glassy lava.
Closed shoes are required. It is recommended that the elderly
and families with small children not hike out on the flows.
 At
times, if viewing conditions are favorable, visitors can look
along the old sea cliff and watch new land being added to the
island.
Be prepared for the conditions
at the end of the road. Wear a hat, put on some sunscreen, and
take some water. You will be more comfortable and have a safer
visit.
Lava viewing conditions vary
greatly from day to day. Geologic conditions can make lava safely
accessible near the end of the road for periods lasting many
months. Alternatively, these same geologic conditions can establish
a tube system and lava entry many miles from the end of the
road, to far to be safely visited. Ask the rangers for the latest
information when you arrive.
That sums up our chain of Craters
Tour... we hope you enjoyed it. Be sure if you haven't
already to check out the
Crater Rim Drive,
another featured spot we know you'll love.
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