Thousands flock to Hawaii Island to view Kilauea eruption. What travelers can expect.

Kathleen Wong, USA TODAY
Updated ·3 min read

Thousands are already flocking to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to witness the stunning Kilauea volcano eruption, which started early Wednesday morning.

Over 10,000 visited the park on Wednesday day and night, according to Jessica Ferracane, spokesperson for Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

That’s three times typical visitor numbers.

Bystanders can watch fountains of red lava flow out from Halemaʻumaʻu Crater, which for many Hawaiians, is considered sacred.

“Every eruption is unique,” said Ferracane in an email. “This one has filled Halemaʻumaʻu Crater floor with an additional 20 feet of lava, there are more fountains than the one that last from January 6 to March 7 of this year, and currently there is a fissure on the southwest crater wall that looks like a waterfall of lava flowing into the lava lake.”

The U.S. Geological Survey said the eruption started at around 4:44 a.m.m Wednesday local time, and changed the volcano alert level from “warning” to “watch.” The volcano is often regarded as one of the world’s most active volcanoes, last erupting this past January until March.

Visitors line the side of an overlook to view the Kilauea eruption in Hawaii on Wednesday, June 7, 2023. Hawaii tourism officials are urging tourists to be respectful when flocking to a national park on the Big Island to get a glimpse of the latest eruption of Kilauea. It's one of the world's most active volcanoes and began erupting after a three-month pause. (Kelsey Walling/Hawaii Tribune-Herald via AP) ORG XMIT: HIHIO401

Here’s what travelers should expect if they want to see the Kilauea volcano.

Is there any danger posed by the Kilauea eruption?

No, the eruption is currently confined to the crater area that’s already closed to guests, according to the Hawaii Tourism Authority on Wednesday afternoon. There is no need to change any travel plans because of the volcano.

As of Thursday, the eruption had not caused any additional closures.

Where is the best place to view the eruption?

The good news is that the eruption is mesmerizing and visible from many vantage points (although weather conditions like fog can affect visibility.)

Some of the best places to view the lava are:

  • Kupina’i Pali, or Waldron Ledge

  • Uekahuna

  • Overlook near Keanakakoi Crater (Beware, this is the most crowded viewing spot.)

How crowded is Hawaii Volcanoes National Park right now?

Very. Expect major delays and long lines of traffic to even enter the park. Parking lots are also packed, including the overflow lots. Some lots were closed at certain points throughout the day.

When is the best time to avoid crowds and visit the park to view the lava?

Hawaii's Kīlauea volcano erupts from its crater, prompting warnings across island
Hawaii's Kīlauea volcano erupts from its crater, prompting warnings across island

You’re allowed to visit the park 24 hours a day, but park staff recommend going either before 9 a.m. or after 9 p.m. to avoid peak crowds. The busiest time of day will be between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m.

Ferracane suggests going at night. “Imagine watching a bonfire in daylight vs. darkness, and multiply that by 370 acres,” Ferracane said.

If you do go at night, bring a headlamp, wear sturdy closed-toe shoes and also dress warmly. Even though you may think it’s always warm in Hawaii, the weather turns cold at night because of the park's high altitude.

How long will the eruption last for?

There’s really no way of knowing, Ferracane said. “We just don't know when it could stop, which is part of the marvel and mystery of living on, and visiting, one of earth's most active volcanoes,” she said.

Kathleen Wong is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Hawaii. You can reach her at kwong@usatoday.com

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What travelers can expect to see as Kilauea volcano erupts in Hawaii