question
August 15, 2002
My wife and I are planning a trip out there during the first couple weeks of October (25th anniversary). As a nature photographer, I'm very interested in Kilauea and the opportunity to observe and photograph the lava flows.
I'm trying to decide what size lenses to bring... Do you see any need to bring anything larger than 300mm? I'd like to get some of the flow falling into the ocean from the bench areas, but understandably, don't want to get too close.
It seems people are able to get right up to some of the flows. Is it much of a walk to get to the "good stuff" from (wherever) the roads ends?
Should we bring along respirators (mask with filters) for the fumes?
Does the Park Service mind the "die hards" staying through the night along the roadway in order to photograph in the evening and early morning? We'll be renting a small camper van.
Anything else you'd recommend not already on the Park Service site?
answer
Well, I don't know anything about lenses, but how close you can get to the lava depends completely on what is going on with the volcano at that instant. The situation changes daily at the flow. Sometimes you can get as close as your skin can stand, and sometimes there is not even any lava flowing to get close to. Currently it is a short walk (less than half a mile) from the end of the road to the flow.
You can bring a respirator to be completely safe, but most times the fumes are being carried out to sea and are not that bothersome. I never have worn a respirator when I have gone, but, when I was pregnant I did not go at all due to safety concerns. Also, I will not be taking my child to the active flow until he is much older.
I am not sure what the "official park service rule" is on staying overnight, but I have shown up very early in the morning and seen people down there who obviously stayed overnight.
