Keanakako'i Overlook — Attraction in Hawaii

I feel this is important, especially for people with a concern for their personal walking ability to the lava viewing area Keanakako'i Overlook. The hike is not difficult, however it's about a mile out to the viewing area Keanakao'i Overlook. Parking is at the Devastation Trail parking lot. from there the hike is on Crater Rim Drive (closed road) out to the viewing area. Once you arrive to the viewing area you will be off pavement and must be able to walk on dirt, gravel, rock and sand about 200 yards to see the lava. Elevation is 4,090 ft. folks with breathing difficulties should exercise caution, there are no areas to sit on a park bench or chairs. There are restrooms at the parking lot entrance but not in the viewing area. Be sure to dress appropriately for the weather when you go, night time temps can be rather cool and if you go at dusk or night bring a small flashlight (hold it down, be sure not to shine it at peoples faces). Face Masks are required inside the park areas with groups of people gathering (viewing area). Park Rangers are there to assist with parking and access direction to the viewing area. Take an umbrella or waterproof parka just in case it rains. If you go, take your time, relax with your walk and don't over exert and bring someone to assist with...

Our family visited the night of 7 Dec. We drove about 2 hours straight from Kona airport to catch the night view. Words can’t express the experience! We walked from Devastation trail, about one mile to the viewing area. It is mostly paved road until the last 100 yards or so. From there it’s very rocky. We had lights off or low until that point. Recommend a red or low light (we used cell phones) for the rocky area, at a minimum.

When we went, around 8:30-9pm, there were several parking spots available but dozens of people there. We were able to get a good spot at the viewing area. While we were there, there was lava actively spewing. It was an amazing sight to see. Before getting there, the sky above was a bright orange. All of it was amazing. A MUST for those visiting the Big Island. Probably the highlight of our...

Best overlook to see the lava eruptions and the lava lake. Stay till it gets dark and you can see the whole crater turns orange due to the lava. Also the clouds above will glow orange. It's a 1 mile hike to get to the look out from the old crater rim road parking lot. It's paved road for the hike and it's a easy hike. Get there early or late in the afternoon to get parking here. If you don't get parking here you can park at the devastation trail parking lot. This adds about half mile more to the hike. It's all still paved roads so should be easy hike. Also make sure you have a jacket as it can get pretty cold at the lookout. Make sure you visit this place if you are visiting bigger island end of 2021 as there was an eruption...