The lava flow reached the ocean on Monday, July 25 for the first time since 2013. There are now three fantastic ways to view the lava: by land, by air, and by sea! Lava boat tours are officially back up and running on the Big Island. The ocean entry is fantastic and best viewed by boat. The staff at Volcano Village Lodge recommend reserving a sunrise or early morning tour. The water is calmest in the morning and photographs will be much easier to take when water is not too rough. Helicopter tours are an excellent way to view the entire lava flow – from mauka (mountain) to makai (ocean)! Most tour companies will also fly you over Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and a few of the waterfalls on the east side of the Big Island. A great option for those who want to see a lot in a short amount of time. For those wanting to get an up-close experience with the current lava flow (not too close, please!), hiking to the flow is still a great option. There are two ways to get to the flow – from the Kalapana side or the Hawaii Volcanoes National park side. Our Innkeepers have done the hike from each starting point to provide you with the best information. The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park access begins at the end of the Chain of Craters Road. It is just slightly longer to hike in from the national park side, however, the park is open 24/7 and rangers are there in case of an emergency – which is invaluable. The Kalapana access begins at the end of Highway 130 and is open from 3pm-9pm. The parking area will close to incoming traffic at 8:30pm We hear there are some bike rentals available from the Kalapana side, for those who have experience biking on gravel. When hiking, remember to be prepared. The walk from either side is along a nice, gravel road – but the road can be hot and windy. There is no shade along the 9-12 mile hike. They recommend bringing a gallon of water per person on this hike, along with snacks. Wear a sunscreen, a hat, long pants, and sturdy shoes. Bring a flashlight and extra batteries if hiking out in the afternoon. The lava is amazing to watch and you do not want to get stuck walking back in the dark without a light.