Lava Tree State Park & Hilo's Volcanic Heritage

Has anyone taken this Princess offered excursion from Hilo?

It is called "Lava Tree State Park & Hilo's Volcanic Heritage"

I am wondering if there is opportunity to swim afforded at the coastal stops along this tour? Or is it rather simply a "look-see" and photo op? The short video talks of a fresh water pool heated by the lava flow. It shows people swimming - but they might not be people actually on the tour. In the trip details, no mention of swimming is mentioned.

If there is time for swimming, does this tour stop at any places that would be good to snorkel? That is - should we bring our snorkel stuff?

We are heading to Hawaii on the Oct 2nd departure out of Vancouver. First time to Hawaii. First time on Princess Cruise. First time on any cruise.

Thanks for any help anyone can give.

Don

I just returned from the Big Island and the hurricane and current lava flow is seriously impacting the Pahoa area. I think you should make very specific inquiries about exactly where you will be taken on the tour. The county of Hawaii is right now opening emergency by-pass roads out of the Pahoa area because based on the speed and trajectory of the lave it may reach Pahoa village in the next few weeks and is expected to cover at least one of the highways into that area. The fossilized trees are in that area. The hurricane did substantial damage and I believe the hot water pond you described was seriously damaged. There is a lot of concern about water pollution from the tidal surge, the Pahoa area is at sea level so it took the biggest hit from the hurricane. This is really too bad as both these spots make great shore excursions from Hilo and they are unique to Hawaii.

A good source to keep you updated is the local newspaper, West Hawaii Today, and hvo.gov the volcano activity update from the Jagger Volcano Observatory in Volcanos National Park. The National Park has not been impacted by either the hurricane or lava flow so visiting it would be an excellent alternative. It is a UNESCO Heritage Site and well worth visiting.

Once the lava crosses the highway in Pahoa (which will probably happen within the next two weeks) there will be limited access to the Puna area. Right now they are thinking about restricting vehicles on the temporary roads to only residents and home owners. No one knows yet if tour buses or tourists will be allowed in the area. If you are planning on touring this area, it would be best to have a firm backup plan. There are no signs that this lava flow will stop and, unfortunately, life as we know it here will change drastically in the next few weeks.

Lava Tree State Park is closed ! They did not give a reopening date.

Due to hurricane, severe tree trimming is going on in that area.

Now the impending lava flow...

Unfortunately, there was no mention of the closure until we got there.

That particular tour is probably unavailable at this time.