I made it here from Oahu on a weekend trip to the Big Island. I wanted to go here to see lava. Unfortunately, I didnt see any. The closest I got is I hiked about 2 miles to a hill where a ranger pointed out rising smoke in the distance saying that was lava burning up the rain forest. The place where the lava actually was was inaccessible though. I could have taken a helicopter, but maybe from way up high I wouldnt be able to see anything. Either way, I wouldnt get very close like I wanted to. The place was definitely worth visiting, even though I didnt see any lava. One tip I have for you though is if you can go pretty much whenever you want, wait until there is lava visible and go then. I only had this one chance to go so I took it. But if you can wait until there’s lava (call the park and ask), then wait. Cool place though, with awesome scenery. The hardened, cooled lava is awesome, and so is the drive down to the coast.