Waiakea 1942 Lava Flow Natural Area Reserve park
Waiakea 1942 Lava Flow Natural Area Reserve
Reasons to Visit:
1. Unique Geological Site: Waiakea 1942 Lava Flow Natural Area Reserve is best known for its preserved lava flows from the eruption that occurred in 1942. This makes it an exceptional location for volcanic studies and geological enthusiasts.
2. Natural Beauty: The reserve boasts breathtaking landscapes, encompassing lava fields, vast stretches of greenery, and panoramic views of the surrounding area.
3. Rare Flora and Fauna: The reserve is home to a variety of unique plant species, including some that are endemic to Hawaii. Birdwatchers will also be delighted as it is a habitat for native and migratory bird species.
4. Cultural and Historical Significance: The 1942 lava flow holds great historical importance as it destroyed parts of Hilo city. The reserve serves as a reminder of the power of nature and its impact on human settlements.
Points of Interest:
1. Lava Flows: Visitors can witness the preserved lava flows firsthand, exploring the rugged terrain and marveling at the hardened volcanic rock formations.
2. Hiking Trails: The reserve offers various hiking trails, allowing visitors to explore the diverse landscapes and immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area.
3. Picnic Areas: There are designated picnic spots where visitors can relax, enjoying the serene surroundings while having a meal or a snack.
Interesting Facts:
1. Ancient Petroglyphs: Within the reserve, there are several ancient petroglyphs etched into the lava rock, providing a glimpse into the rich cultural history of the area.
2. Wildlife Haven: The reserve is home to a variety of wildlife, including endangered species such as the Hawaiian hawk and the Hawaiian goose (nene).
3. Environmental Conservation: The natural reserve is dedicated to preserving and protecting the unique ecosystem of the area, ensuring its sustainability for future generations.
Best Time to Visit:
The best time to visit Waiakea 1942 Lava Flow Natural Area Reserve is during the dry season, which typically runs from April to October. This period offers more favorable weather conditions for outdoor activities and exploration. However, it is always advisable to check for weather conditions and any specific seasonal restrictions before planning your visit.
Please note that accuracy can be ensured by verifying the information provided across multiple independent sources, such as official park websites, travel guides, and reputable nature conservation organizations.
Park & land designation reference
A quick legend for the federal and state land categories Snoflo tracks. Each designation comes with different rules around access, recreation, and resource extraction.
- National Park
- Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
- State Park
- Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
- Local Park
- Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
- Wilderness Area
- The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized motorized access permitted.
- National Recreation Area
- Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing, often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes); may allow more development.
- National Conservation Area (BLM)
- BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
- State Forest
- State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
- Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
- Vast federal lands managed for mixed use -- recreation, grazing, mining, conservation -- with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Plan your visit down to the hour
Same weather feed Snoflo's iOS app uses -- updated continuously from NOAA / yr.no.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Area campgrounds
Snoflo-tracked campgrounds within reach of Waiakea 1942 Lava Flow Natural Area Reserve, with reservations status.
| Campground | Reservations | Toilets | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| Onekahakaha - Hawaii | ✗ | ✗ | → |
| Namakani Paio | ✗ | ✗ | → |
| Namakani Paio - Hawaii Volcanoes National Park | ✗ | ✗ | → |
| Nāpau Crater Camp Site | ✗ | ✗ | → |
Plan a longer trip
The closest parks, lakes, fishing spots, and POIs so a park visit can grow into a full weekend.
Responsible recreation & Leave No Trace
- Know before you go
- Check the operator's site for hours, permit requirements, seasonal closures, and fire restrictions before heading out.
- Stay on trail
- Stick to marked paths to protect vegetation, prevent erosion, and avoid disturbing wildlife habitat.
- Respect wildlife
- Observe from a distance, never feed wildlife, and store food securely if camping is permitted on-site.
- Pack it in, pack it out
- Carry out all trash, food scraps, and gear. Many parks have limited or no trash service.
- Leave what you find
- Don't take rocks, plants, or artifacts. They make the park what it is for the next visitor.
Set push alerts in the Snoflo app
Save Waiakea 1942 Lava Flow Natural Area Reserve as a favorite, set a custom threshold (precipitation, freezing temperatures, fire-restriction days), and the iOS app will push the moment conditions cross.
About Waiakea 1942 Lava Flow Natural Area Reserve
What can I do at Waiakea 1942 Lava Flow Natural Area Reserve?
Most Snoflo-tracked parks support hiking, picnicking, and wildlife viewing. Check the operator's site for activity-specific rules (camping, fishing, paddling, hunting).
How fresh is the weather data?
The hourly forecast updates throughout the day from NOAA / yr.no. Streamflow comes live from USGS streamgauges.
When is the best time to visit?
Use the 15-day temperature & precipitation outlook on this page to plan -- pick a window with comfortable temperatures and low precipitation.
How do I get to Waiakea 1942 Lava Flow Natural Area Reserve?
Tap Directions in the hero above to open driving directions in Google Maps, or Open in map to center the Snoflo interactive map on the park.
Can I get alerts when conditions change?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this park, set a threshold (temperature, precipitation), and you'll get a push the moment it crosses.
Other parks near here
Snoflo-tracked parks within driving distance of Waiakea 1942 Lava Flow Natural Area Reserve.