Kīlauea Volcano Eruption Resumes: A Visit to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

On the night of January 4th the fountain action from the vents stopped. This left those watching wondering when it was going to start again. During the evenings the glow from the magma beneath the surface was visible, giving the vents a bright warm orange glow. At times the glow would disappear and reappear. At other times the vent and the glow would be completely blocked from the live stream camera's view by smoke and steam rising from steam vents in the crater wall.

If you were checking the other still cameras that the USGS has, you were occasionally gifted a view of rainbows in the caldera. You can find the webcams HERE.

Click image for fullscreen Picture from USGS livestream

Picture from USGS livestream

My Visit to Kīlauea - The Lava Fountain at Halema'uma'u Crater

As I arrived at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, I could feel the excitement in the air. The park had been buzzing with recent eruptions. When I woke up this morning I was pleasantly surprised to see lava burbling in the vents on the USGS livestream. I arrived at the park later than I normally would and was expecting a long line of cars, but to my surprise the line was very short. When I got thru the entrance gate there was a sign saying the eruption was not visible. Either it had not been updated, or the change was very recent. When I arrived at the viewpoint just before Keanakako'i Overlook, I was lucky enough to have a relatively quiet moment to enjoy the eruption up close. I was shocked to see that the lava had changed from burbling in the vent to a fountain almost 200 feet tall! There were only a handful of people there, which made the experience even more magical. It felt like I had a front-row seat to one of nature’s most powerful spectacles.

From the viewpoint, I could see the lava fountain erupting from Halema'uma'u Crater. It was an incredible sight! The lava shot high into the air, glowing bright orange, even with unblocked sun at high noon. The sound of the eruption was almost like a freight train with jets. It was both humbling and exhilarating to witness the raw power of the volcano. The molten lava sparkled as it bubbled and splashed out into the crater and the back wall, creating an ever-changing display of fiery beauty.

Though the park wasn’t very crowded during my visit, I know that as the eruption continues, more people will make their way to the park to see it for themselves. Kīlauea has a way of drawing visitors from all over the world, and the longer the eruption goes on, the busier the park will get. It’s a reminder of how nature has the power to inspire awe and bring people together.

Even on beautiful days like it was today, its always important to be prepared when going to the park, or even on a hike. In the cooler winter months in Hawaiʻi, it is still very important to remember sun protection whether that be sunscreen or long sleeves and a hat. An umbrella is a good option too, just remember to be cautious around other people. A solid pair of hiking shoes is always recommended. Since the volcano eruption is so far away from the viewing points, a clip on zoom lens maybe a good option to get you those close up shots you are looking for. And Last but Not Least... Water. Always remember to bring water. It is way to easy to get dehydrated, and that is never a fun time.

Click image for fullscreen

Click image for fullscreen Picture from USGS livestream

Click image for fullscreen Picture from USGS livestream

The Unique Eruptions of Kīlauea - A Look at the Volcano’s History

Kīlauea is not just any volcano—it’s one of the most active volcanoes in the world. To truly understand why the eruptions at Kīlauea are so special, we need to look at its history and what makes this volcano stand out.

Why Kīlauea is Special

Kīlauea is located on the Big Island of Hawaiʻi and is one of the world’s most active shield volcanoes. Unlike explosive eruptions, which can be violent and destructive, Kīlauea is known for its relatively gentle eruptions. The lava flows steadily from the volcano’s summit, creating beautiful landscapes as it moves across the island. The fact that Kīlauea has been erupting continuously for decades means that it offers scientists a unique opportunity to study volcanic activity in real-time.

Kīlauea’s Eruption Timeline

Kīlauea has had many eruptions throughout its history. Some of the most notable ones occurred in recent years, such as the 2018 eruption, which caused significant changes to the landscape. During this eruption, lava flows buried neighborhoods, destroyed roads, and created new land along the coastline. But Kīlauea didn’t stop there. The volcano has erupted numerous times in the past century, and scientists have been able to track its activity closely. Each eruption helps experts learn more about how volcanoes work and how to predict their behavior in the future.

Types of Eruptions at Kīlauea

One of the things that makes Kīlauea so interesting is that it has what’s called “shield” eruptions. These eruptions produce lava flows that are less explosive than those seen in other types of volcanoes, such as stratovolcanoes. In a shield eruption, the lava is quite fluid, meaning it can travel long distances before cooling and solidifying. This is why Kīlauea’s eruptions are often less destructive than explosive eruptions—but that doesn’t make them any less spectacular!

A key feature of Kīlauea’s eruptions is the lava fountains, which you can see when you visit the park. These fountains shoot lava high into the air, creating a dramatic display of nature’s power. The lava flows that follow can reshape the land, creating new islands and even altering the coastline.

Halema'uma'u Crater - A Historic Site

Halema'uma'u Crater is at the heart of Kīlauea, both literally and culturally. This crater has hosted numerous eruptions throughout history, and it’s considered one of the most important features of the volcano. According to Hawaiian mythology, the crater is the home of Pele, the goddess of fire and volcanoes. Pele is said to live in the molten lava of Kīlauea, and her spirit is believed to be responsible for the eruptions.

The history of Halema'uma'u Crater is rich with cultural significance. Many native Hawaiians consider it a sacred site, and its eruptions have been part of the island’s culture for centuries. When Kīlauea erupts, it’s not just a geological event—it’s also a powerful reminder of the connection between the land and the people who live there.

How the Eruptions Affect the Island and the World

Kīlauea’s eruptions don’t just impact the local area—they have global effects as well. Locally, the eruptions create new land, but they can also change the environment in other ways. For example, the lava can destroy homes and roads, forcing people to adapt to the constantly changing landscape. The ash and gases released during an eruption can also affect air quality, which is why it’s important for visitors and residents to stay informed about the volcano’s activity.

On a global scale, the eruptions at Kīlauea help scientists better understand volcanic activity around the world. By studying Kīlauea, researchers can learn more about how volcanoes behave and how they impact our planet’s atmosphere. The data collected from these eruptions contributes to volcano monitoring efforts around the world, helping to protect people living near other active volcanoes.

Caption: Pictured above is an ʻOhiʻa Lehua flower. The ʻOhiʻa Lehua is endemic to Hawaiʻi and and Lehua (red) is the color of the Big Island.

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Tail End

Visiting Kīlauea and witnessing the eruption at Halema'uma'u Crater was an unforgettable experience. The power and beauty of the lava fountain reminded me of how incredible and unpredictable nature can be. I feel lucky to have had the chance to see it in person, and I highly recommend visiting Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park if you ever get the chance. Just be prepared for the crowds, especially as the eruption continues to capture the world’s attention!

Kīlauea’s eruptions are unique for many reasons, from their gentle nature to their cultural significance. It’s a reminder of the ongoing relationship between the earth and the people who live on it, and the ever-changing landscape that makes our world so fascinating.