Pele is Awake! Kīlauea Erupts

Kīlauea volcano is erupting within Halemaʻumaʻu crater in the summit caldera. The eruption, which began at 2:20 a.m. HST on December 23, 2024, is stable and poses no immediate threats to infrastructure. The USGS has lowered the volcano's alert level from WARNING to WATCH. Lava fountains, reaching heights of 80 meters, and volcanic gas emissions are the main hazards. The eruption is confined to a closed area of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. No changes have been observed in the rift zones.

If you can not make it to the island to see the eruption in person, you can watch on the live webcams from USGS here: https://www.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/summit-webcams . At this time the park has not made any closure anoucements on their website, but it’s a good idea to check before you go. https://www.nps.gov/havo/index.htm

It is always an honor to get to see Kīlauea erupting. Please remember to be courteous and friendly to other visitors in the park trying to see the eruption. The current active area is deep inside the Halemaʻumaʻu Crater inside of Kīlauea on the southwest side of the crater. For this eruption there are many places you are able to see the lava from many different places around the crater rim including, Kīlauea Overlook, Volcano House, and the majority of the Crater Rim trail. Pay attention and follow any signage put in place by the park service since they are put there for a reason.

Please use caution when viewing the lava flows. Parking and viewing areas get crowded since everyone is so excited to see lava. The eruption at Kīlauea presents several hazards, including high levels of volcanic gases such as sulfur dioxide (SO2), which cause vog (volcanic smog) that affects areas downwind. Lava flows are confined to Halemaʻumaʻu and the eastern caldera. Other dangers include volcanic fragments like Pele’s hair, rockfalls, and ground cracking near the caldera. Strong winds can carry lighter particles further. Visitors and residents should avoid exposure to volcanic particles. The caldera rim remains closed to the public due to ongoing risks like crater wall instability and earthquakes.

While the lava can be seen during the day, the best viewing is going to be once the sun goes down. If you are planning on being in the park after dark I definitly reccomend bringing long sleeves. Once the sun goes down it cools off pretty quick since you are up at 4000 feet above sea level. If you plan on doing any hiking at night you will want a solid pair of shoes for hiking, water, and maybe some binoculars to see across the crater.

Kīlauea, located on the Big Island of Hawaii, is one of the world’s most active and closely studied volcanoes. Its eruptions have been a constant source of fascination and concern for both scientists and residents. The volcano is located in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park and is renowned for its frequent, relatively non-explosive eruptions. These eruptions are primarily characterized by the outpouring of lava, often in large, continuous flows, rather than violent explosions. Kīlauea's eruptions have shaped the landscape of Hawaii and impacted the local community for centuries.

Early History and Cultural Significance

Before delving into specific eruptions, it’s essential to understand the cultural and spiritual significance of Kīlauea. For Native Hawaiians, the volcano is considered the home of Pele, the goddess of fire, lightning, wind, and volcanoes. Pele is a central figure in Hawaiian mythology, often portrayed as both a creator and destroyer. Her presence in Kīlauea is deeply woven into the cultural fabric of the Hawaiian people. The eruptions of Kīlauea were seen not only as natural events but as acts of Pele, which were understood as part of a larger spiritual and natural balance.

Early Observations and Eruptions (Pre-20th Century)

Written records of Kīlauea’s eruptions date back to the 19th century, but the volcano has been active long before that. Hawaiian oral traditions tell stories of eruptions that occurred hundreds of years ago. Western explorers first documented Kīlauea’s eruptions during the 18th and 19th centuries, with Captain James Cook’s arrival in Hawaii in 1778 marking one of the first Western accounts. Cook’s crew observed lava flows near the summit, but it wasn’t until later that scientists began more formal studies of the volcano.

In 1823, a significant eruption at Kīlauea was observed by the American missionary William Ellis. He described seeing lava fountains and a glowing lake of lava in the caldera, providing one of the earliest detailed accounts of the volcano's activity. This eruption, along with others in the 19th century, demonstrated Kīlauea’s propensity for continuous eruptions that slowly shaped the island’s landscape.

20th Century Eruptions

Kīlauea's eruptions during the 20th century were marked by both intensity and frequency. One of the most significant early eruptions occurred in 1924 when a series of explosive events rocked the summit. These explosions created ash clouds that reached the upper atmosphere, with significant ash fallout over the surrounding area. The eruptions were violent, unlike the usually more effusive lava flows Kīlauea is known for. This eruption continued for several months, marking a period of heightened activity that would be remembered in local history.

In 1955, Kīlauea erupted once again, this time producing an extraordinary lava flow that advanced to the ocean. This eruption was notable not only for the volume of lava it produced but also for the destruction it caused to nearby communities and infrastructure. The lava flows covered large areas, including parts of the island’s highways, necessitating significant reconstruction and planning by local authorities. Kīlauea’s eruptions were seen as a constant reminder of nature's power, but they also played a role in reshaping the island, with new land being formed as lava reached the sea and solidified.

The 1980s and 1990s: A New Era of Activity

While Kīlauea had been active throughout the 20th century, the eruption that began in 1983 marked a new era for the volcano. This eruption, which started in the Puʻu ʻŌʻō vent along the East Rift Zone, became one of the longest-lasting eruptions in Kīlauea’s history. Over the following years, the eruption produced massive lava flows that traveled down the slopes of the volcano and reached the ocean. The activity was marked by frequent lava fountains, creating a stunning, dynamic landscape. This eruption lasted for 35 years, with lava flowing almost continuously until 2018, creating new land and altering the geography of the island.

The 1983 eruption was significant not only for its duration but also for its scientific importance. The eruption provided scientists with a wealth of data about the dynamics of lava flow, volcanic gas emissions, and the processes that shape volcanic landscapes. It also gave researchers insight into how eruptions impact the environment and the communities living nearby. During this period, Kīlauea became a focus of international study, and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) established an extensive monitoring program.

The 2018 Eruption

Perhaps the most well-known and impactful eruption in recent history occurred in 2018. This eruption began in the East Rift Zone, near the Puna district, and was much more explosive than many of Kīlauea’s previous eruptions. The eruption was preceded by a series of earthquakes, including a magnitude 6.9 tremor, and the ground in some areas began to crack and shift. These cracks opened up to release lava, which poured through fissures and spread rapidly, destroying homes and forcing evacuations.

One of the most striking features of the 2018 eruption was the creation of new land, as the lava flows reached the ocean. Over 700 homes were destroyed, and thousands of residents were displaced. The eruption also released massive amounts of sulfur dioxide, leading to air quality issues and the formation of vog, a type of volcanic smog that can cause health problems for people living downwind. The eruption officially ended in late 2018, but it left a lasting impact on both the physical landscape and the local communities.

Kīlauea’s Ongoing Activity

Even after the 2018 eruption, Kīlauea has remained an active volcano. In 2020, the volcano resumed activity, once again erupting within the Halemaʻumaʻu crater. Lava fountains were observed, and new lava flows began to fill the crater. This resurgence was a reminder of Kīlauea’s continued role in shaping the island. The eruption was closely monitored by scientists, who have learned much from the 2018 eruption and continue to study the volcano’s behavior.

Kīlauea's eruptions are not just an ongoing geological event but also a symbol of the constant transformation of the Hawaiian Islands. Each eruption, whether explosive or effusive, is a natural reminder of the volcano's power and its influence on the environment and culture.

Tail End

The eruptions of Kīlauea have been a defining feature of Hawaiian history and geography. From its early eruptions witnessed by Western explorers to the dramatic events of 2018, Kīlauea has shaped the land and the lives of those who live near it. The volcano continues to be an object of study and respect, both for its immense power and its role in Hawaiian culture. Each eruption serves as a reminder of the dynamic nature of the Earth and the ongoing processes that shape the planet.