Hawai'i Volcano Blog

Volcanic Explosions Provide Foundation for Agriculture

Around Pāhala are several ash layers composed of fine-grained volcanic deposits, generally called “soil.”

Volcano Activity Update: March 23, 2017

Three earthquakes were reported felt on the Island of Hawai‘i during the past week.

Volcano Overflight: Cracked Cliff Remains Dangerously Unstable

The ocean entry continues to pour lava into the water, creating littoral explosions which rock the coastline.

9th Anniversary of Kīlauea’s Halemaʻumaʻu Crater Eruption

Kīlauea Volcano’s summit eruption in Halemaʻumaʻu Crater began in March 2008.

Volcano Activity Update: March 16, 2017

During the past week, Kīlauea has continued to erupt at its summit and East Rift Zone.

Volcano Overflight: New Flow Emerges From Vent Atop Tube System

A new flow has emanated from the vent atop the 61g lava tube system and has now reached about 1.5 miles downslope, approximately halfway to the Pali.

Volcano Activity Update: March 9, 2017

The 61g flow was still active, with lava entering the ocean near Kamokuna and surface breakouts downslope of Puʻu ʻŌʻō on the pali and the coastal plain.

Recent Collapses at Ocean Entry Underscore Ongoing Hazard

Lava deltas are inherently unstable. The sea cliff near the ocean entry remains unstable and further collapses could occur at any time.

Volcano Overflight: Huge New Lava Outbreak

A huge new outbreak just above the Pali to the south of the 61g flow is sending many lava streams downslope.

Pulsing Magma Supply Detected at Kīlauea

This is the story of how a new concept—slowly pulsing magma supply to Kīlauea—emerged from observations of the Overlook lava lake in Halemaʻumaʻu.

Volcano Activity Update: March 2, 2017

On Monday, Feb. 27, at 4:34 p.m. HST, a magnitude 2.8 earthquake occurred 4.9 miles west-northwest of the Mauna Kea summit.

Hirono Introduces Bill to Strengthen Volcano Monitoring

Sen. Mazie K. Hirono and other senators introduced legislation to improve volcano monitoring and early warning capabilities.

Remotely Measuring the Temperature of Kīlauea Lava

One of the most important characteristics of active lava is its eruption temperature.

Volcano Overflight: New Surface Flows, Ongoing Lava Firehose

Developments over the past week are a veritable plethora of new surface flows both on the coastal plain, as well as a short distance above the top of the Pali…

USGS Reminds Hikers to Use Caution in Ocean Entry Area

Visitors need to be aware of the following reminders…

NASA Practices for Mars Mission on Kīlauea Volcano

A simulated Mars landing mission unfolded on Kīlauea Volcano for two weeks in September 2016.

Volcano Overflight: Lava Firehose Continues!

The firehose lava at the ocean entry was very visible, affording the Paradise Helicopters crew its best shots since it began last New Year’s Eve.

NASA Simulates Future Satellite Images Above Hawaii Volcanoes

From late January through February 2017, NASA is conducting this high-altitude airborne remote sensing data collection campaign over the State of Hawai‘i.

Coast Guard Responds to Illegal Lava-Viewing Charters

The spot where lava meets the ocean is one of the most dangerous park areas because it could potentially collapse, sending dangerous projectiles into the air.

Volcano Overflight: Fire Hose Lava Flow

Lava is now exiting a tube and free falling into the sea…
Load More Articles