It seems like every few months, Hawaii’s volcanoes make an appearance in the news. After all, the state is home to three active volcanoes, something that makes a visit here both special and sometimes nerve-wracking. So where do you go when you want a Hawaii Volcano Update?
Luckily, it’s easy to get info on what’s happening with Hawaii volcanoes. This is great info to have if you want to see a volcano in Hawaii or simply want to stay informed on eruptions.
So read on to learn how to stay updated on volcanoes, especially Mauna Loa and Kilauea.
Mauna Loa: Hawaii Volcano Updates
Mauna Loa on Hawaii Island is the largest volcano on Earth. It last erupted in 2022, which was the first eruption in decades. The 2022 eruption lasted about two weeks and caused a lava flow that extended 12 miles.
Since then, Mauna Loa has remained mostly on “Green Alert” which signifies low seismic activity and low risk of eruption. The United States Geological Survey will update their website on Hawaii volcano activity every day.
Anytime seismic activity increases on Mauna Loa, officials will close access to the mountain. They’ll also issue a warning if an eruption is imminent.
For example, in September and October of 2022, a little before Mauna Loa erupted, public access to the summit closed down. At one point, there were 100 earthquakes in one day – wow!
Mauna Loa Facts
Interested in learning more about Mauna Loa? Here are some interesting facts about this massive volcano.
- Mauna Loa is the largest active volcano on Planet Earth. It comprises one half of the landmass of Hawaii Island.
- The first scientifically verified eruption of Mauna Loa was recorded in 1843. Since then, it has erupted 34 times, between quiet spells that lasted months or years or decades. Imagine living near the volcano when you couldn’t go online for a Hawaii volcano update!
- Mauna Loa is part of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, which was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.
- Mauna Loa is home to innumerable Native Hawaiian cultural sites. These sites are historically and presently sacred and vital to the spiritual and practical activities of cultural practitioners.
Kilauea Updates
If you want to see the iconic glow of Kilauea’s crater, you’ll want to visit during an eruption. That’s right – an eruption could be a positive thing for your visit to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
Kilauea erupts every couple of years, and most of the time lava stays within the crater. This is a really unique thing to see, and many visitors plan their trip to Hawaii based on eruptions. The National Park Service and the United States Geological Survey provide a Hawaii volcano update every day.
As of writing, Kilauea is not erupting right now. Its last eruption was in September 2023 and lasted just one week. Other recent eruptions have lasted a few days to a few months.
However, Kilauea did erupt pretty much constantly from 1983 until 2018. That eruption ended with a massive lava flow that destroyed hundreds of homes.
The National Park Service issues a volcano update for Hawaii on their website, and they’ll close the park if there is any risk to visitors.
Otherwise, it’s safe to visit Hawaii Island AND Hawaii Volcanoes National Park even if there is an eruption.
Visiting Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Even if parts of the national park are closed to visitors, you can still likely have a great visit to the park and Hawaii Island.
Its attractions are endless, from casual hikes and nature-loving to ground-breaking volcanology, biology, climatology, and any number of other scientific disciplines. It is a dynamic constant, at once eternal and ever-changing.
Experiencing Mauna Loa and Kilauea takes careful planning and preparation. You’ll also want to make sure you tune in for any Hawaii volcano updates that come in. A trip to the mountain is never to be taken lightly. We here at Hawaii Aloha Travel can help get you there. We’re ready to help you plan a great vacation while understanding any updates and changes to the volcanoes in Hawaii.
