Mauna Loa, on the Big Island of Hawaii, began erupting on Sunday, spewing ash and debris into the air and turning the sky red. According to authorities, there could be more volcanic activity. In the meantime, the State of Hawaii has raised the volcano alert level to “warning.” Read on to find out what you need to know if planning a trip to the Big Island.
Mauna Loa in Hawaii erupts for the first time since 1984
Since 11:30 pm local time on Sunday, Mauna Loa on Big Island, Hawaii has been belching ash and lava in its first eruption since 1984. Due to this, authorities have warned there could be more volcanic activity, leading the State of Hawaii to raise its volcano alert level to “warning.”
A notification from USGS reads, “At this time, lava flows are contained within the summit area and are not threatening downslope communities.”
Currently, there are no evacuation orders and schools and businesses remain open. However, local residents have been asked to prepare for the possibility of the lava flow changing direction. For this reason, the Red Cross has shelters ready on the island as a precaution. However, while currently there is no direct danger, residents and visitors alike should be aware of what the eruption can cause.
The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory on Monday upgraded the volcano alert level from “advisory” to “warning.” Residents are advised that volcanic ash, gases, and Pele’s Hair (thin fibers created by volcanic ash) could come their way. For this reason, anyone with breathing difficulties is encouraged to stay inside.
How could the eruption affect travelers?
Currently, the situation appears to have stabilized. In fact, it seems likely the eruption will remain contained in an area where it is easy to monitor. Other than the volcanic ash and gases warning, there is no immediate threat to people living in local communities.
In fact, on Monday, the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) advised that the eruption has moved from the summit caldera to the northeast rift zone (pictured top). In this area, the terrain is flatter, allowing officials plenty of time to prepare for any early warning should the lava flow start to head downhill toward neighborhoods. The HVO added that this takes the “threat away from the steepest slopes of the volcano where lava moves the fastest.
It’s always better to be safe than sorry, so HVO said locals and visitors in the area should review preparedness and refer to Hawaii County Civil Defense updates for further guidance. HVO made a statement as follows:
Based on past events, the early stages of a Mauna Loa rift zone eruption can be very dynamic, and the location and advance of lava flows can change rapidly.
HVO is in close consultation with emergency management partners and will monitor the volcano closely to provide further updates on activity.
Monday saw a travel advisory from the Department of Transportation. The advisory asks passengers with flights to Hilo International Airport or Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole to check with their airline before going to the airport.
For anyone already on Big Island, it should be noted that the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park closed part of the summit to visitors last month, due to recent earthquakes. However, Mauna Loa Road and the 6,662-ft Mauna Loa Lookout are currently open to the public.
About Mauna Loa on Big Island, Hawaii
Mauna Loa is said to be the largest active volcano in the world. The National Parks Service said that prior to Sunday’s eruption, this has been the longest recorded quiet period on the volcano. However, due to several recent earthquakes at the volcano’s summit, scientists are on high alert for an eruption.
Meanwhile, Hawaii traditionally sees volcanic eruptions as “hō-ailona,” an omen or sign to mark a time of change.