It may seem counterintuitive to rush towards an erupting volcano, but a Hawaiian eruption that began over the weekend has attracted thousands of tourists to the big island.
An earthquake swarm was detected by the United States Geological Survey underneath Mauna Loa – the largest active volcano on the planet, according to the National Parks Service – Sunday evening. Late that night, lava began flowing from Moku‘āweoweo, the summit caldera, for the first time in nearly 40 years.
“The eruption has provided spectacular views from the Daniel K. Inouye Highway (Saddle Road) that bisects the Island of Hawai‘i; though it has also created heavy traffic in the area and is generating vog (volcanic air pollution) downwind,” said the USGS.
According to an Associated Press report, “thousands of awestruck viewers” jammed the highway to get a view of the flow. Another AP report said that “the spectacle of incandescent lava spewing from Hawaii’s Mauna Loa has drawn thousands of visitors and is turning into a tourism boon.”
“Right now, it’s boomed,” said Marian Somalinog, a front desk staffer at Castle Hilo Hawaiian Hotel cited by the outlet. “We’re sold out until after Christmas.”
“For residents, visitors, and scientists alike, this eruption is an amazing opportunity to observe, document, and learn,” according to the USGS.
Hawaii residents and the Hawaii Volcano Observatory were not surprised, about the reemergence of lava. In fact, increasing earthquake activity around Mauna Loa has been detected since September and agencies in the state worked to alert people about a potential eruption.
“One important message at those meetings was that things could escalate very quickly, and they did,” the USGS noted.
Since 1843, Mauna Loa has erupted 33 times. Of these, half have migrated into what are called “rift zone” areas where the volcano is splitting apart. Mauna Loa has two rift zones.
“None of the eruptions have jumped from one rift zone to another,” said the USGS. This eruption followed the pattern of previous Mauna Loa eruptions. As of Thursday morning, two fissure vents remained active on Mauna Loa’s Northeast Rift Zone and lava flows had traveled more than 9 miles.
While the flowing lava has brought tourists and onlookers, it has also closed down some areas of Mauna Loa park for safety.
“The summit, cabins and high-elevation areas of Mauna Loa have been closed since early October when the volcano began to show signs of unrest and increased seismicity,” said the NPS. “In addition, Mauna Loa Observatory Road, outside of the park, is also closed to the public.”
Both the NPS and the USGS said that no homes or property have been directly impacted or are in imminent danger due to the eruption and lava flow. Another volcano, Kīlauea, has been erupting since last September.
“Nonetheless, it is still a good idea to practice ‘All Hazards’ readiness,” said the USGS.
In the past, Mauna Loa Northeast Rift Zone eruptions have typically lasted a few weeks, though one lasted for around a year. This recent eruption’s “main lava flow has slowed significantly and is currently in a flat portion of Humu‘ula Saddle region, making it difficult to estimate when or if the flow will impact Daniel K. Inouye Highway,” said the survey.
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