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Lava Ocean Adventures eruption updates of Kilauea Volcanoes active lava ocean entry. Our Big Island lava boats visit Hawaii's Volcanoes National Park from the ocean side, allowing you the best view of lava flows, lava tubes & lava rivers as they enter Hawaiian Waters.

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21 June 2010

21 June 2010

Activity at Pu`u `Ō `ō crater and the rootless shield

The recent activity within Pu`u `Ō `ō crater quieted over the past several days. This photo shows the new, dark-colored lava that covered the crater floor. A new gas vent on the east wall of the crater (top left) also appeared over the couple of weeks.
 The new gas vent on the east wall of Pu`u `Ō `ō crater opening up next to an older vent (the dark opening to the right of the new gas vent) that sealed shut in the past few months. The new vent has been incandescent at night for the past few days.
Left. The recent activity within Pu`u `Ō `ō crater quieted over the past several days. This photo shows the new, dark-colored lava that covered the crater floor. A new gas vent on the east wall of the crater (top left) also appeared over the couple of weeks.Right. The new gas vent on the east wall of Pu`u `Ō `ō crater opening up next to an older vent (the dark opening to the right of the new gas vent) that sealed shut in the past few months. The new vent has been incandescent at night for the past few days.
Activity on the active flow field has been dominated by rootless lava shield construction for the past several weeks. The main shield, seen here, is topped by a lava pond that feeds overflows down the sides of the shield. Successive overflows slowly build up the height of the shields. At the time of this photo, a second shield was also active out of sight to the right.
 A close-up view of the top of the main rootless lava shield. The lava pond at the top of the shield is roughly 100 meters (yards) across.
Left. Activity on the active flow field has been dominated by rootless lava shield construction for the past several weeks. The main shield, seen here, is topped by a lava pond that feeds overflows down the sides of the shield. Successive overflows slowly build up the height of the shields. At the time of this photo, a second shield was also active out of sight to the right.Right. A close-up view of the top of the main rootless lava shield. The lava pond at the top of the shield is roughly 100 meters (yards) across.
This photo, taken at the northern base of the main rootless lava shield (the top of the previous photo), shows lava flowing down the flank of the shield.
 This aerial view of the main rootless lava shield shows the low, domed shape of this type of flow field feature. Sometimes, the flank of a rootless shield will fail, suddenly releasing the lava stored within and feeding fast moving 'a'ā flows.
Left. This photo, taken at the northern base of the main rootless lava shield (the top of the previous photo), shows lava flowing down the flank of the shield.Right. This aerial view of the main rootless lava shield shows the low, domed shape of this type of flow field feature. Sometimes, the flank of a rootless shield will fail, suddenly releasing the lava stored within and feeding fast moving 'a'ā flows.

11 June 2010

Quicktime movie showing action within Pu`u `Ō `ō crater

This Quicktime movie shows video taken during today's field visit and overflight. The first portion of the video is taken at the rim of Pu`u `Ō `ō crater, and shows the north vent feeding the lava pond. The lava surface undulates due to rising gas bubbles, and a small overturn is triggered. The second portion of the video shows an open stream of lava at the summit of one of the rootless shields on the Quarry flow.
This Quicktime movie shows video taken during today's field visit and overflight. The first portion of the video is taken at the rim of Pu`u `Ō `ō crater, and shows the north vent feeding the lava pond. The lava surface undulates due to rising gas bubbles, and a small overturn is triggered. The second portion of the video shows an open stream of lava at the summit of one of the rootless shields on the Quarry flow.

Aerial view of Pu`u `Ō `ō crater and a striking view of a breakout

Aerial view from above the north rim of Pu`u `Ō `ō crater. Most of the activity was in the center of the pond (lighter grey area), where one of the vents was actively spattering and small pieces of crust were overturning. The two cameras setup on the north rim of the crater are the Pu`u `Ō `ō Webcam (which can be viewed on our website), and the new time-lapse camera that was deployed today.
Another view of the lava pond in Pu`u `Ō `ō crater, taken from the southwest rim of the cone. The pond is approximately 75 meters below the visible section of the rim in the upper edge of the photograph.
Left. Aerial view from above the north rim of Pu`u `Ō `ō crater. Most of the activity was in the center of the pond (lighter grey area), where one of the vents was actively spattering and small pieces of crust were overturning. The two cameras setup on the north rim of the crater are the Pu`u `Ō `ō Webcam (which can be viewed on our website), and the new time-lapse camera that was deployed today. Right. Another view of the lava pond in Pu`u `Ō `ō crater, taken from the southwest rim of the cone. The pond is approximately 75 meters below the visible section of the rim in the upper edge of the photograph.
A striking view of a breakout atop one of the rootless shields on the Quarry flow. Lava is flowing from the breakout point near the bottom of the photo toward the top of the photo, where it reenters the lava tube and continues downslope.
A striking view of a breakout atop one of the rootless shields on the Quarry flow. Lava is flowing from the breakout point near the bottom of the photo toward the top of the photo, where it reenters the lava tube and continues downslope.

3 June 2010

Gas geochemists deploy a FTIR on Pu`u `Ō `ō crater

HVO gas geochemists deployed a FTIR spectrometer on the east rim of Pu`u `Ō `ō crater. The FTIR measures the composition of the East Wall vent gases by 'looking' through the plume at an infrared lamp (obscured by fume in this photo).
This photo was taken from the lamp on the other side of the plume. The FTIR is the small dark silhouette on the rim across the crater gap.
Left. HVO gas geochemists deployed a FTIR spectrometer on the east rim of Pu`u `Ō `ō crater. The FTIR measures the composition of the East Wall vent gases by "looking" through the plume at an infrared lamp (obscured by fume in this photo).Right. This photo was taken from the lamp on the other side of the plume. The FTIR is the small dark silhouette on the rim across the crater gap.
An aerial view of the new lava pond inside Pu`u `Ō `ō crater. The photo was taken from the southeast.
One of two small spatter cones that erupted through the crusted lava of a newly formed pond in Pu`u `Ō `ō. This cone is located at the base of the south wall of the crater.
Left. An aerial view of the new lava pond inside Pu`u `Ō `ō crater. The photo was taken from the southeast. Right. One of two small spatter cones that erupted through the crusted lava of a newly formed pond in Pu`u `Ō `ō. This cone is located at the base of the south wall of the crater.

Quicktime movie showing active lava pond within Pu`u `Ō `ō crater

This Quicktime movie shows the active lava pond within Pu`u `Ō `ō crater, imaged with a thermal camera. The video is shown at x60 speed, and covers about 25 minutes. Lava is being supplied to the crater from two vents, one visible in the upper right corner of the image and one out of view in the lower left. Crustal foundering events, in which a section of the thin surface crust ruptures and sinks, exposing the hot interior of the pond, are common. This view is towards the north.
This Quicktime movie shows the active lava pond within Pu`u `Ō `ō crater, imaged with a thermal camera. The video is shown at x60 speed, and covers about 25 minutes. Lava is being supplied to the crater from two vents, one visible in the upper right corner of the image and one out of view in the lower left. Crustal foundering events, in which a section of the thin surface crust ruptures and sinks, exposing the hot interior of the pond, are common. This view is towards the north.

Thermal images showing Pu`u `Ō `ō pond, a rootless lava shield, and a geologist sampling the lava from the interior of the rootless shield

This thermal image shows the lava pond within Pu`u `Ō `ō crater. The view is towards the southeast. The pond is fed from two upwelling sources, one on the south margin of the pond and one on the north margin.
'Rootless' lava shields are those built over a lava tube, as opposed to those which develop over the vent. This rootless shield was built over the past week, and hosted a lava pond at its summit. Overflows from the pond cascaded down the steep flanks. A short lava flow, in the lower right portion of the image, originates from the flank and represents lava seeping out from the shield interior.
Left. This thermal image shows the lava pond within Pu`u `Ō `ō crater. The view is towards the southeast. The pond is fed from two upwelling sources, one on the south margin of the pond and one on the north margin. Right."Rootless" lava shields are those built over a lava tube, as opposed to those which develop over the vent. This rootless shield was built over the past week, and hosted a lava pond at its summit. Overflows from the pond cascaded down the steep flanks. A short lava flow, in the lower right portion of the image, originates from the flank and represents lava seeping out from the shield interior.
This image shows an HVO geologist sampling the lava that was seeping out of the interior of the rootless shield. The lava was placed in a bucket of water to quench the sample. The top frame is a normal photograph, while the bottom frame is a thermal image taken within a fraction of a second of the photograph. As the thermal image shows, the incandescent interior of the flow, which is exposed as lava clinker spalls off, exceeds 1000 degrees Celsius (1800 degrees Fahrenheit). The geologist is shielding his face from the radiant heat.
This image shows an HVO geologist sampling the lava that was seeping out of the interior of the rootless shield. The lava was placed in a bucket of water to quench the sample. The top frame is a normal photograph, while the bottom frame is a thermal image taken within a fraction of a second of the photograph. As the thermal image shows, the incandescent interior of the flow, which is exposed as lava clinker spalls off, exceeds 1000 degrees Celsius (1800 degrees Fahrenheit). The geologist is shielding his face from the radiant heat.

1 June 2010

Quicktime movie looking into the Halema`uma`u vent cavity

This Quicktime clip shows video from a thermal camera looking into the vent cavity at Halema`uma`u around 3pm today. The video is shown at x4 speed. At the beginning of the clip, the lava level is at a high stand, with slowly migrating crustal plates and little spattering. Eventually, small scale spattering begins in the northeast corner of the pond, accompanied by vigorous degassing. As the violent spattering disrupts the surface crust, the lava level falls as the gas volume is released. In this example, the lava level dropped about 30 meters (100 feet).
This Quicktime clip shows video from a thermal camera looking into the vent cavity at Halema`uma`u around 3pm today. The video is shown at x4 speed. At the beginning of the clip, the lava level is at a high stand, with slowly migrating crustal plates and little spattering. Eventually, small scale spattering begins in the northeast corner of the pond, accompanied by vigorous degassing. As the violent spattering disrupts the surface crust, the lava level falls as the gas volume is released. In this example, the lava level dropped about 30 meters (100 feet).
This photo shows the view with the naked eye during the high lava stand shown in the thermal video from today. When the lava is at a high stand like this, the plume becomes very thin and a rare view of the lava pond is possible. Typically, the fume is too thick to view the lava surface with the naked eye, and we rely on thermal cameras to image the lava.
This photo shows the view with the naked eye during the high lava stand shown in the thermal video from today. When the lava is at a high stand like this, the plume becomes very thin and a rare view of the lava pond is possible. Typically, the fume is too thick to view the lava surface with the naked eye, and we rely on thermal cameras to image the lava.

27 May 2010

Images showing the TEB rootless shield, spattering in Pu`u `Ō `ō, and an aerial view of the coastline

A small rootless shield is forming on the upper flow field over the breakout point of the Quarry flow, the flow that has been feeding the ocean entry for the past several weeks. The shield is approximately 10-15 m (yards) high. This photo was taken looking SSW, with the upslope direction to the right.
A small vent on the rubble covered floor of Pu`u `Ō `ō crater was actively spattering today. Light winds allowed this relatively clear view into the crater, when otherwise it would be consumed by fume.
Left. A small rootless shield is forming on the upper flow field over the breakout point of the Quarry flow, the flow that has been feeding the ocean entry for the past several weeks. The shield is approximately 10-15 m (yards) high. This photo was taken looking SSW, with the upslope direction to the right. Right. A small vent on the rubble covered floor of Pu`u `Ō `ō crater was actively spattering today. Light winds allowed this relatively clear view into the crater, when otherwise it would be consumed by fume.
As evident by the small plume at the ocean entry, the amount of lava traveling through the tubes from the vent to the ocean has diminished. The most active area of the flow field is above the pali where the new rootless shield is forming. USGS photo by T. Orr.
As evident by the small plume at the ocean entry, the amount of lava traveling through the tubes from the vent to the ocean has diminished. The most active area of the flow field is above the pali where the new rootless shield is forming.

21 May 2010

Thermal images showing the flow field and a spectacular aerial view of the coastline

This composite image overlays a thermal image on a normal photograph, and shows the flow field in the vicinity of the County viewing area, at the end of the Kalapana access road. Recent flows, from the past few weeks, show up as light red, whereas the currently active breakouts are yellow and white. One active finger of lava was just 250 yards northwest of the viewing area this morning. View is towards the northwest.
This composite image overlays a thermal image on a normal photograph, and shows the flow field in the vicinity of the County viewing area, at the end of the Kalapana access road. Recent flows, from the past few weeks, show up as light red, whereas the currently active breakouts are yellow and white. One active finger of lava was just 250 yards northwest of the viewing area this morning. View is towards the northwest.
A closer view of the County viewing area, looking northeast. Again, the thermal image is shown together with a normal photograph. Recently emplaced flows, from the past several weeks, are light red (center of image). The currently active breakouts, just 250 yards northwest of the road, show up as white and yellow.
A closer view of the County viewing area, looking northeast. Again, the thermal image is shown together with a normal photograph. Recently emplaced flows, from the past several weeks, are light red (center of image). The currently active breakouts, just 250 yards northwest of the road, show up as white and yellow.
An aerial photograph looking west along the coastline of the current flow field. The Ki entry continues to produce a small plume, which is distributed along the newly formed delta. The color change in the ocean near the entry is due to the wave erosion of material from the delta and the lava itself.
An aerial photograph looking west along the coastline of the current flow field. The Ki entry continues to produce a small plume, which is distributed along the newly formed delta. The color change in the ocean near the entry is due to the wave erosion of material from the delta and the lava itself.

14 May 2010

Spectacular views at Halema`uma`u, Pu`u `Ō `ō and the ocean entry

Looking south across Halema`uma`u Crater at the gas plume rising from the Overlook vent.
Looking south across Halema`uma`u Crater at the gas plume rising from the Overlook vent.
Steep view of the Overlook vent from over the south rim of Halema`uma`u. The closed and partly destroyed visitor overlook is visible at the bottom of the image.
 Fume marks the trace of the tube system within the new Quarry flow. The Ki ocean entry, where the lava flowing through the tube system spills into the ocean, is at upper left. The shiny surfaces in the foreground at the center of the image are active lava flows.
Left. Steep view of the Overlook vent from over the south rim of Halema`uma`u. The closed and partly destroyed visitor overlook is visible at the bottom of the image. Right. Fume marks the trace of the tube system within the new Quarry flow. The Ki ocean entry, where the lava flowing through the tube system spills into the ocean, is at upper left. The shiny surfaces in the foreground at the center of the image are active lava flows.
Since reaching the water a few weeks ago, the Ki ocean entry has formed a small delta, seen here, with a surface area of about 7 acres. A small steam plume rises above the entry, indicating that relatively little lava is making it into the ocean.
The western side of the delta was the most active, with several small streams of lava pouring off the front of the delta into the water.
Left. Since reaching the water a few weeks ago, the Ki ocean entry has formed a small delta, seen here, with a surface area of about 7 acres. A small steam plume rises above the entry, indicating that relatively little lava is making it into the ocean. Right. The western side of the delta was the most active, with several small streams of lava pouring off the front of the delta into the water.
Early Tuesday morning (May 11), a large slice of the north rim of Pu`u `Ō `ō collapsed into the crater, taking the Pu`u `Ō `ō Webcam with it. The collapse took a large bite out of the rim, seen here at center frame, that widened the crater by up to 17 m (56 ft).
 This photo, taken on tax day (April 15), shows the north rim of the crater as it has looked for the last couple of years. The yellow line marks the rim as it appears now.
Left. Early Tuesday morning (May 11), a large slice of the north rim of Pu`u `Ō `ō collapsed into the crater, taking the Pu`u `Ō `ō Webcam with it. The collapse took a large bite out of the rim, seen here at center frame, that widened the crater by up to 17 m (56 ft). Right. This photo, taken on tax day (April 15), shows the north rim of the crater as it has looked for the last couple of years. The yellow line marks the rim as it appears now.
Power and Ethernet cables disappear over the rim of the crater. The collapse left the chunk of rim in the background dangling precariously. It is likely that this slice will join its neighbor in the coming weeks.
 The floor of Pu`u `Ō `ō Crater, about 100 m (330 ft) below, is now partly covered by a nice new blanket of reddish rubble.
Left. Power and Ethernet cables disappear over the rim of the crater. The collapse left the chunk of rim in the background dangling precariously. It is likely that this slice will join its neighbor in the coming weeks.Right. The floor of Pu`u `Ō `ō Crater, about 100 m (330 ft) below, is now partly covered by a nice new blanket of reddish rubble.
Surpisingly, the Webcam managed to stay on top as it rode the avalanche to the bottom of the crater. When the fume cleared, the broken legs of the tripod (center frame and slightly above and right of center) and the Webcam enclosure (just below the tripod legs at center) were visible on the rubble pile.
 A new Webcam now sits on the north rim of Pu`u `Ō `ō. A new panorama of the crater, with a different view, will be back online soon.
Left. Surpisingly, the Webcam managed to stay on top as it rode the avalanche to the bottom of the crater. When the fume cleared, the broken legs of the tripod (center frame and slightly above and right of center) and the Webcam enclosure (just below the tripod legs at center) were visible on the rubble pile.Right. A new Webcam now sits on the north rim of Pu`u `Ō `ō. A new panorama of the crater, with a different view, will be back online soon.

7 May 2010

Fume at Pu`u `Ō `ō crater and views from the ocean entry

Fume from Pu`u `Ō `ō crater was relatively light today, allowing for nice views into the crater. The Halema`uma`u plume is in the background just below the clouds.
 Sometime in the last week, a 2-3 m (yard) skylight opened over the recently formed lava tube that is currently feeding the ocean entry. The terrace on the edge of the lava stream hosts smooth ripple-like features that form during lava level fluctuations, when lava rises up and spills over onto the ledge. Flow direction is from right to left.
Left. Fume from Pu`u `Ō `ō crater was relatively light today, allowing for nice views into the crater. The Halema`uma`u plume is in the background just below the clouds. Right. Sometime in the last week, a 2-3 m (yard) skylight opened over the recently formed lava tube that is currently feeding the ocean entry. The terrace on the edge of the lava stream hosts smooth ripple-like features that form during lava level fluctuations, when lava rises up and spills over onto the ledge. Flow direction is from right to left.
View of the current TEB flow field. The ocean entry continues, producing a weak plume scattered along the coastline. The lighter gray colored lava is the recent flow that has entered the vegetation and reached the pavement at the end of Highway 130. Plumes from the TEB shield and Pu`u `Ō `ō crater are on the horizon.
 A closer view of the recent flows working their way down the road and through the trees. The viewing area has been moved back once again due to its proximity to the lava flows and potential fire hazards.
Left. View of the current TEB flow field. The ocean entry continues, producing a weak plume scattered along the coastline. The lighter gray colored lava is the recent flow that has entered the vegetation and reached the pavement at the end of Highway 130. Plumes from the TEB shield and Pu`u `Ō `ō crater are on the horizon. Right. A closer view of the recent flows working their way down the road and through the trees. The viewing area has been moved back once again due to its proximity to the lava flows and potential fire hazards.

5 May 2010

Activity continue to be active near the Kalapana access road

Breakouts continued to be active on the east margin of the flow field, and hit the pavement of the Kalapana access road today creating thick black smoke from the burning asphalt.
 Flows reached the pavement where the former gate resided.
Left. Breakouts continued to be active on the east margin of the flow field, and hit the pavement of the Kalapana access road today creating thick black smoke from the burning asphalt. Right. Flows reached the pavement where the former gate resided.
Flow expansion over the past day also covered most of the former lava viewing area. The County has since relocated the viewing area farther east.
Upslope from the west end of the access road, scattered breakouts continued to be active.
Left. Flow expansion over the past day also covered most of the former lava viewing area. The County has since relocated the viewing area farther east.Right. Upslope from the west end of the access road, scattered breakouts continued to be active.
Just south of the access road, active pahoehoe was pushing through thick vegetation, creating scattered brush fires and small methane bursts.
Just south of the access road, active pahoehoe was pushing through thick vegetation, creating scattered brush fires and small methane bursts.

1 May 2010

Views from the ocean entry

The ocean entry that started on April 29 continues, and has expanded in width.
One of several lava streams on the shore.
Left. The ocean entry that started on April 29 continues, and has expanded in width. Right. One of several lava streams on the shore.

29 April 2010

April 29th, 2010

As of  12:15pm today lava reached the Pacific Ocean. Shortly after our lucky guests were the first to see this new flow entering the sea from the oceanside. Thats right so for those looking for the ultimate way to view red hot lava entering the sea look no further the lavas back. A high volume lava flow sizzled as it met the cool ocean waters on the Kalapana coastline.

 

Image showing first finger of lava approaching the ocean

Lava first touched the water at 12:15pm, and this photo shows the first finger of lava approaching the ocean.
Lava first touched the water at 12:15pm, and this photo shows the first finger of lava approaching the ocean.

28 April 2010

County viewing area composite and views of the active flow field

This composite image of the County viewing area in Kalapana combines a thermal image, showing the active flow lobe in red and yellow, with a normal photograph. The lighter yellow areas are locations of active breakouts at the flow margin, and smoke can be seen originating from the flow front where breakouts are burning vegetation.
This composite image of the County viewing area in Kalapana combines a thermal image, showing the active flow lobe in red and yellow, with a normal photograph. The lighter yellow areas are locations of active breakouts at the flow margin, and smoke can be seen originating from the flow front where breakouts are burning vegetation.
View looking south at the currently active flow crossing the coastal plain west of Kalapana. The new flow is the silvery lava crossing the photo from lower right to top center where the flow front is burning vegetation. The end of Hwy 130 is visible at upper left.
 Zoomed-in view of the current visitor viewing area at the end of Hwy 130.
Left. View looking south at the currently active flow crossing the coastal plain west of Kalapana. The new flow is the silvery lava crossing the photo from lower right to top center where the flow front is burning vegetation. The end of Hwy 130 is visible at upper left.Right. Zoomed-in view of the current visitor viewing area at the end of Hwy 130.
View looking back to the north at the terminus of the active flow as it approaches the forested kipuka at the center of the photo. Hwy 130 is at upper right. The old ocean entry viewing area, open from 2008 to early 2010, is visible near the bottom of the photo just to the right of center. The flows area expected to burn through the kipuka and reach the ocean very close to that old viewing area sometime over the next several days.
 More distant view looking north at the active flow as it crossing the coastal plain and approaches the ocean. Houses in the Kalapana Gardens subdivision are visible to the right. The lava tube feeding lava to the flow front is delineated by the points of fume at upper left.
Left. View looking back to the north at the terminus of the active flow as it approaches the forested kipuka at the center of the photo. Hwy 130 is at upper right. The old ocean entry viewing area, open from 2008 to early 2010, is visible near the bottom of the photo just to the right of center. The flows area expected to burn through the kipuka and reach the ocean very close to that old viewing area sometime over the next several days.Right. More distant view looking north at the active flow as it crossing the coastal plain and approaches the ocean. Houses in the Kalapana Gardens subdivision are visible to the right. The lava tube feeding lava to the flow front is delineated by the points of fume at upper left.

23 April 2010

Thermal/Visible images showing advancement of the active flows

This comparison of thermal images over the coastal plain shows the advancement of the active flows over the past week. At the top, a normal photograph from April 15 gives reference. The middle frame, from April 15, shows that the flows were approaching the bottom of the pali last week. In the bottom frame, from today's overflight, the thermal image shows that the flows have migrated southeast into a kipuka several hundred meters (yards) north of the County viewing area.
This comparison of thermal images over the coastal plain shows the advancement of the active flows over the past week. At the top, a normal photograph from April 15 gives reference. The middle frame, from April 15, shows that the flows were approaching the bottom of the pali last week. In the bottom frame, from today's overflight, the thermal image shows that the flows have migrated southeast into a kipuka several hundred meters (yards) north of the County viewing area.

22 April 2010

Activity continues to burn vegetation in the kipuka

Another tree goes up in flames as the lava moves further into the kipuka. Looking closely, you can see the ash from the tree in the smoke column.
Another tree goes up in flames as the lava moves further into the kipuka. Looking closely, you can see the ash from the tree in the smoke column.
This photo shows the ropey texture of a recently crusted pahoehoe flow, as well as its superior strength as a natural insulator. The crack is still glowing hot but the lava is no longer moving under the crust.
 The activity continues to burn vegetation in the kipuka adjacent to the trail, causing the viewing trail to be closed beyond the trailhead. The new viewing area is still very close to the active flows.
Left. This photo shows the ropey texture of a recently crusted pahoehoe flow, as well as its superior strength as a natural insulator. The crack is still glowing hot but the lava is no longer moving under the crust.Right. The activity continues to burn vegetation in the kipuka adjacent to the trail, causing the viewing trail to be closed beyond the trailhead. The new viewing area is still very close to the active flows.

20 April 2010

Visible/thermal image showing active flows on the pali

Surface flows on the coastal plain were active a couple hundred meters (yards) from the current viewing trail at the end of Highway 130. The flows are burning along the margin of a large kipuka mauka of the viewing trail.
While much of the flow stayed along the margin of the kipuka, a few lobes ventured into the vegetation.
Left. Surface flows on the coastal plain were active a couple hundred meters (yards) from the current viewing trail at the end of Highway 130. The flows are burning along the margin of a large kipuka mauka of the viewing trail.Right. While much of the flow stayed along the margin of the kipuka, a few lobes ventured into the vegetation.

15 April 2010

Visible/thermal image showing active flows on the pali

Flows continue to be active on the pali and are advancing southward. The flow front this morning was approximately 1.4 km (0.9 miles) north of the County viewing area. Letters A and B denote corresponding points in the photograph (top) and thermal image (bottom). The active flows show up clearly in the thermal image.
Flows continue to be active on the pali and are advancing southward. The flow front this morning was approximately 1.4 km (0.9 miles) north of the County viewing area. Letters A and B denote corresponding points in the photograph (top) and thermal image (bottom). The active flows show up clearly in the thermal image.

HVO geologist takes an active lava sample from within a lava tube

An HVO geologist takes a sample of active lava within a lava tube. The fluid lava sticks to the heavy hammer head at the end of the cable when it is lowered into the swiftly moving lava stream. These samples are analyzed routinely to track changes in lava chemistry.
An HVO geologist takes a sample of active lava within a lava tube. The fluid lava sticks to the heavy hammer head at the end of the cable when it is lowered into the swiftly moving lava stream. These samples are analyzed routinely to track changes in lava chemistry.

8 April 2010

Quicktime movie of lava surface deep within Halema`uma`u

This Quicktime movie shows the lava surface deep within the Halema`uma`u vent cavity, captured with a thermal camera that can see through the thick fume. The lava surface is about 70 meters (230 ft) wide, and remains about 200 meters (660 ft) below the cavity rim. The surface is mostly crusted, with a slow migration from north to south. Small spattering sources occasionally break through the thin crust. Just a few minutes after this video was taken, violent degassing and spattering ensued, disrupting the entire lava surface, and the lava level dropped about 20 meters (66 ft).
This Quicktime movie shows the lava surface deep within the Halema`uma`u vent cavity, captured with a thermal camera that can see through the thick fume. The lava surface is about 70 meters (230 ft) wide, and remains about 200 meters (660 ft) below the cavity rim. The surface is mostly crusted, with a slow migration from north to south. Small spattering sources occasionally break through the thin crust. Just a few minutes after this video was taken, violent degassing and spattering ensued, disrupting the entire lava surface, and the lava level dropped about 20 meters (66 ft).

Active flows on the pali, east of Royal Gardens subdivision

View of the currently active flows on the pali, east of Royal Gardens subdivision. The corresponding thermal image highlights the active flow area clearly. The active flows are traveling down the east margin of the Thanksgiving Eve Breakout (TEB) flow field. The flows are being fed by a lengthening lava tube, which is marked by a line of fume. In the distance are the vent (D-vent, at the TEB shield) and Pu`u `Ō `ō.
View of the currently active flows on the pali, east of Royal Gardens subdivision. The corresponding thermal image highlights the active flow area clearly. The active flows are traveling down the east margin of the Thanksgiving Eve Breakout (TEB) flow field. The flows are being fed by a lengthening lava tube, which is marked by a line of fume. In the distance are the vent (D-vent, at the TEB shield) and Pu`u `Ō `ō.
One small breakout among many on the currently active flow field.
One small breakout among many on the currently active flow field.

July 21 Eruption Near-view Map: April 8, 2010

Map showing the extent of the July 21, 2007 eruption flow field relative to surrounding communities. Light red is the area of the flow as of April 2, 2010, while the bright red shows the flow field expansion mapped by HVO geologists between April 2 and April 8. Flows erupted earlier during the 1983-present Pu`u `Ō `ō-Kupaianaha eruption are shown in more muted colors and labeled with the years in which they were active. The flow front has advanced about 1.3 km (0.8 miles) since last Friday (4/2). If the flows continue on their current path, they will rejoin the older TEB flow field on the coastal plain just west of the current viewing area.

Map showing the extent of the July 21, 2007 eruption flow field relative to surrounding communities. Light red is the area of the flow as of April 2, 2010, while the bright red shows the flow field expansion mapped by HVO geologists between April 2 and April 8 (see large map). Flows erupted earlier during the 1983-present Pu`u `Ō `ō-Kupaianaha eruption are shown in more muted colors and labeled with the years in which they were active. The flow front has advanced about 1.3 km (0.8 miles) since last Friday (4/2). If the flows continue on their current path, they will rejoin the older TEB flow field on the coastal plain just west of the current viewing area.

HAWAIIAN VOLCANO OBSERVATORY DAILY UPDATE
Wednesday, April 14, 2010 7:37 AM HST (Wednesday, April 14, 2010 17:37 UTC)

This report on the status of Kilauea volcanic activity, in addition to maps, photos, and webcam images (available using the menu bar above), was prepared by the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO). Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park status can be found at http://www.nps.gov/havo/ or 985-6000. Hawai`i County Viewing Area status can be found at 961-8093. All times are Hawai`i Standard Time.

KILAUEA VOLCANO (CAVW #1302-01-)
19°25'16" N 155°17'13" W, Summit Elevation 4091 ft (1247 m)
Current Volcano Alert Level: WATCH
Current Aviation Color Code: ORANGE

Activity Summary for past 24 hours: Kilauea volcanic activity continued at two locations. At the summit, episodic rising and falling of the lava column continued within the deep pit that is inset within the floor of Halema`uma`u Crater. Glow from the vent was visible overnight from the Jaggar Museum. At the east rift zone, lava flowed through tubes to supply surface flows that are advancing down the Pulama pali towards the coastal plain. Sulfur dioxide emission rates from the summit and east rift zone vents remain elevated. 

Past 24 hours at Kilauea summit: As has been the norm for the past several days, repeated cycles of rising and falling of the lava surface, which forms a nearly circular pond in the deep pit that is inset within the floor of Halema`uma`u Crater, continued Tuesday and into Wednesday, with cycles occurring every 10-20 minutes. As the lava column falls, a burst of seismic energy is released and minor inflation is recorded by summit tiltmeters. The opposite occurs when the column rises. Glow from the vent was bright overnight and easily visible from the Jaggar Museum Overlook. 

The summit tilt network recorded subtle inflation until early Wednesday morning, when a minor amount of deflation occurred. Seismic tremor levels were variable due to bursts of energy associated with summit lava column activity. The number of RB2S2BL earthquakes was low, and six earthquakes were strong enough to be located beneath Kilauea since Tuesday morning: two on south flank faults, two beneath the summit, and two beneath the southwest rift zone.

On Wednesday morning, the plume of gas and ash emanating from the summit vent was rising relatively high into the air and drifting to the southwest owing to light trade wind conditions, depositing minor amounts of tephra on near the vent. The most recent sulfur dioxide emission rate measurement was about 600 tonnes/day on April 12, 2010, well above the 2003-2007 average of 140 tonnes/day.

Past 24 hours at the middle east rift zone vents and flow field: Magma continues to degas through Pu`u `O`o crater before erupting from the TEB vent, which is located 2 km to the east. The most recent sulfur dioxide emission rate measurement was 470 tonnes/day on April 9, 2010, much lower than the 2003-2007 average of 1,700 tonnes/day. No incandescence was visible within Pu`u `O`o crater overnight.

The tiltmeter on the north flank of Pu`u `O`o recorded a small amount of inflation over the past 24 hours, although tilt has been flat since early Wednesday morning. Seismic tremor levels near the Pu`u `O`o and TEB vents remained low.

Lava from the east rift zone vent, flowing into a lava tube system, continued to supply surface flows that are advancing slowly to the southeast down the Pulama pali, east of the Royal Gardens subdivision. Field observations made Tuesday afternoon indicate that the flows had advanced 500 meters (1650 feet) since Sunday. Within the next few days, active lava flows are likely to intersect the east edge of the TEB flow field west of the current viewing area.

8 April 2010

Quicktime movie of lava surface deep within Halema`uma`u

This Quicktime movie shows the lava surface deep within the Halema`uma`u vent cavity, captured with a thermal camera that can see through the thick fume. The lava surface is about 70 meters (230 ft) wide, and remains about 200 meters (660 ft) below the cavity rim. The surface is mostly crusted, with a slow migration from north to south. Small spattering sources occasionally break through the thin crust. Just a few minutes after this video was taken, violent degassing and spattering ensued, disrupting the entire lava surface, and the lava level dropped about 20 meters (66 ft).
This Quicktime movie shows the lava surface deep within the Halema`uma`u vent cavity, captured with a thermal camera that can see through the thick fume. The lava surface is about 70 meters (230 ft) wide, and remains about 200 meters (660 ft) below the cavity rim. The surface is mostly crusted, with a slow migration from north to south. Small spattering sources occasionally break through the thin crust. Just a few minutes after this video was taken, violent degassing and spattering ensued, disrupting the entire lava surface, and the lava level dropped about 20 meters (66 ft).

Active flows on the pali, east of Royal Gardens subdivision

View of the currently active flows on the pali, east of Royal Gardens subdivision. The corresponding thermal image highlights the active flow area clearly. The active flows are traveling down the east margin of the Thanksgiving Eve Breakout (TEB) flow field. The flows are being fed by a lengthening lava tube, which is marked by a line of fume. In the distance are the vent (D-vent, at the TEB shield) and Pu`u `Ō `ō.
View of the currently active flows on the pali, east of Royal Gardens subdivision. The corresponding thermal image highlights the active flow area clearly. The active flows are traveling down the east margin of the Thanksgiving Eve Breakout (TEB) flow field. The flows are being fed by a lengthening lava tube, which is marked by a line of fume. In the distance are the vent (D-vent, at the TEB shield) and Pu`u `Ō `ō.
One small breakout among many on the currently active flow field.
One small breakout among many on the currently active flow field.

2 April 2010

View of the active vent in Halema`uma`u Crater

View of the active vent in Halema`uma`u Crater. The remains of the visitor overlook fence are on the crater rim just below the vent. The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory and Jaggar Museum on visible on Uwekahuna Bluff in the background. The broad slope of Mauna Loa's east flank forms the skyline.
View of the active vent in Halema`uma`u Crater. The remains of the visitor overlook fence are on the crater rim just below the vent. The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory and Jaggar Museum on visible on Uwekahuna Bluff in the background. The broad slope of Mauna Loa's east flank forms the skyline.

Active flows from Kilauea's east rift zone

The terminus of the active flows from Kilauea's east rift zone, the lighter color lava seen here, have reached down to about the 1100-ft elevation just east of the older TEB flow field. If these flows continue to push forward, they will likely end up back on top of the older TEB flow field at the base of Pulama pali close to the end of the Kalapana access road.
The terminus of the active flows from Kilauea's east rift zone, the lighter color lava seen here, have reached down to about the 1100-ft elevation just east of the older TEB flow field. If these flows continue to push forward, they will likely end up back on top of the older TEB flow field at the base of Pulama pali close to the end of the Kalapana access road.

19 March 2010

Two-year Anniversary of the Halema`uma`u vent explosion

The ongoing summit eruption at Kīlauea began on this day two years ago. This thermal image (white is hot, dark blue is cold), taken during today's helicopter overflight, shows the current vent configuration at Halema`uma`u crater. The vent cavity is about 130 meters (430 ft) wide, and has consumed portions of the wall and floor of Halema`uma`u crater. The vent cavity resides directly below the former Halema`uma`u Overlook, which was badly damaged in the March 19, 2008, vent opening explosion. The active lava surface (about 70 meters, or 230 ft, wide) is situated at a depth of about 200 meters (660 ft) below the rim of the vent cavity. The lava surface consists of large crustal plates—clearly discernable in this image—which slowly migrate from north to south, reflecting circulation in the lava column. A small degassing hole resides on the floor of the vent cavity as well, just south of the lava surface.
The ongoing summit eruption at Kīlauea began on this day two years ago. This thermal image (white is hot, dark blue is cold), taken during today's helicopter overflight, shows the current vent configuration at Halema`uma`u crater. The vent cavity is about 130 meters (430 ft) wide, and has consumed portions of the wall and floor of Halema`uma`u crater. The vent cavity resides directly below the former Halema`uma`u Overlook, which was badly damaged in the March 19, 2008, vent opening explosion. The active lava surface (about 70 meters, or 230 ft, wide) is situated at a depth of about 200 meters (660 ft) below the rim of the vent cavity. The lava surface consists of large crustal plates—clearly discernable in this image—which slowly migrate from north to south, reflecting circulation in the lava column. A small degassing hole resides on the floor of the vent cavity as well, just south of the lava surface.

16 March 2010

Breakouts resume and continue through the week

After a short pause in surface activity late last week, breakouts resumed over the weekend and continued through this week. Scattered pahoehoe flows were located above the pali, about 1.6 km (1 mile) north of Royal Gardens subdivision.
After a short pause in surface activity late last week, breakouts resumed over the weekend and continued through this week. Scattered pahoehoe flows were located above the pali, about 1.6 km (1 mile) north of Royal Gardens subdivision.

HAWAIIAN VOLCANO OBSERVATORY DAILY UPDATE
Monday, March 15, 2010 7:52 AM HST (Monday, March 15, 2010 17:52 UTC)
This report on the status of Kilauea volcanic activity, in addition to maps, photos, and webcam images (available using the menu bar above), was prepared by the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO). Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park status can be found at http://www.nps.gov/havo/ or 985-6000. Hawai`i County Viewing Area status can be found at 961-8093. All times are Hawai`i Standard Time.

KILAUEA VOLCANO (CAVW #1302-01-)
19°25'16" N 155°17'13" W, Summit Elevation 4091 ft (1247 m)
Current Aviation Color Code: ORANGE
Current Volcano Alert Level: WATCH

Activity Summary for past 24 hours: Kilauea volcano continued with eruptions at two locations. At the summit, lava levels periodically rose and rapidly fell in a deep pit inset within the floor of Halema`uma`u Crater and produced strong glow that was visible from the Jaggar Museum. At the east rift zone vents, lava resumed flow through tubes and fed surface flows above the pali. Sulfur dioxide emission rates from both summit and east rift zone vents remained elevated. 

Past 24 hours at Kilauea summit: The circulating and spattering lava surface slowly rose to high levels and rapidly fell three times in the deep pit inset within the floor of Halema`uma`u Crater without regard to the ongoing DI deflation; when the lava is at high levels, several small fountains on the north edge were visible but when the level was low, spattering was seen on the south edge; slightly weaker glow was visible from the Jaggar Museum Overlook last night. 

The summit tiltmeter network recorded the start of DI deflation at 4:45 pm yesterday. Seismic tremor started to increase after midnight with decreases during high lava levels and increases during low levels. The number of RB2S2BL earthquakes was within background values. Five earthquakes beneath Hawai`i Island were strong enough to be located - one beneath the upper east rift zone, one beneath the lower southwest rift zone, and three on south flank faults. 

The summit vent gas plume is moving to the southwest this morning. The most recent sulfur dioxide emission rate measurement was 600 tonnes/day on March 11, 2010, still elevated above the 2003-2007 average of 140 tonnes/day. Small amounts of mostly ash-sized tephra were carried out of the deep pit in ascending gases and deposited on nearby surfaces.

Past 24 hours at the middle east rift zone vents and flow field: Magma degases through Pu`u `O`o crater before erupting from the TEB vent located 2 km to the east. The most recent sulfur dioxide emission rate measurement was 400 tonnes/day on March 12, 2010, lower than the 2003-2007 average of 1,700 tonnes/day. No incandescence has been recorded via webcam within Pu`u `O`o Crater since February 27; incandescence has been observed from persistent points by geologists during overflights of the crater.

The tiltmeter on the north flank of Pu`u `O`o recorded the start of DI deflation just before 8 pm last night. Seismic tremor levels near the Pu`u `O`o and TEB vents increased amplitude around 2:20 am this morning. The number of RB2STBL earthquakes remained at background levels.

Lava flowed through tubes and fed surface flow breakouts above the pali. GOES-WEST images showed strong thermal anomalies through dawn suggesting continuing surface flow activity.

Maps, photos, webcam views, and other information about Kilauea Volcano are available at http://volcanoes.usgs.gov/hvo/activity/kilaueastatus.php. A daily update summary is available by phone at (808) 967-8862.

A map with details of earthquakes located within the past two weeks can be found at http://tux.wr.usgs.gov/

A definition of alert levels can be found at http://volcanoes.usgs.gov/activity/alertsystem/index.php

12 March 2010

No surface flows on the flow field

No surface flows were active anywhere on the flow field today, due to summit deflation and a reduction in lava supply over the past few days. Summit inflation resumed yesterday, and an increase in lava supply should lead to resumed breakouts over the next several days. This photo shows the area of flows that were active over the past week—they can be identified as the lighter colored lobe in the center of the photograph that has cut through the middle of the forested area (the remains of Royal Gardens subdivision). These flows were advancing across the coastal plain earlier in the week. Pu`u `Ō `ō, and its persistent degassing plume, can be seen in the upper left corner of the photograph.
No surface flows were active anywhere on the flow field today, due to summit deflation and a reduction in lava supply over the past few days. Summit inflation resumed yesterday, and an increase in lava supply should lead to resumed breakouts over the next several days. This photo shows the area of flows that were active over the past week—they can be identified as the lighter colored lobe in the center of the photograph that has cut through the middle of the forested area (the remains of Royal Gardens subdivision). These flows were advancing across the coastal plain earlier in the week. Pu`u `Ō `ō, and its persistent degassing plume, can be seen in the upper left corner of the photograph.

11 March 2010

Quicktime movie showing the active lava pond deep with the Halema`uma`u vent cavity

This Quicktime movie shows the active lava pond deep within the Halema`uma`u vent cavity. The lava is upwelling at the northern margin of the pond (the upper margin in this view), and slowly migrating south towards the bottom of the image, where it sinks out of view. The pond is about 50 yards wide. Small spattering sources appear and disappear occasionally. This video was taken with a thermal camera (white is hot, dark blue is cold), which is able to see through the thick fume. No views were possible with the naked eye today due to the fume, and only loud gas roaring sounds could be heard.
This Quicktime movie shows the active lava pond deep within the Halema`uma`u vent cavity. The lava is upwelling at the northern margin of the pond (the upper margin in this view), and slowly migrating south towards the bottom of the image, where it sinks out of view. The pond is about 50 yards wide. Small spattering sources appear and disappear occasionally. This video was taken with a thermal camera (white is hot, dark blue is cold), which is able to see through the thick fume. No views were possible with the naked eye today due to the fume, and only loud gas roaring sounds could be heard.

10 March 2010

Thermal image at Halema`uma`u shows the current activity

This image was collected from a thermal camera at the Halema`uma`u Overlook, and shows the current activity at the summit. The active lava pond, about 40 yards across, is situated deep within the vent cavity, at a depth of about 200 yards. The lava surface consists of slowly migrating crustal plates, with a spattering source on the east margin of the pond. The lava surface is slightly deeper than its usual level, owing to deflation during the current deflation-inflation (DI) cycle.
This image was collected from a thermal camera at the Halema`uma`u Overlook, and shows the current activity at the summit. The active lava pond, about 40 yards across, is situated deep within the vent cavity, at a depth of about 200 yards. The lava surface consists of slowly migrating crustal plates, with a spattering source on the east margin of the pond. The lava surface is slightly deeper than its usual level, owing to deflation during the current deflation-inflation (DI) cycle.

5 March 2010

Lava flow burns vegetation in small kipuka

A lava flow burns what little vegetation is left in this small kipuka at the top of the pali.
A lava flow burns what little vegetation is left in this small kipuka at the top of the pali.

Visible/Infrared image of the current flow field

The FLIR image on the right is a close-up infrared image of the current flow field, shown on the left.
The FLIR image on the right is a close-up infrared image of the current flow field, shown on the left.

25 February 2010

Fume sources on the TEB flow field and an overplating pāhoehoe flow

The upper TEB flow field, looking south. The fuming hole in the foreground is the TEB vent. The other fume sources, which help delineate the lava tube, are coming from collapsed areas down the tube system.
 A small active pāhoehoe flow overplating an older 'a'ā flow on the upper TEB flow field. There were a few small scattered breakouts above the pali, but the majority of the surface activity was flowing through Royal Gardens and onto the coastal plain.
Left. The upper TEB flow field, looking south. The fuming hole in the foreground is the TEB vent. The other fume sources, which help delineate the lava tube, are coming from collapsed areas down the tube system.Right. A small active pāhoehoe flow overplating an older 'a'ā flow on the upper TEB flow field. There were a few small scattered breakouts above the pali, but the majority of the surface activity was flowing through Royal Gardens and onto the coastal plain.

19 February 2010

Active lava flow continue to creep across the coastal plain

Lava, showing up here as the light colored area, continues to creep across the coastal plain toward the national park, having now reached about 1.3 km (0.8 miles) out from the base of the pali.
 The lava flows on the coastal plain, which show up as the light colored flows in the foreground, are erupted into the TEB tube system from the D fissure which first opened up in July 2007. This vent is faintly visible as a fuming source in the background near the upper left corner of the photo. Smaller fuming sources between vent and coastal plain mark the trace of the TEB tube.
Left. Lava, showing up here as the light colored area, continues to creep across the coastal plain toward the national park, having now reached about 1.3 km (0.8 miles) out from the base of the pali.Right. The lava flows on the coastal plain, which show up as the light colored flows in the foreground, are erupted into the TEB tube system from the D fissure which first opened up in July 2007. This vent is faintly visible as a fuming source in the background near the upper left corner of the photo. Smaller fuming sources between vent and coastal plain mark the trace of the TEB tube.

12 February 2010

Active lava flows within Royal Gardens subdivision and onto the coastal plain

Lava flows remain active within the Royal Gardens subdivision and onto the coastal plain below. The number of surface flows has decreased however, due in part to a probable decrease in activity related to the ongoing deflation of Pu`u `Ō `ō, and because the new lava tube branch feeding the flows is becoming better developed.
 As the lava tube becomes better established, the surface flows on the pali will probably die out while the flows on the coastal plain continue to move toward the ocean.
Left. Lava flows remain active within the Royal Gardens subdivision and onto the coastal plain below. The number of surface flows has decreased however, due in part to a probable decrease in activity related to the ongoing deflation of Pu`u `Ō `ō, and because the new lava tube branch feeding the flows is becoming better developed.Right. As the lava tube becomes better established, the surface flows on the pali will probably die out while the flows on the coastal plain continue to move toward the ocean.
The currently active flows on the pali continue to chip away at the few remaining streets in the beleaguered Royal Gardens subdivision. Those visible here are pretty much all that's left, with the exception of one small kipuka out of sight to the right.
The currently active flows on the pali continue to chip away at the few remaining streets in the beleaguered Royal Gardens subdivision. Those visible here are pretty much all that's left, with the exception of one small kipuka out of sight to the right.

3 February 2010

Six channelized flows meander down the pali to the Royal Gardens subdivision

Six channelized flows meander down a steep portion of the pali, burning vegetation in the remaining portion of Royal Gardens subdivision.
 Six channelized flows meander down a steep portion of the pali, burning vegetation in the remaining portion of Royal Gardens subdivision.
Six channelized flows meander down a steep portion of the pali, burning vegetation in the remaining portion of Royal Gardens subdivision.
Areas of the forest go up in flames as the 'a'ā flow pushes its way through the vegetation at the base of the pali, and flows onto the coastal plain.
 Areas of the forest go up in flames as the 'a'ā flow pushes its way through the vegetation at the base of the pali, and flows onto the coastal plain.
Areas of the forest go up in flames as the 'a'ā flow pushes its way through the vegetation at the base of the pali, and flows onto the coastal plain.
The largest and eastern-most active channel spreads out near the base of the pali.
 As the slope decreases, the 'a'ā flows fan out onto the coastal plain.
Left. The largest and eastern-most active channel spreads out near the base of the pali. Right. As the slope decreases, the 'a'ā flows fan out onto the coastal plain.

29 January 2010

Active pāhoehoe flow in the Royal Gardens subdivision and clear view in Pu`u `Ō `ō crater

The active front of a pāhoehoe flow near the intersection of Pikake and Warrior Street, in the Royal Gardens subdivision. The road in the lower portion of the photo is the last remaining piece of Pikake Street.
 A relatively clear view into Pu`u `Ō `ōcrater, looking NNE. Several persistent fuming sources are visible in the crater, including the source of a small lava flow near the crater's center. The dark area trending east-west at the bottom of the crater is a small lava flow that erupted between January 13 and January 19.
Left. The active front of a pāhoehoe flow near the intersection of Pikake and Warrior Street, in the Royal Gardens subdivision. The road in the lower portion of the photo is the last remaining piece of Pikake Street. Right.A relatively clear view into Pu`u `Ō `ō crater, looking NNE. Several persistent fuming sources are visible in the crater, including the source of a small lava flow near the crater's center. The dark area trending east-west at the bottom of the crater is a small lava flow that erupted between January 13 and January 19.

22 January 2010

'A'ā flow stalled in Royal Gardens subdivision

The 'a'ā flow that was active in the upper reaches of Royal Gardens subdivision on January 19 had stalled by today. The flow can be identified as the dark flow terminating near the center of the photograph. The flow front had extended well into the subdivision, almost reaching the level of Plumeria Street. About 400 yards to the west of this flow, at the west end of Plumeria, is the last occupied structure in Royal Gardens, visible by the red roof. Pu`u `Ō `ō can be seen in the upper right of the photograph.
The 'a'ā flow that was active in the upper reaches of Royal Gardens subdivision on January 19 had stalled by today. The flow can be identified as the dark flow terminating near the center of the photograph. The flow front had extended well into the subdivision, almost reaching the level of Plumeria Street. About 400 yards to the west of this flow, at the west end of Plumeria, is the last occupied structure in Royal Gardens, visible by the red roof. Pu`u `Ō `ō can be seen in the upper right of the photograph.

19 January 2010

Thick vog blankets Halema`um`ua vent

Fume from the erupting vent in Halema`uma`u blankets the summit of Kīlauea in thick vog.
Fume from the erupting vent in Halema`uma`u blankets the summit of Kīlauea in thick vog.

Active terminus on the western side of TEB in Royal Gardens Subdivision

Kīlauea's east rift zone eruption site. Pu`u `Ō `ō is to the right, and the TEB vent and upper tube system is to the left and behind Pu`u `Ō `ō.
 The terminus of the eastern branch of the one active flow above the pali. Pu`u `Ō `ō is at the top in the center with the TEB vent to the right.
Left. Kīlauea's east rift zone eruption site. Pu`u `Ō `ō is to the right, and the TEB vent and upper tube system is to the left and behind Pu`u `Ō `ō. Right.The terminus of the eastern branch of the one active flow above the pali. Pu`u `Ō `ō is at the top in the center with the TEB vent to the right.
The terminus of the more vigorous western branch of the active flow on the western side of the TEB flow field near the top of the Royal Gardens subdivision.
 Close-up of the front of the channelized 'a'ā flow on the western side of the TEB flow.
Left. The terminus of the more vigorous western branch of the active flow on the western side of the TEB flow field near the top of the Royal Gardens subdivision. Right.Close-up of the front of the channelized 'a'ā flow on the western side of the TEB flow.

14 January 2010

Views into Halema`um`ua vent showing the ponded surface and vigorous spattering

The lava surface rose to its highest level in at least a year. The ponded surface covered most of the bottom the collapse pit in the floor of Halema`uma`u, and was probably more than 100 m across.
 Much of the time, however, the lava level was much lower, forming rapidly moving river of lava that cascaded into a deeper hole on the north side of the pit floor.
Left. The lava surface rose to its highest level in at least a year. The ponded surface covered most of the bottom the collapse pit in the floor of Halema`uma`u, and was probably more than 100 m across. Right.Much of the time, however, the lava level was much lower, forming rapidly moving river of lava that cascaded into a deeper hole on the north side of the pit floor.
The lava surface was typically topped by vigorous spattering.
 The lava surface was typically topped by vigorous spattering.
The lava surface was typically topped by vigorous spattering.
The lava surface was typically topped by vigorous spattering.
 Occasionally, a small dome fountain briefly formed on the lava surface.
Left. The lava surface was typically topped by vigorous spattering.Right.Occasionally, a small dome fountain briefly formed on the lava surface.
At lower lava levels, large lava falls formed where lava cascaded down into a deeper opening.
 At one point, as the ponded lava began to drain away, a vortex formed on the lava surface. The curved streaks around the spattering point at the bottom of the image show where lava is beginning to move in a clockwise direction.
Left. At lower lava levels, large lava falls formed where lava cascaded down into a deeper opening. Right.At one point, as the ponded lava began to drain away, a vortex formed on the lava surface. The curved streaks around the spattering point at the bottom of the image show where lava is beginning to move in a clockwise direction.
The lava whirlpool is even better developed here and has migrated toward the north.
 With further draining, deep opening are exposed on the eastern side of the pit floor and the lava river pouring off into a deep hole on the north side of the pit.
Left. The lava whirlpool is even better developed here and has migrated toward the north.Right.With further draining, deep opening are exposed on the eastern side of the pit floor and the lava river pouring off into a deep hole on the north side of the pit.

13 January 2010

Quicktime thermal movie showing the entire floor of the Halema`uma`u vent

This Quicktime movie shows video collected with a thermal camera during two helicopter overflights of the Halema`uma`u vent. The high vantage point allowed a view of the entire floor of the vent cavity, which is not possible from the ground. Also, the thermal camera can 'see' through the thick fume that normally obscures the vent to the naked eye. The first half of the video shows observations on January 7, when a dome fountain on the floor of the vent cavity was feeding a wide, vigorously flowing lava stream towards the north. The second half of the video shows observations on January 13, at which point the lava stream had disappeared and two degassing holes were active. The northern hole (on the right) appears to have lava just below the rim.
This Quicktime movie shows video collected with a thermal camera during two helicopter overflights of the Halema`uma`u vent. The high vantage point allowed a view of the entire floor of the vent cavity, which is not possible from the ground. Also, the thermal camera can "see" through the thick fume that normally obscures the vent to the naked eye. The first half of the video shows observations on January 7, when a dome fountain on the floor of the vent cavity was feeding a wide, vigorously flowing lava stream towards the north. The second half of the video shows observations on January 13, at which point the lava stream had disappeared and two degassing holes were active. The northern hole (on the right) appears to have lava just below the rim.

View of Pu`u `Ō `ō and the TEB vent

View of Pu`u `Ō `ō and the TEB vent looking northwest. There is a distinctive separation between the two plumes coming from Pu`u `Ō `ō. The east wall vent is creating the plume closest to the east rim, and the larger plume is coming from a combination of several other vents inside the crater. The TEB vent is putting off the wispy plume in the foreground.
 Two HVO geologists are standing on the east rim of Pu`u `Ō `ō cone, triangulating the depth of several degassing vents inside the crater. An infrared camera is being used to see the vents through the fume. The plume in the background is coming from the east wall vent.
Left. View of Pu`u `Ō `ō and the TEB vent looking northwest. There is a distinctive separation between the two plumes coming from Pu`u `Ō `ō. The east wall vent is creating the plume closest to the east rim, and the larger plume is coming from a combination of several other vents inside the crater. The TEB vent is putting off the wispy plume in the foreground. Right.Two HVO geologists are standing on the east rim of Pu`u `Ō `ō cone, triangulating the depth of several degassing vents inside the crater. An infrared camera is being used to see the vents through the fume. The plume in the background is coming from the east wall vent.

7 January 2010

View of Waikupanaha lava delta

View of the inactive Waikupanaha lava delta. There has been no steam plume or lava ocean entry since the first weekend in January. The viewpoint of this photo is similar to the Dec 17 and Dec 29 photos on the website (when the entry was active).
View of the inactive Waikupanaha lava delta. There has been no steam plume or lava ocean entry since the first weekend in January. The viewpoint of this photo is similar to the Dec 17 and Dec 29 photos on the website (when the entry was active).

7 January 2010

Spectacular eruptive activity deep within Halema`uma`u Crater

Spectacular eruptive activity has been occurring deep within the collapse pit in Halema`uma`u Crater at Kīlauea's summit. At times, a river of lava poured into a deeper plunge pool of lava, which had a dome fountain on its right-hand side.
Spectacular eruptive activity has been occurring deep within the collapse pit in Halema`uma`u Crater at Kīlauea's summit. At times, a river of lava poured into a deeper plunge pool of lava, which had a dome fountain on its right-hand side.
The bottom of the collapse pit is roughly 285 meters (935 feet) below the rim of Halema`uma`u, from which this photo was taken.
 Over the last several days, lava has episodically risen up to cover the bottom of the collapse pit, as shown here.
Left. The bottom of the collapse pit is roughly 285 meters (935 feet) below the rim of Halema`uma`u, from which this photo was taken. Right.Over the last several days, lava has episodically risen up to cover the bottom of the collapse pit, as shown here.
A bathtub ring of black lava record the high-lava mark at the bottom of the pit.
 The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory and Jaggar Museum are tiny bumps at the summit of Kīlauea Volcano in the background of this photo.
Left. A bathtub ring of black lava record the high-lava mark at the bottom of the pit. Right.The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory and Jaggar Museum are tiny bumps at the summit of Kīlauea Volcano in the background of this photo.
A particularly clear view reveals the walls of the collapse pit above the lava surface. The lava surface is roughly 200 meters (656 feet) below the floor of Halema`uma`u Crater, which is the smooth surface in the background.
A particularly clear view reveals the walls of the collapse pit above the lava surface. The lava surface is roughly 200 meters (656 feet) below the floor of Halema`uma`u Crater, which is the smooth surface in the background.

29 December 2009

Awesome aerial view comparing Pu`u `Ō `ō with 2007

Portions of the northwest rim of Pu`u `Ō `ō have collapsed over the past few years, with the most recent known collapse this past October. Compare this photo from 2007 to the one taken today-the red line shows where the crater rim is now.
 Comparison of this photo with the previous shows how much of the crater rim has fallen into Pu`u `Ō `ō crater over the past few years. The most recent collapse in October removed the summit of the cone, reducing the height of Pu`u `Ō `ō by a few meters (yards).
Left. Portions of the northwest rim of Pu`u `Ō `ō have collapsed over the past few years, with the most recent known collapse this past October. Compare this photo from 2007 to the one taken today-the red line shows where the crater rim is now. Right.Comparison of this photo with the previous shows how much of the crater rim has fallen into Pu`u `Ō `ō crater over the past few years. The most recent collapse in October removed the summit of the cone, reducing the height of Pu`u `Ō `ō by a few meters (yards).
Southerly winds offered decent views of the collapse pits on the west flank of Pu`u `Ō `ō. The TEB vent is the heavily fuming vent beyond Pu`u `Ō `ō to the right, and the active tube system extends to the right out of the image frame.
 This is the upper-most of several active breakouts from the lava tube system that started over this past weekend. Pu`u `Ō `ō is at the upper right.
Left. Southerly winds offered decent views of the collapse pits on the west flank of Pu`u `Ō `ō. The TEB vent is the heavily fuming vent beyond Pu`u `Ō `ō to the right, and the active tube system extends to the right out of the image frame. Right.This is the upper-most of several active breakouts from the lava tube system that started over this past weekend. Pu`u `Ō `ō is at the upper right.
Two other breakouts are visible in this photo. The nearer is the lighter colored flow at the center of the image, and it is no longer active. The other is at the base of the pali just beyond and it continues to creep slowly forward.
 The Waikupanaha ocean entry remains active with its typical white steam plume blowing inland. The Hawaii County viewing area is marked by the white dots just below and left of the image center. The viewing area trailhead is at the white structure at the far right.
Left. Two other breakouts are visible in this photo. The nearer is the lighter colored flow at the center of the image, and it is no longer active. The other is at the base of the pali just beyond and it continues to creep slowly forward. Right.The Waikupanaha ocean entry remains active with its typical white steam plume blowing inland. The Hawaii County viewing area is marked by the white dots just below and left of the image center. The viewing area trailhead is at the white structure at the far right.

29 December 2009

Awesome aerial view comparing Pu`u `Ō `ō with 2007

Portions of the northwest rim of Pu`u `Ō `ō have collapsed over the past few years, with the most recent known collapse this past October. Compare this photo from 2007 to the one taken today-the red line shows where the crater rim is now.
 Comparison of this photo with the previous shows how much of the crater rim has fallen into Pu`u `Ō `ō crater over the past few years. The most recent collapse in October removed the summit of the cone, reducing the height of Pu`u `Ō `ō by a few meters (yards).
Left. Portions of the northwest rim of Pu`u `Ō `ō have collapsed over the past few years, with the most recent known collapse this past October. Compare this photo from 2007 to the one taken today-the red line shows where the crater rim is now. Right.Comparison of this photo with the previous shows how much of the crater rim has fallen into Pu`u `Ō `ō crater over the past few years. The most recent collapse in October removed the summit of the cone, reducing the height of Pu`u `Ō `ō by a few meters (yards).
Southerly winds offered decent views of the collapse pits on the west flank of Pu`u `Ō `ō. The TEB vent is the heavily fuming vent beyond Pu`u `Ō `ō to the right, and the active tube system extends to the right out of the image frame.
 This is the upper-most of several active breakouts from the lava tube system that started over this past weekend. Pu`u `Ō `ō is at the upper right.
Left. Southerly winds offered decent views of the collapse pits on the west flank of Pu`u `Ō `ō. The TEB vent is the heavily fuming vent beyond Pu`u `Ō `ō to the right, and the active tube system extends to the right out of the image frame. Right.This is the upper-most of several active breakouts from the lava tube system that started over this past weekend. Pu`u `Ō `ō is at the upper right.
Two other breakouts are visible in this photo. The nearer is the lighter colored flow at the center of the image, and it is no longer active. The other is at the base of the pali just beyond and it continues to creep slowly forward.
 The Waikupanaha ocean entry remains active with its typical white steam plume blowing inland. The Hawaii County viewing area is marked by the white dots just below and left of the image center. The viewing area trailhead is at the white structure at the far right.
Left. Two other breakouts are visible in this photo. The nearer is the lighter colored flow at the center of the image, and it is no longer active. The other is at the base of the pali just beyond and it continues to creep slowly forward. Right.The Waikupanaha ocean entry remains active with its typical white steam plume blowing inland. The Hawaii County viewing area is marked by the white dots just below and left of the image center. The viewing area trailhead is at the white structure at the far right.

28 December 2009

Spectacular Quicktime movie showing a draining event in the lava pond within the Halema`uma`u vent

This Quicktime movie shows a draining event in the lava pond within the Halema`uma`u vent cavity. The lava column exhibited cycles of filling and draining of the vent cavity, with each cycle lasting a few minutes. As the pond drains, lava cascades into a small hole on the east side (right) of the cavity floor. Also, lava that was covering a large bench to the west of the main pond drains back, with large plates of crust sliding over the edge.
This Quicktime movie shows a draining event in the lava pond within the Halema`uma`u vent cavity. The lava column exhibited cycles of filling and draining of the vent cavity, with each cycle lasting a few minutes. As the pond drains, lava cascades into a small hole on the east side (right) of the cavity floor. Also, lava that was covering a large bench to the west of the main pond drains back, with large plates of crust sliding over the edge.

21 December 2009

Nightshot movie showing a filling and draining cycle event in the Halema`uma`u vent

Lava within the vent cavity in Halema`uma`u crater continues to be active, and occasionally displays remarkable filling and draining cycles. This Quicktime movie shows the draining portion of one of these cycles, captured in 'nightshot' mode in order to see through the thick fume. The video begins with a wide surface of chaotic, agitated lava, with vigorous upwelling and spattering. The lava surface is about 30 yards wide. Eventually, the lava begins to drain into a hole on the floor of the vent cavity, as spattering continues. Each filling and draining cycle lasted about 5 minutes.
Lava within the vent cavity in Halema`uma`u crater continues to be active, and occasionally displays remarkable filling and draining cycles. This Quicktime movie shows the draining portion of one of these cycles, captured in "nightshot" mode in order to see through the thick fume. The video begins with a wide surface of chaotic, agitated lava, with vigorous upwelling and spattering. The lava surface is about 30 yards wide. Eventually, the lava begins to drain into a hole on the floor of the vent cavity, as spattering continues. Each filling and draining cycle lasted about 5 minutes.

17 December 2009

Awesome aerial view of two active areas of Kīlauea, and Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea

An aerial view looking north at two active areas of Kīlauea. Pu`u `Ō `ō crater is in the foreground, Mauna Loa (left) and Mauna Kea (right) are in the background. The fume source near the base of Mauna Loa (at Kīlauea's summit) is from the Halema`uma`u Overlook vent. The wind is blowing the plume trace toward the northeast, partially obscuring the view of Mauna Kea.
 Although there are no surface flows anywhere on the flow field, lava continues to flow through the Waikupanaha lava tube and enter the ocean.
Left. An aerial view looking north at two active areas of Kīlauea. Pu`u `Ō `ō crater is in the foreground, Mauna Loa (left) and Mauna Kea (right) are in the background. The fume source near the base of Mauna Loa (at Kīlauea's summit) is from the Halema`uma`u Overlook vent. The wind is blowing the plume trace toward the northeast, partially obscuring the view of Mauna Kea. Right.Although there are no surface flows anywhere on the flow field, lava continues to flow through the Waikupanaha lava tube and enter the ocean.
South winds allow for a different perspective of the Halema`uma`u Overlook vent.
A beautiful example of sulfur crystals that have grown around a small fumarole near the southeast rim of Halema`uma`u crater. The vent is about 0.3 m (1 foot) long.
Left. South winds allow for a different perspective of the Halema`uma`u Overlook vent. Right.A beautiful example of sulfur crystals that have grown around a small fumarole near the southeast rim of Halema`uma`u crater. The vent is about 0.3 m (1 foot) long.

2 December 2009

Cooperating winds show rare glimpse into Pu`u `Ō `ō crater

Thanks to cooperating winds, views into Pu`u `Ō `ō Crater were only slightly obscured by fume today. These photos show a rare glimpse of the rubble covered walls and floor of the crater. The piece of equipment on the rim of the crater is the Pu`u `Ō `ō webcam, which is available to view on the Webcams page of the HVO website. The photo on the left was taken looking south, the photo on the right looking southwest.
 Thanks to cooperating winds, views into Pu`u `Ō `ō Crater were only slightly obscured by fume today. These photos show a rare glimpse of the rubble covered walls and floor of the crater. The piece of equipment on the rim of the crater is the Pu`u `Ō `ō webcam, which is available to view on the Webcams page of the HVO website. The photo on the left was taken looking south, the photo on the right looking southwest.
Thanks to cooperating winds, views into Pu`u `Ō `ō Crater were only slightly obscured by fume today. These photos show a rare glimpse of the rubble covered walls and floor of the crater. The piece of equipment on the rim of the crater is the Pu`u `Ō `ō webcam, which is available to view on the Webcams page of the HVO website. The photo on the left was taken looking south, the photo on the right looking southwest.
Aerial view of the Waikupanaha (large plume) and West Waikupanaha ocean entries. The West Waikupanaha entry spans the coastline where the numerous small, wispy plumes are visible. The entries remain active as lava continues to enter the ocean through both lava tubes and surface flows.
Aerial view of the Waikupanaha (large plume) and West Waikupanaha ocean entries. The West Waikupanaha entry spans the coastline where the numerous small, wispy plumes are visible. The entries remain active as lava continues to enter the ocean through both lava tubes and surface flows.

21 November 2009

Quicktime movie showing a small explosive event in the Halema`uma`u vent

This Quicktime movie (at x2 speed) shows a small explosive event in the Halema`uma`u vent at 9:20am. The explosion was immediately preceded by a portion of the vent rim collapsing into the vent cavity. The brown plume rises rapidly from the vent, and in the full resolution video large particles can be seen ejected in front of the plume. In the video shown here, it is possible to see some of these particles impact the crater wall—look for several small white puffs to appear on the crater wall just ahead of the rising brown plume (about 7-9 seconds into the video clip). No ejecta was found at the Halema`uma`u Overlook, indicating that few, if any particles, reached the crater rim.
This Quicktime movie (at x2 speed) shows a small explosive event in the Halema`uma`u vent at 9:20am. The explosion was immediately preceded by a portion of the vent rim collapsing into the vent cavity. The brown plume rises rapidly from the vent, and in the full resolution video large particles can be seen ejected in front of the plume. In the video shown here, it is possible to see some of these particles impact the crater wall—look for several small white puffs to appear on the crater wall just ahead of the rising brown plume (about 7-9 seconds into the video clip). No ejecta was found at the Halema`uma`u Overlook, indicating that few, if any particles, reached the crater rim.

20 November 2009

Three separate steam plumes merge into one at Waikupanaha

At the Waikupanaha ocean entry (left), three separate steam plumes merge into one as the wind blows the steam offshore. The west Waikupanaha entry is spread out over a larger area with at least 5 separate lava entry points. This photo was taken looking southeast.
 Standing at the former time lapse camera site on the rim of Pool 1 of the perched channel, geologists measure the depth of the March 2009 collapse. A hammer head was attached to a steel cable and lowered over the edge until it hit the floor of the collapse pit. When the hammer hit the bottom, the cable was marked, and the depth was measured at 16.5 m (54 ft) deep.
Left. At the Waikupanaha ocean entry (left), three separate steam plumes merge into one as the wind blows the steam offshore. The west Waikupanaha entry is spread out over a larger area with at least 5 separate lava entry points. This photo was taken looking southeast. Right.Standing at the former time lapse camera site on the rim of Pool 1 of the perched channel, geologists measure the depth of the March 2009 collapse. A hammer head was attached to a steel cable and lowered over the edge until it hit the floor of the collapse pit. When the hammer hit the bottom, the cable was marked, and the depth was measured at 16.5 m (54 ft) deep.

19 November 2009

Quicktime movie showing lava within the Halema`uma`u vent cavity

This Quicktime movie shows lava within the Halema`uma`u vent cavity, at a depth of about 200 yards below the vent rim. The lava surface, with is about 20 yards wide, is extremely vigorous, with constant roiling and semi-continuous spattering. Spatter deposited on the walls around the lava surface creates a hot, unstable surface, which can be seen to disintegrate as large blocks break off and fall into the lava.
This Quicktime movie shows lava within the Halema`uma`u vent cavity, at a depth of about 200 yards below the vent rim. The lava surface, which is about 20 yards wide, is extremely vigorous, with constant roiling and semi-continuous spattering. Spatter deposited on the walls around the lava surface creates a hot, unstable surface, which can be seen to disintegrate as large blocks break off and fall into the lava.

15 November 2009

Open channel of lava and scattered breakouts at Waikupanaha ocean entry

A small open channel of lava was entering the water at one of two entry points at the west Waikupanaha entry area.
A small open channel of lava was entering the water at one of two entry points at the west Waikupanaha entry area.
This photo is looking east towards the three ocean entry points active today. The most distant, and most vigorous, is the Waikupanaha entry, which has been active since March 2008. In the foreground are two entry points at the west Waikupanaha entry area, which has been active over the past few weeks.
Scattered breakouts, like the one shown here, continue to be active on the coastal plain and are situated west of the main Waikupanaha tube and just inland of the west Waikupanaha ocean entry.
Left. This photo is looking east towards the three ocean entry points active today. The most distant, and most vigorous, is the Waikupanaha entry, which has been active since March 2008. In the foreground are two entry points at the west Waikupanaha entry area, which has been active over the past few weeks. Right.Scattered breakouts, like the one shown here, continue to be active on the coastal plain and are situated west of the main Waikupanaha tube and just inland of the west Waikupanaha ocean entry.

6 November 2009

Lava continues at Waikupanaha and surface activity at Kalapana access road

Lava continues to flow into the ocean at the well-established Waikupanaha ocean entry. About 700 yards to the west (up the coastline in this photograph), the new ocean entry puts off a small plume that is barely visible from this vantage point. Surface flows (light grey flows) in between the two ocean entries were only 100 yards shy of reaching the ocean, but did not appear active from the air.
Surface activity continued in several small areas above the Kalapana access road, burning more vegetation in the forested kipuka. The trailhead to the county viewing area sits at the end of what remains of the access road, shown here at the top-middle portion of the photograph.
Left. Lava continues to flow into the ocean at the well-established Waikupanaha ocean entry. About 700 yards to the west (up the coastline in this photograph), the new ocean entry puts off a small plume that is barely visible from this vantage point. Surface flows (light grey flows) in between the two ocean entries were only 100 yards shy of reaching the ocean, but did not appear active from the air. Right.Surface activity continued in several small areas above the Kalapana access road, burning more vegetation in the forested kipuka. The trailhead to the county viewing area sits at the end of what remains of the access road, shown here at the top-middle portion of the photograph.

4 November 2009

Awesome sites at Waikupanaha ocean entry

Activity at the west Waikupanaha ocean entry, where lava reached the ocean this past weekend, continues. The entry spans about 200 yards, with many small lava streams entering the water.
 One of the entry points, on the east side of the west Waikupanaha entry.
Left. Activity at the west Waikupanaha ocean entry, where lava reached the ocean this past weekend, continues. The entry spans about 200 yards, with many small lava streams entering the water. Right.One of the entry points, on the east side of the west Waikupanaha entry.
On the east margin of the entry, lobes were advancing over a small black sand beach.
 Breakouts continued near the County lava viewing trail. This breakout, which is burning a downed hala tree, was about 300 yards west of the trailhead.
Left. On the east margin of the entry, lobes were advancing over a small black sand beach. Right.Breakouts continued near the County lava viewing trail. This breakout, which is burning a downed hala tree, was about 300 yards west of the trailhead.

3 November 2009

Several collapses exposed more of the lava deep within Halema`uma`u vent

Several collapses early this morning exposed more of the lava pond deep within the Halema`uma`u vent cavity. For the last several days, glowing and spattering holes (top image) have been active on the floor of the vent cavity, at a depth of about 200 yards below the vent rim. At 3:06 am, a partial collapse of the floor created a single large opening within which lava was vigorously spattering (middle image). The opening enlarged further with another collapse around 6 am, which improved the view of the circulating lava pond (bottom image). These images are from the Halema`uma`u Overlook webcam, which can be viewed via the 'webcams' link at the top of this page.
Several collapses early this morning exposed more of the lava pond deep within the Halema`uma`u vent cavity. For the last several days, glowing and spattering holes (top image) have been active on the floor of the vent cavity, at a depth of about 200 yards below the vent rim. At 3:06 am, a partial collapse of the floor created a single large opening within which lava was vigorously spattering (middle image). The opening enlarged further with another collapse around 6 am, which improved the view of the circulating lava pond (bottom image). These images are from the Halema`uma`u Overlook webcam, which can be viewed via the "webcams" link at the top of this page.

Hawaii, Big Island Lava Tour Photography & Video Archieves 

Sept 23rd, 2009

4:30AM- Sunrise Lava Boat Tour Lava: single lava flow
As the Waikupanaha bench again had a collapse with major vocanic explosions earier in the week sending pumice hundreds of feet into the air. As of this morning lava rivers split into 4 entry zones canvassing most of the current exposed bench area. The north flank had 2 lava flows one dripping and oozing the other a solid fast moving flow. The middle flows wow todays lucky lava tour guest with 2 active lava flows drining clear views of the lava and great photo opportunitys. The south side flow was all steamed in due to an earlier collapse that heat things up a bit. More great lava tours to see Hawaii's Hottest attraction Volcano Kilauea.

Sept 16th, 2009

4:30AM- Sunrise Lava Boat Tour Lava: single lava flow
As the Waikupanaha bench rebuilds rivers spread across the rugged coastline left behind from numerous avalaches last week. This morning a large flow sprawled its way into the sea on the south side of the ocean entry. On the North side 2 rivers of red hot lava glowed in the morning afterglow providing great photos of lava entering the sea.

Sept 10th, 2009

4:30AM- Sunrise Volcano Tour Lava: single lava flow
As the W

Sept 10th, 2009

4:30AM- Sunrise Volcano Tour Lava: single lava flow
The leftovers from Wednesdays bench break displayed a single river entering on the north side of the flow. The real action though was on the South side where 4 cauldrens oozed into the sea & a gooey river of lava flowed seemlessly into the ocean.

Sept 1st, 2009

4:30AM- Sunrise Volcano Tour Lava: single lava flow
After a few weeks of rise and decline the Waikupanaha ocean entry bench continues flowing with multiple lava flows spread across the bench. The black sand beach to the north side has been covered over by a fresh lava flow.

Aug 16th, 2009

4:30AM- Sunrise Volcano Tour Lava: single lava flow
Waikupanaha ocean entry continues with various lava flows spread across the bench. This mornings lava viewing was best on the norrh flank of the current lava bench.

Aug 8th, 2009

4:30AM- Sunrise Volcano Tour Lava: single lava flow
The bench has been declining over the past couple days showing signs that might have a collapse happening soon. 2 red rivers of lava were seen

Aug 1, 2009

4:30AM- Sunrise Volcano Tour Lava: single lava flow
A new month & the flow continues to erupt littorial explosions painting the air with red molten lava.

July 31th, 2009

4:30AM- Sunrise Volcano Tour Lava: single lava flow
Todays lava display was highlighted with a prime viewing area of over 300 yards where numerous lava flows entered the sea including littorial explosions, red rivers & crystal clear viewing.

July 15th, 2009

4:30AM- Sunrise Volcano Tour Weather:clearWind: East Swell: South 2-3 Lava: 2 Lava Flows
All lava ocean entrys continue to enter the sea with a large surface flow making its way toward the ocean. Trips have been quite exciting the past couple weeks thewith regular bench breaks produce great views of lava oozing out of a once sealed lava tube

July 4th, 2009

4:30AM- Sunrise Volcano Tour Weather:clearWind: East Swell: South 2 Lava: 2 Lava Flows
This mornings tour was a great way to start of the 4th of July we had Bombs bursting in air and all. As the bench declines the flow has heated up the past couple days have been extremely exciting with mulptiple river, upwellings, and littorial exposions all happening at once. Two great flows continue to enter the ocean at this time.

July 2nd, 2009

4:30AM- Sunrise Volcano Tour Weather:clearWind: East Swell: South 3 Lava: 2 Lava Flows
Similar to back on June 27 th, 2009 the bench showed major signs of decline including cross sections glowing red hot where areas of the coastline crumbled to the bottom of the ocean. The excitement this morning was on the South side of the Waikupanaha flow. In just an area of 150 meters you could see pahoehoe lava winding across the fragile bench, an underwater upwelling from the pillow lava flowing below the surface, and a large littoral cone spouting lava bombs & tephra 100 + feet into the air at times. If that wasn't enough we also could see the steamy Kupapa'u flow & the north side of the Waikupanaha opended up briefly at sunrise showing a red hot oozing cross section of molten rock that broke off while we were at the south side of the flow. The start to an exciting July 2009.

June 27 th, 2009 Recent lava pictures taken on lava tours

4:30AM- Sunrise Volcano Tour Weather:overcastWind: South 5 Swell: South 3 Lava: 2 Lava Flows
Both ocean entry Lava Flows continue to enter the sea with the south side of the Waikupanaha entry provideing the show this morning. Four 20 ft high flows drained into the sea with minimal steam for minutes at a time.

June 23 rd, 2009 Recent lava pictures taken on lava tours

4:30AM- Sunrise Volcano Tour Weather: Surprisingly clear Wind: South 5 Swell: South 2 Lava: 2 Lava Flows
We sure lucked out this morning at the lava show both ocean entries continued to erupt in high volume. Various lava flows flowed, oozed, and exploded thier way into the sea at both ocean entries. Many signs of the bench continuing to breakoff including large smoldering boulders from recent flows. Our major beaches formed by the lava are also are being swepts into the depths of the sea by the intoduction of our first summer South swell.


June 22 nd, 2009

4:30AM- Sunrise Lava Tour Weather :overcast Wind: West 5 Swell:South 2-3 Lava: 2 Lava Flows
More morning magic happens along the Kalapana coastline. Bumpy ocean conditions pounded the coastline reveiling the massive lava flows that have been hidding for some time now behing thier respecting plume clouds. With the tides still fairly low underwater lava tubes were exposed when waves would retract after striking the shoreline.

2PM- Sunrise Volcano Tour Weather:choppyWind: NE 15 Swell: 1-2 Lava: 2 Ocean Entry Lava Flows
This afternoons lava tour to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park was highlighed by Red rivers of lava, littorial explosions, lava bombs, and 2 exciting ocean entrys. Followed by a Hawaii adventure ride home.

June 21st , 2009

4:30AM- Sunrise Volcano Tour Weather:overcastWind: East 10 Swell: 1-2 Lava: 2 Lava Flows
Happy Fathers Day to treat our dads on this fine fathers day Pele put on quite the show especially at the Waikupanaha entry where clear rivers of lava some 5 meters wide entered the sea. The lava volume was intense occasional explosions sent tepha & lava bombs up in the air then into the lava heated waters. Hawaii Volcanoes Lava Boat Tours provide you with an up close view of lava sizzling into the Pacific Ocean.


June 19th , 2009

4:30AM- Sunrise Volcano Tour Weather:rainyWind: East 10 Swell: 2-4 Lava: 2 Lava Flows
The Waikupanaha was the show again with a very clear large lava river entering the sea. As usual fingers of lava parted near the main flow providing breathtaking views of molten lava before the ocean sizzles & creates the steam / plume clouds. Our ultra low tides this morning granted todays passengers with a special look at Hawaii volcano Kilaueas lava coastline especially right at the water line. Come get your red hot lava today aboard one of our lavacats.


June 16th , 2009 Recent lava pictures taken on lava tours

5AM- Sunrise Volcano Tour Weather:rainyWind: East 5 Swell: 3-5 Lava: 2 Lava Flows
The Waikupanaha entry was quite the show with 20 or more tubes of lava oozing and exploding into the ocean. When the large swells pulled back the underwater flows burst out lava all over the bench in a quarter mile area. A Hawaii Vilcanoes National Park Tour only experienced by a lava boat.

June 14th , 2009 Recent lava pictures taken on lava tours

5AM- Sunrise Volcano Tour Weather:clear skies Wind: East 5-7 Swell: 2-3 Lava: 2 Lava Flows
The lava ocean entries both displayed clear views of multiple lava entry points. After another great moring lava show we headed off on our coastline tour. About half way home we recovered two shoreline fishermen who were swept off the coastline into the ocean at Makiman Point during this weekends J Hara Ulua fishing tournament. This very rough water area is not a spot to be getting out of the water especially during a south swell. It must have been thier lucky day cau e we were the only boat left on the water. A Lava Ocean Adventure I'll never forget!!!

June 12th , 2009 Recent lava pictures taken on lava tours

5AM- Sunrise Volcano Tour Weather:clear skies Wind: East 5 Swell: 1-2 Lava: 2 Lava Flows
The bright glow filled the dawn skies as we enter the active lava zone like a campfire in the night. Upon arriving at the flow to our amazement littoral explosions & multiple red lava rivers flowed into the sea at the Waikupanaha ocean entry. The Kupap'u emitted a large tube into the sea in one spot.

5PM- Sunset Volcano Tour Weather:Overcast Wind: East 5 Swell: 1 Lava: 2 Lava Flows
Lava Tours are currently experiencing multiple lava entrys at both the newer Kupapa'u & the Waikupanaha lava ocean entries. Many volcanic elements ere present during a great sunset wedding party including, red hot lava, underwater pillow lava upwellings, tephra (volcanic sand), littoral explosions, lava bombs, & much more

June 10th , 2009 Recent lava pictures taken on lava tours

5AM- Sunrise Volcano Tour Weather:Rain/Cleared up Wind: East 10 Swell: 2 Lava: 2 Lava Flows
Beautiful waters set this trip out on a great foot accompanied by a Volcano Lava show guarenteed to excite just about anyone with a heartbeat. The Kupapa'u flow is growing in size with multiple fingers and tubes. Whereas the Waikupanaha has began to rebuild the area where over 2 acers of land avalanched into the sea last week.

June 9th , 2009

5AM- Sunrise Full Moon Lava Tour Weather:Clear Wind: East 10 Swell: 2 Lava: 2 Lava Flows are entering the sea
Another bright morning sky the moon lit the flow perfectly for great pre dawn Hawaii Lava Pictures. The Kupapa'u has a steady littorial explosion going with an additional river breaking off the main tube & the Waikupanaha is only viewable on the upwind side wher 3 rivers oozed into the sea.

June 8th , 2009

5AM- Sunrise Full Moon Lava Tour Weather:Clear Wind: East 15 Swell: 2-3 Lava: 2 Lava Flows are entering the sea
The Kupapa'u was the show this morning allowing clear views of lava tubes erupting firrehouse like flow into the sea & the Waikupanaha iwas fairly plumed in with ocasssional glimpses of the outer finger flows..

June 7th , 2009

5AM- Sunrise Full Moon Lava Tour Weather:Clear Wind: East 15 Swell: 2-3 Lava: 2 Lava Flows are entering the sea
We have a lava show on our hands right now. Folks if you've been waiting to clome see lava well the wait is over come see the 24 hour lava show Peles putting on. Views of lava one could only dream to see. The Kupapa'u flow continues to flow one solid flow into the sea & the Waikupanaha is still spread across the gentle lava bench.

June 6th , 2009

5AM- Sunrise Lava Tour Weather:Clear Wind: East 25 Swell: 3-4 Lava: 3 Lava Flows are entering the sea
LAVA LAVA LAVA is all I should say its flowing everywhere, 3 active lava flows currently touch the sea. The volume has increased at the Waikupanaha ocean entry. 3 Main rivers break off into at least 15 red rivers spread across this complex lava bench each providing a special view of lava. The Kupapa'u flow continues to flow one solid flow into the sea. The new flow has slowed a bit but made for the best lava viewing due to the lack of a plume cloud we could see the lava flow without obstruction.
June 5th , 2009 Hawaii Volcano Photots by Lance Miller

5AM- Sunrise Lava Tour Weather:Clear Wind: East 7 Swell: 1-3 Lava: Waikupanaha, Kupapa'u, & New Ocean entry
At the Waikupanaha ocean entry at least 10 red rivers spread across this delicate lava bench each providing the best view of lava one could ask for. This was not enough for our lava hunters so we headed south where the Kupapa'u flow regained it's solid firehouse flow into the sea. While watching lava enter from the Kupapa'u flow we noticed a small plume starting in the distence, after a closer look 4 rivers painted the 200 ft Kalapana coastline with red hot rivers of pure Hawaii Lava. Hawaii Volcano Tours on the Big Island let you see the creation of earth.
June 3rd , 2009

5AM- Sunrise Lava Tour Weather:Clear Wind: East 7 Swell: 1-2 Lava: Waikupanaha
At the Waikupanaha ocean entry rivers again spread across the bench. .The red rivers of hot lava have returned after a short wink the other day. Kupapa'u bench is smoking, no visible lava yet hopefully tomarrow.
5PM- Sunset Lava Tour Weather:Clear Wind: East 7 Swell: 1-2 Lava: Waikupanaha & Kupapa'u
The lava show has returned in proper form with 2 active ocean entries Waikupanaha & Kupapa'u. Waikupanaha showed multiple lava flows & a giant upwelling just offshore.

June 2nd , 2009

5AM- Sunrise Lava Tour Weather:Clear Wind: East 7 Swell: 1-2 Lava: Waikupanaha
This morning we watched as lava reentered the sea at the Waikupanaha ocean entry. To our amazement a large area of the bench had disappeared over night leaving a 60-80 ft seacliff. The plume clouds covered most of the new flow.

June 1st , 2009

5AM- Sunrise Lava Tour Weather:Clear Wind: East 7 Swell: 1-2 Lava: Waikupanaha
Due to an ongoing DI Tilt event the lava supplyhas slowed at the ocean entries leaving us with 2 diminshing lava flows entering the sea which seem to be draining out of the tube. Think LAVA!!!

June 1st , 2009

5AM- Sunrise Lava Tour Weather:Clear Wind: East 5 Swell: 1-2 Lava: Waikupanaha & Kupapa'u lava entries
Multiple lava flows enter the ocean at the Waikupanaha entry & Kupapa'u flows. Due to a DI Tilt event the lava supply slowed at the ocean entries, which removed the large plume clouds giving our guests a clear sharp view into the red hot lava rivers. Between the two flow we counted 11 spots lava flowed into the sea.


May 17th, 2009

5AM- Sunrise Lava Tour Weather:Voggy Wind: East 5 Swell: flat Lava: Waikupanaha & Kupapa'u lava entries
Multiple lava flows enter the ocean at the Waikupanaha entry & Kupapa'u flows. Both of which displayed littorial explosions and red rivers of fire entering the sea.

May 15th, 2009 Hawaii Volcano Pictures by Lance Miller

5AM- Sunrise Lava Tour Weather: Rainy Wind: East 5 Swell: flat Lava: Waikupanaha & Kupapa'u lava entries
Besides a bit of rain the trip was a hoot, with multiple lava flows entering the ocean at the Waikupanaha entry & a heavy lava tube continued poouring & exploding at the Kupapa'u flow.

May 13th, 2009 Lava Tour Boat Pictures

5AM- Sunrise Lava Tour Weather: Clear Wind: East 5 Swell: 2-4 Lava: Waikupanaha & Kupapa'u lava entries
Waikupanaha opened up this morning with a display of natural lava rivers flowing over the new bench. Spider like lava fingers broke out from the main lava flow & from areas where the lavas pressures finally gave way opening up fresh lava tubes. Our premiere lava tour to Hawaii Volcanoes National Parks remote coastline is the best lava viewing tour when lava is touching the sea hands down.

5PM- Sunset Lava Tour Weather: Clear Wind: East 15 Swell: 2-4 Lava: 2 lava flows entering the ocean
On the way to the flow a brief visit by our local spinner dolphins at Kehena got things started. Clear skies provided great views of our Hawaii Volcano Kilauea's tube structure including the top of the mountain where Halema`uma`u crater continues to smoke away. The viewing tonight was pread across a 100 yard area of the current bench. On the nort side a soild lava river flowed across a fresh black sand beach making for excellent Hawaii Volcano pictures & Video.

May 11th, 2009 Lava Tour Boat Pictures

5AM-Sunrise Lava Tour Weather: Clear Wind: East 5 Swell: 2-4 Lava: 2 lava flows entering the ocean
Happy Mothers day to all the Moms out there our ocean lava access allowed a view of lava most guests will never forget. We watched in awe as multiple lava rivers flowed off the 20ft bench into the sea from the Waikupanaha ocean lava entry. The Kupapa'u flow continued to erupt on the ocean showing views of littoral explosions & volcanic lava bombs floating red hot on the water. Anthor exciting Mothers Day Lava Ocean Adenture Tour.

May 10th, 2009 Lava Tour Boat Pictures

5AM-Sunrise Lava Tour Weather: Clear Wind: East 5 Swell: 2-4 Lava: 2 lava flows entering the ocean
Happy Mothers day to all the Moms out there our ocean lava access allowed a view of lava most guests will never forget. We watched in awe as multiple lava rivers flowed off the 20ft bench into the sea from the Waikupanaha ocean lava entry. The Kupapa'u flow continued to erupt on the ocean showing views of littoral explosions & volcanic lava bombs floating red hot on the water. An exciting Mothers Day Lava Ocean Adenture Tour.

8AM-Morning Lava Tour Weather: Clear Wind: East 10-15 kts Swell: 2-4 Lava: 2 lava ocean entries
With the sun warming the day & the water conditions prime our morning lava tour was a Hawaii ocean tour filled adventure. The sun lit lava coastline was perfect for getting rare coastline pictures of lava flows, black sand beaches, lava caves & marine life. Kilauea's lava ocean entries continue to form the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park coastline with beaches, sea arches, cracks, tephra, & other volcanic elements. The lava flow showed 2 main lava rivers at the Waikupanaha including a solid 20 ft oozing lava flow which provided the best lava viewing this morning. Both plume clouds extended toward the south west with rain & cinders falliing from the cloud, a dramatic lava image itself.

May 9th, 2009

5AM-Sunrise Lava Tour Weather: Clear Wind: East 5 kts Swell: 1-3 Lava: 2 lava flows entering the ocean
Our ocean access allowed a view of 6 lava tubes pouring into the sea from the Waikupanaha ocean lava entry. The Kupapa'u flow allowed views of littoral explosions & volcanic lava bombs that float until cooling. The best lava viewing one could ask for this morning accompanied by red hot lava, a match made in Hawaii.

May 8th, 2009

5AM-Sunrise Lava Tour Weather: Clear Wind: East 5 kts Swell: 1-2 Lava: 2 lava flows entering the oceanThe main flow of Waikupanaha was the show this morning spread across the bench with multiple rivers of lava to view. The Kupapa'u lava flow seems more eruptive then usual with a heavy plume over ther lava & regular steam explosions. The waters were calm & the lava tour group was fun, another great Hawaii Volcano Tour.

5PM-Sunset Lava Tour Weather: Clear Wind: East 10-15kts Swell: 2-3Lava: 2 lava flows entering the ocean
Well it looks as though the trade winds are back the waters were a bit bumpy tonight. The main flow of Waikupanaha has spead across the bench with lava flows oozing from a small lava bench pouring into the sea. Lava Bombs of all sizes were spotted floating, hissing & spouting like that of our winter mammals the Humpback Whales.

May 6, 2009 Boat Lava Tours, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Big Island Adventure Boat Tours
5AM-Sunrise Lava Tour Weather: Clear Wind: Trades Swell: 1-2Lava: 2 lava flows enter the ocean
The main flow of Waikupanaha has spead across the bench with multiple rivers of lava to view as lava pours into the sea. Today's Kupapa'u lava flow more eruptive then normal with a heavy plume over ther lava. A new Lava Flow was coming through Royal Gardens as of this morning. Great lava viewing today with clear skies & lots of lava.

May 3, 2009 Boat Lava Tours, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Big Island Adventure Boat Tours
5AM-Sunrise Lava Tour Weather: Clear Wind: Variable Swell: small south Lava: 2 lava flows enter the ocean
The main flow of Waikupanaha has joined back into one main river of lava with small red lava rivers flowing off the main vien as it pours into the sea. Today's Kupapa'u lava flow was exceptional, we watched lava rivers sometime 10 or more spill molten lava into the Pacific Ocean waters. Caught one beauitful Ono (Wahoo) while trolling on the way home from the ocean lava entry.

Lava Tour Video from April 2009 Hawaii HaVolcano Boat Tours


May 2, 2009 Boat Lava Tours, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Big Island Adventure Boat Tours
5AM-Sunrise Lava Tour Weather: Clear Wind: Variable Swell: small south Lava: 2 lava flows enter the ocean
Another outstanding sunrise volcano tour to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on our lava boat LavaKai. The Waikupanaha entrys 2 main lava flows have spread across the large bench. Ocean Windspouts, Volcanic Explosions, Sizzling Lava Bombs, Powerful Plume clouds, red lava rivers were all seen on this Kilauea volcano ocean adventure tour. The Kupapa'u still has one plume with high volume lava exploding violently. An unforgettable Lava Experience.


May 1, 2009 Boat Lava Tours, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Big Island Adventure Boat Tours
5AM-Sunset Lava Tour Weather: Clear Wind: Variable Swell: flat Lava: 2 lava ocean entries
What a fun family lava tour we had this evening highlighted with multiple Kilauea volcano lava ocean entrys. Both flows showed exciting displays with regular explosions & lava so close you could feel the heat as it entered the sea. This Private lava tour was filled with red hot lava at every turn. Both flows displayed the Big Islands red rivers flowing seemlessly into the sea a specticle for ever the most seasoned Hawaii Traveler. Come see Lava Today!


April 30, 2009 Boat Lava Tours, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Big Island Adventure Boat Tours
5AM-Sunrise Lava Tour Weather: Clear Wind: Variable Swell: flat Lava: 2 lava ocean entries
Our Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Lava Boat Adventures have been excellent lately with 2 major ocean entries. The Waikupanaha entry has split into to 2 main lava flows producing two separate plume clouds with lava viewing at either ocean entry. Windspouts, Explosions, Lava Bombs, Plume clouds, lava rivers were all seen during to. The bench at Waikupanaha now has 3 tiers created during our recent 5.1 & 4.0 earthquakes. The Kupapa'u lava ocean entry is still condensed into one major flow with littoral explosions & a lava splatter cone. Great facing Fridays lava tour. Frontal views of lava red hot were seen as the lava benches continue to build their way into the Pacific Ocean. An unforgettable Lava Ocean Adventure.

April 29, 2009 Lava Boat Tours, Kilauea Volcano Adventure, Group Lava Tours, Private Lava Tour

5PM- Sunset Lava Tour Weather: Clear Wind: onshore 5kts Swell: flat Lava: red hot coastline of fire
Another great Lava Ocean Adventure on tonight’s sunset lava tour highlighted by molten lava rivers & littoral explosions at both ocean entries. The Waikupanaha entry has spread across the new bench with 3 underwater pillow lava entries wit lava fingers flowing off to the sides of each. A Hawaii Volcanoes Lava Tour where you get to view the creation of earth.

April 28, 2009 Boat Lava Tours, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Big Island Adventure Boat Tours

5PM-Sunset Lava Tour Weather: Clear Wind: onshore 5kts Swell: flat Lava: red hot coastline of fire
Tonight’s sunset lava tour was highlighted by molten lava rivers & littoral explosions at both ocean entries. The Waikupanaha entry has spread across the new bench with 3 underwater pillow lava entries wit lava fingers flowing off to the sides of each.

5AM-Sunrise Lava Tour Weather: Clear Wind: Variable Swell: flat Lava: 2 lava ocean entries
Lava Rivers branch across the Waikupanaha bench this morning. 2 large plumes extended from the bench headed slightly inland. The Kupapa'u lava flow is building a cinder cone currently with loud littoral explosions. As a new day in Hawaii this lucky group lava tour experienced molten lava pour right in front of them.

April 27, 2009 Boat Lava Tours, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Big Island Adventure Boat Tours
5AM-Sunrise Lava Tour Weather: Clear Wind: Variable Swell: flat Lava: 2 lava ocean entries
This morning’s sunrise lava tour was another treat great water, excellent lava, & great passengers. The Waikupanaha entry has split into to 2 main lava flows producing two separate plume clouds. Large tornados like windspouts have been very regular from both lava entries. The bench at Waikupanaha now has 3 tiers created during our recent 5.1 & 4.0 earthquakes. The Kupapa'u lava ocean entry is still condensed into one major flow with littoral explosions & a lava splatter cone. Great facing frontal views of lava red hot were seen as the lava benches continue to build their way into the Pacific Ocean. An unforgettable Lava Ocean Adventure.

5PM-Sunset Lava Tour Weather: Clear Wind: Variable Swell: flat Lava: 20 lava fingers & 2 lava ocean entries
Tonight’s sunset volcano ocean adventure tour was a Hawaii Dream Tour. The Waikupanaha entry has split into a bench filled with lava drips oozing into the sea. Kilauea's ocean entry Kupapa'u continued to enter in one spot with high volume littoral explosions & is building a splatter cone.

April 26, 2009 Boat Lava Tours, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Big Island Adventure Boat Tours
5PM-Sunset Lava Tour Weather: Clear Wind: Variable Swell: flat Lava: 2 lava ocean entries
Tonight’s sunset lava tour was a treat great water, excellent lava, & great passengers. The Waikupanaha entry has split into to main lava flows producing two separate plume clouds. Large tornados like windspouts have been very regular. The Kupapa'u lava ocean entry is still condensed into one major flow with littoral explosions. Glimpses of red rivers were seen as the lava benches continue to build their way into the sea. . Lava Ocean Adventures is your source for East Hawaii Ocean Sports. Come experience a Lava Boat Tour, Hawaii Fishing on the Hilo Side, or a Private Ocean Charter.

April 25, 2009 Boat Lava Tours, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Big Island Adventure Boat Tours
5AM-Sunrise Boat Lava Tour Weather: Clear Wind: 8 mph NNW Swell: N 3ft Lava: Great lava viewing
The winds blew the large Waikupanaha plume creating a majestic eruption site this morning. The Kupapa'u lava ocean entry is still condensed into one major flow with promise to hang around. Glimpses of red rivers were seen as the lava benches continue to build their way into the sea. Lava Ocean Adventures is your source for East Hawaii Ocean Sports. Come experience a Lava Boat Tour, Hawaii Fishing on the Hilo Side, or a Private Ocean Charter.

April 23, 2009 Boat Lava Tours, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Big Island Adventure Boat Tours
5AM-Sunrise Volcano Tour Weather: Clear Wind: East 10kt Swell: N 3ft Lava: Great lava viewing
Our first glimpse of this mornings lava revealed the power of our steady ongoing Waikupanaha lava flow. This high volume eruption showed peeks of lava rivers & regular lava explosions sending molten lava into the air. The Kupapa'u lava ocean entry condensed into one major flow leaving a lava firehouse shooting into the Pacific Ocean. Our Kalapana Lava Tours take you to view the most active volcano lava flows by boat.

April 22, 2009 Boat Lava Tours, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Big Island Adventure Boat Tours
5AM-Sunrise Volcano Tour Weather: Clear Wind: East 10kt Swell: N 3ft Lava: Great lava viewing
After another Big Island earthquake the South side of the Waikupanaha bench collapsed a 40 yard wide by 150 yard long section. As of this morning we still had the two main lava ocean entries Waikupanaha and Kupapa`u. The Waikupanaha lava ocean entry was fairly clouded by the large plume from the high volume of lava entering the sea. The Kupapa'u lava flow continuesd to enter the sea in two spots. The south entry of Kupapa'u has a large plume & regular littorial explosions. The other sunrise lava flow oozed spreading across the fresh lava bench. Lava Tours with prime lava, wind & weather conditions. A Hawaii Sightseeing Volcano Boat Lava Tour.

April 20, 2009 Boat Lava Tours, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Big Island Adventure Boat Tours
5AM-Sunrise Volcano Tour Weather: Clear Wind: Variable Swell: flat Lava: Red Lava all day long
As of this morning we still had the two main lava ocean entries Waikupanaha and Kupapa`u. In addition there is a new lava flow break off that has lava flowing in multiple spots down large seacliffs. This mornings tour was filled prime lava, wind & weather conditions. The Kupapa'u flow was the highlight of our sunrise lava tour showing glimses of a fire hose lava flow approx. 8 ft across. Impressive plume cloud displays from 3 of the 4 flows. Somany rivers of lava you don't know where to focus it is lava over stimulation.

4PM-Photographer Private Lava Charter Weather: Clear Wind: Variable Swell: flat Lava: hot lava volcano tour
Tonights sunset lava tour was a photographers dream lava tour. 5 local professional photographers joined us for a private volcano boat tour. Our lava boat made quick time in route to Kilaueas ocean entry where 4 lava flows currently are entering the ocean. The new flow is very slow looks to be stopping for now. The other flows were equal volume to our sunrise lava tour.

April 19, 2009 Boat Lava Tours, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Big Island Adventure Boat Tours
5AM-Sunrise Volcano Tour Weather: Clear Wind: Variable Swell: flat Lava: guarenteed Red Hot Lava
As of this morning we still had the two main lava ocean entries Waikupanaha and Kupapa`u. In addition there is a new lava flow break off that is slower but more viewable due to less plume cloud. This mornings tour was filled with Merrie Monarch Halau members, Big Island vacationers, Big Island locals, & friends. Another great morning morning adventure with prime lava, wind & weather conditions. A Hawaii Volcano Sightseeing Tour to view active lava flow that your never forget.

April 17, 2009 Lava Tours Hawaii -
4:45AM-Sunrise Volcano Tour Weather: Clear Wind: E 10kt Swell: NW 2-3ft Lava: 4 lava ocean entrys Red Hot
Hawaii Volcano Kilauea continues to erupt into the sea at two locantions Waikupanaha and Kupapa`u. Lava is entering the ocean at 4spots. The Waikupanaha had a thich plume cloud along with violent explosions filled with sound. . The Kupapa'u lava flow is concentrated in two spots. The new flow further south is the current show though with lava flows scatterded about the coastline. Daily Lava Tours feature ocean upwellings, waterspouts, lava heated steam, rivers of lava, littorial explosions and erupting lava bombs.

April 12, 2009 Lava Tours Hawaii - Boat Lava Tour Photos
5AM-Sunrise Lava AdventureWeather: Clear Wind: E 5kt Swell: NW 3ft Lava: Red Hot
Waikupanaha and Kupapa`u lava flow ocean entries are entering the sea at 3 spots. The Waikupanaha 2 plumes this morning with lava rivers spliting across the bench, which has built up quite thich over the past week. The Kupapa'u backed off a bit & concentrated in two spots. The lava ocean upwellings, waterspouts, lava heated steam, rivers of lava, littorial explosions, and erupting lava bombs, are all reasons that this is one of Hawaii's most exciting tours.

April 11, 2009 Lava Tours Hawaii -
5AM-Easter Day lava trip Weather: Overcast Wind: E 5kt Swell: NW 3ft Lava: Red Hot
Waikupanaha and Kupapa`u lava flow ocean entries are entering the sea at 4 spots. The Waikupanaha had a large plume this morning with a single heavy volume lava river cascading into sea. Wheras the Kupapa'u continued to spread its was across the coast featuring lava ocean upwellings, waterspouts, lava heated steam, rivers of lava, and littorial explosions erupting lava bombs, a sight that has become common at this new lava ocean entry point.

4.07.09 Lava Tours Hawaii -
5AM-Waikupanaha and Kupapa`u lava flow ocean entries are entering the sea at multiple spots. The Waikupanaha entry showed us a glimpse into a giant bubbling river of lava 20meters wide with numerous fingers of lava breaking of the main river. The Kupapa`u ocean entry continued to be the better of the two for viewing due to less overall volume & the N NE winds. Today's highlight was quite possibly the 30-40 yards of lava drips, pours, & explosions spread across the newly created black sand beach. We even had a beautiful clear Puna Sunrise.

4.05.09-Hawaii Adventure Tours -
5AM-This morning finally the seas & wind backed off a bit allowing for a great Lava Ocean Adventure Tour. Opon arriving at the Waikupanaha and Kupapa`u ocean entries 3 radient lava flows spread across the Hawaii Vocanoes Nation Park coastline. The Waikupanaha lava flow showed explosive eruptions of lava bombs & a large plume cloud raining tephra cinders extended SE into the sea. The Kupapa'u continues to be the highlight of this Hawaii Volcano Tour. Multiple lava flows continue entering the sea spread across the lava bench, mainly concentrated into to major lava rivers with smaller finger lava flos on the sides of the main flow. If you're looking to get up close lava viewing then what are you wating for Hawaii's hottest Big Island Volcano Tour awaits you.

4.01.09-Hawaii Adventure Tours -
5AM-Waikupanaha and Kupapa`u ocean entries continue to flow into the sea. The Waikupanaha lava flow is still a high volume ocean entry with a large plume cloud. The Kupapa'u on the other hand is sight not to missed on your Hawaii Volcano Tour. Multiple lava flows continue entering the sea spread across the lava bench. A Big Island tour of active lava doesnt get any better.

3.27.09-Hawaii Adventure Tours -
5AM-Over the past couple days ocean conditions were a bit bumpy with an East Swell bombarding the coastline as lava continued to enter the sea at 2 points Waikupanaha and Kupapa`u. The Waikupanaha ocean entry is a singe large volume lava flow entry producing a large plume cloud with windspouts & acid rain. Kupapa`u on the other hand has mutiple fingers of lava spread across a 200 meter lava bench created over the past couple weeks. Due to the surf the new flows bench has already begun to grow vertically allowing us a front row seat to watch as lava makes its way into the sea. This new lava flow is exciting showing off many of our favorite ocean lava elements. A Lava Lovers delight.

3.22.08 -Hawaii Adventure Tours -
5AM- At the Kupapa'u ocean entry we expereinced a beautiful lava sunrise. Our guests sat in awe watching 25+ fingers of lava cascading down the 150ft sea cliffs onto the bench & into the sea. Along the 300 yard bench created in the past couple weeks lava spreads combined with north winds creating ultimate lava viewing. The Waikupanaha ocean entry continued with heavy volume, only briefly revealing the golden rushing river of lava behind the massive plume cloud. Sea conditions were fair with no rain. East winds 5 kt. Wind waves 4ft

03.15.09 Hawaii Adventure Tours -
We took 2 groups to our favorite Hawaii destination this morning. Each lava tour was filled with 250 meters of lava rivers flowing into the ocean, painting a lava masterpiece across the existing sea cliffs.

5AM Departure On the Sunrise Lava Tour we arrived while it was still dark. The heat & flow filled the guests with excitement along with a lava luau even the National Geographic Channel would appreciate. I counted as many as 15 fingers at one time, not including the 50 ft+ Sea Cliff flows dripping down the Seacliffs. Whoa! What can I say this is the best lava tour in Hawaii for a reason.
8AM Departure - The morning sunlight warmed up the beautiful Kalapana coastline during our brisk cruise to the Kilauea ocean entry. As we arrived at the lava flow so did the cloud cover, usually not a good thing but today it served us well allowing for crystal clear magma pouring, sizzling, exploding into the sea. Photographer Lava Jose joined us today, we agreed its Love at first sight again. A Hawaii Vacation Tour to Volcano Kilauea.

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