New lava flows at Kilauea Volcano

July 24th, 2007

Filed Under Current Events, Hawaii Activities |

It’s not unusual to hear of Kilauea Volcano lava flows because it’s been erupting continuously since January 1983. However, when a lava flow opens up in a new area, then it makes the news. Over the weekend, a fissure opened up just east of Pu’u O’o vent. While this fissure is only producing spatterings a few feet in the air in comparison to the fountains in the beginning of the eruption in the 80’s a few hundred feet in the air, it’s still an exciting thing to hear about. Pele, the volcano goddess, is always keeping the people of the Big Island on their toes.

This picture was taken in 2001 outside of park grounds when the lava was flowing closer to Royal Gardens.

I don’t encourage you to take shots or adventures in lava hunting outside of park grounds as it is not regularly patrolled and if you get into trouble you’ve only got yourself to save your bacon. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park goes to great lengths to safely get you close to the action. Before going to the park, you might want to read up on Viewing Lava Safely. This pdf is a great resource and should be printed off if you plan on making a trip to see the volcano in person.