Tag Archives: Volcano glow

Kīlauea: Hawaii’s Fiery Heartbeat

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Hawaii

Considering my affection for Hawaii and my fascination with Kilauea, I think this post is long overdue. I just wish I could be spending some time there to watch Pele dance.

Kilauea 2025 Eruption Episodes - Fire And Wonder | Hawaii ...

Kilauea photo from Internet

🌋 Kilauea: Hawaii’s Fiery Heartbeat

Nestled within the lush expanse of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, Kīlauea is more than just a geological marvel—it’s a living, breathing force that shapes the land, inspires awe, and commands deep respect. As one of the world’s most active volcanoes, Kilauea has been erupting intermittently since December 2024, continuing a legacy of fire that stretches back centuries.

 

Hawaii volcano produces tall lava fountaining in latest episode of Kilauea eruption | AP News

Photo AP news

🔥 A Volcano of Many Faces

  • Type: Shield volcano, known for its broad, gentle slopes and fluid lava flows.
  • Age: Formed underwater roughly 280,000 years ago.
  • Name Meaning: “Kilauea” translates to “spewing” or “much spreading” in Hawaiian—a fitting name for a volcano that has covered nearly 90% of its surface in lava over the past 1,000 years.
  • Summit Caldera: Kaluapele, home to Halemaʻumaʻu crater, is traditionally considered the dwelling place of Pelehonuamea, the Hawaiian goddess of volcanoes.

🌋 Eruption History & Recent Activity

Kīlauea’s eruptive history is both dramatic and transformative:

  • 1983–2018: A nearly continuous eruption along the East Rift Zone, centered at Puʻuʻōʻō and Kupaianaha vents.
  • 2018: A powerful eruption caused the collapse of Halemaʻumaʻu crater, expanding it dramatically and altering the summit landscape.
  • 2024–2025: A series of episodic eruptions have occurred within the summit caldera, including the recent Episode 29, which ended abruptly after 13 hours of lava fountaining that reached heights of up to 330 feet.
    Kilauea

    2017 Volcanic Vog

    Volcano Glow 2018 Photo credit Deb Neumann

    🌱 Creation and Destruction

    Kīlauea’s eruptions are typically nonexplosive, producing slow-moving lava that reshapes the land without the catastrophic blasts seen in other volcanoes. Yet its power is undeniable:

    • Halemaʻumaʻu Crater: Once home to a lava lake, it briefly held a water lake in 2019 before lava returned in 2020.
    • Cultural Significance: Native Hawaiians view Kilauea as sacred, a place where the goddess Pele manifests her creative force.

    🧪 Science Meets Spirit

    The U.S. Geological Survey and Hawaiian Volcano Observatory monitor Kilauea closely, using ground deformation, seismic activity, and gas emissions to predict eruptions. But beyond the data lies a deeper truth: Kilauea is a reminder of Earth’s raw power and the delicate balance between destruction and renewal.

    📸 A Glimpse into the Inferno

    Here are some stunning images of Kilauea in action:

    Kilauea Volcano Eruption Halemaʻumaʻu Crater Glow Lava Fountains

    🌍 Visiting Kilauea

    If you’re planning a trip to Hawaiʻi, Kilauea offers a rare chance to witness Earth’s inner workings. Trails, viewpoints, and educational exhibits within the national park provide safe and enriching ways to experience this volcanic wonder.

     

     

    Hawai'i - If you were approaching Hawaiʻi Volcanoes ...

 

 

It May Be Dark

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Volcano National Park in the Dark

It’s really dark in the park at night. Especially in the area of Thurston Lava Tube.  We’d wrapped up our meal at the Volcano Lodge and were back in the van headed into the park again. The rangers were all gone. Almost all of the tourists had headed back to their resorts. The park was empty.  It was only about 5 miles to the Lava Tube so we were there in a heartbeat.

Inside the lava tubeLike Jurassic Park

As we pulled  into the parking area for the lava tube the trees were still dripping from the rain. It was really dark. No street lights here. Zane handed out small flashlights but I decided to stay behind. I’ve been in the lava tube and it was really interesting but I went in daylight. It’s basically a cave so even in daylight it’s dark. I didn’t want to risk a misstep and hurt my back more in the pitch black. Besides our handicapped guest couldn’t go. I thought someone should stay with her. It was a creepy experience watching the flashlights and head lamps bob off into the darkness. It was fun to just imagine what the world was like when the dinos roamed.

 

 

 

From Darkness to Red Glow

When the group returned there were two people missing. Zane checked twice but we were missing our couple from India.  As Zane headed back into the darkness to find them others made Jurassic Park references. I guess I wasn’t the only one caught up in the mood. It wasn’t that long but it felt like forever as we sat in the van waiting. Finally we spotted 3 lights coming our way. Zane was a hero once again. With all of his little “ducks” back in the van we headed for our last stop …to see the Red Glow of the active Kilauea.

Lava Lake Glow

What a Finale!

We were back at the Jaggar museum overlook. The horizon was a fiery red. The steam clouds over the crater were glowing from the lava lake below. Nature’s own fireworks. Too soon it was back to the van for the long drive across the island. Zane said he expected everyone to fall asleep and he was right. I fought it but it had been a long day. It was a good day, a great tour but it was very tiring and the smooth drive was lulling. A video of the park was playing softly on the TV screens. One of the last things Zane said before I dozed off was “Why does everyone leave the park at dusk ? The best part of the park is at night.”

If You Go

If you go to the Big Island this is a great tour. (Kailani Tours Hawaii) But even if you don’t take the tour, the park is open 24 hours a day. Be sure to go at night and experience the GLOW. www.kailanitourshawaii.com

Volcano National Park is currently closed because Kilauea is being pretty feisty but I’m sure it won’t be closed forever.