Tag Archives: Volcano

Haleakalā: The Mountain That Stole My Heart

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View from the summit of Haleakalā volcano on Maui showing reddish‑brown cinder cones and rugged volcanic terrain under a clear blue sky, with drifting clouds nestled among the crater slopes.”

A Trip Back in Time

I’ve been deep in my Hawaii Photo Tagging project, reliving a trip from November–December 2016 with my sister and cousin. Spending time immersed in those photos is like stepping into a time machine. It feels like yesterday… until I remember that 2016 was ten years ago. Ten! Impossible, yet here we are.

So what I’m about to share may be “outdated,” but it’s still absolutely fresh in my mind. Today, we’re talking volcanoes — specifically a mature, stately mountain, not that fiery upstart Kilauea. Those stories will have their own day.

Meeting the Giant “View from the summit of Haleakalā volcano on Maui showing rugged volcanic slopes and dark rocky terrain above a vast layer of white clouds under a deep blue sky.”

First of all, Haleakalā is majestic. This isn’t a cute little cone volcano. It’s a full‑fledged shield volcano. Officially, Haleakalā rises 10,023 feet from sea level to summit, but in truth it’s closer to 30,000 feet from its base on the ocean floor. You don’t grasp its size until you reach the summit, look out over a layer of clouds, and realize you’re standing above them.

Topographic map showing a winding mountain hiking route with labeled waypoints including Lava Tower, Barranco, Karanga, Barafu, and Uhuru Peak.”

Driving up is an adventure in itself. The road zigs, zags, and switchbacks so you’re never heading straight up. You get glimpses of the valley as the road twists, but honestly? I was driving, and those hairpin turns encourage you to keep your eyes firmly on the pavement. Add in the bicyclists — yes, the pedal kind — who pay good money to huff and puff their way to the top. I guess the exhilarating ride back down makes it worth it.

House of the Sun

Haleakalā means House of the Sun in Hawaiian, and since the 1800s it’s been a tradition to visit the summit at sunrise. I’ve never done it. Between jet lag and the 3 a.m. start time, I’ve always passed. It’s become so popular that the National Park Service now requires reservations for sunrise viewing.

“Silhouetted group of people watching a dramatic sunrise above a glowing cloud layer, with golden and orange light illuminating the sky.”

 

Dormant, Not Dead

Haleakalā isn’t about to erupt under your feet. It’s considered dormant, not extinct — meaning it could erupt again someday. The last eruption, as best anyone can tell, was between 1750 and 1790. Not long ago in geological terms, but long enough for me to feel perfectly safe wandering around.

“Rugged volcanic landscape with reddish-brown slopes and rocky formations beneath tall peaks partially covered by drifting clouds under a bright blue sky.”The Summit That Captured My Heart

The summit is home to the Haleakalā High Altitude Observatory, built there for the purity and clarity of the air. I didn’t climb up to see the observatory. I was too mesmerized by the landscape.

Haleakalā has more of a moonscape than a landscape. Plants are few and far between, and the browns, reds, and blacks paint a surreal, velvety picture. My mind knows it’s sand, dirt, and ash — but it looks soft enough to touch. I imagine a giant hand reaching out to stroke the terrain.

It’s not waves, water, surfers, or sunny brilliance. It’s moody. Dramatic. Dark. Dotted with cinder cones and caldera cliffs. I don’t know why I love it, but I do.

A Rare Treasure: The Haleakalā Silversword “Two tall flowering stalks with clusters of small blossoms rising from spiky silver-green leaves, growing among dark rocks with a stone wall and railing in the background under a clear blue sky.”

While you’re wandering around the summit, keep an eye out for the Haleakalā Silversword. These plants are found only here — nowhere else on Earth. They flower once in their lifetime, sending up a spectacular, towering bloom, and then die soon afterward, scattering their seeds to the wind. If you’re lucky, you might catch one in bloom during your visit. It’s a sight you won’t forget.

Step Into Another World

So next time you’re on Maui, skip the beach for one day. Make that twisty drive up the mountain. Stand above the clouds. Let Haleakalā wrap you in its quiet, otherworldly beauty.

It’s worth every mile.

“Rugged volcanic crater landscape with rocky terrain in the foreground and tall peaks rising above drifting clouds under a bright blue sky.”

When Pele Sends a Birthday Card: Turning 75 With a Bang

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Three-Quarters of a Century… Already?

Thank you to everyone who showered me with birthday wishes. Somehow, I’ve managed to make it to the three‑quarter‑century mark. Seventy‑five. It looks ancient on paper, but honestly? Other than a few arthritic grumbles, I feel pretty darn good for an “old babe.”

What really gets me every year is how many people take the time to reach out. For 364 days, I wander around thinking I’m just living my quiet little life. Then my birthday rolls in—usually accompanied by a nor’easter—and suddenly my inbox explodes like I’m George Bailey in It’s a Wonderful Life. I never realize how many lives I’ve brushed up against until that one day when everyone pops out of the woodwork. It’s humbling, heartwarming, and a little overwhelming in the best way.

Enter Hawaii, Stage Left

KilaueaThis year, even Hawaii decided to join the celebration. And if you’ve been following this space for any length of time, you already know I can wax poetic about Hawaii until someone gently pries the keyboard from my hands. Especially when it comes to my favorite diva of the Pacific: Kilauea.

My very first trip to the islands was to the Big Island, and I spent a full day exploring Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. I drove Chain of Craters Road, peered into the caldera from Volcano House, and saw my first plume of vog where lava met the sea. Kilauea was quiet that trip—too quiet—but I was hooked. I wanted to see an eruption with my own eyes.

Chasing the Elusive Eruption

Since then, I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve returned to Hawaii. Oahu? Check. Pearl Harbor? Absolutely. Maui? More times than I can count. The Big Island? A repeat favorite. Kauai? Not yet—but hey, I may be 75, but I’m not done adventuring.

Volcanoes National Park is always on my itinerary, and I’ve had some close calls. One year, Kilauea started huffing and puffing while I was on a park tour. Rangers and visitors lined up at the observatory, watching the lava lake glow as darkness fell. Little fountains teased us from the caldera. The excitement was electric.

Lava Lake Glow

And then—because this is my life—nothing big happened. My tour bus rolled away, Kilauea still grumbling but holding back. The next day, I flew home… and she blew her top while I was somewhere over the Pacific. I watched the eruption on the news, muttering “Really?” at the screen.

A Fiery Birthday Gift

Which brings me to this year. My birthday. My big 75. And what does Pele do? She sends me a present.

Episode 42 of Kilauea’s eruption began at 1:50 p.m. HST—on my birthday. High lava fountains shot into the sky, with bursts reaching 1,000 to 1,200 feet from the north vent and 800 to 1,000 feet from the south vent. A full‑blown, fiery celebration in my honor.

I may not have been there in person, but it’s the thought that counts. And honestly? As birthday surprises go, a volcanic eruption is hard to top.

What a spectacular way to kick off my next lap around the sun.

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 ...

 

 

My Life is Ruled by Tiny Furry Overlords

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My Furry Overlords

My cats are weird, You probably remember

they are named Banner (Orange cat) and Balboa ( Black Cat)

Banner & Balboa, Furry Overlords

 

They are much more dependent on me than I expected. Maybe because I adopted both as kittens they learned to rely on me for fun and play. They can’t seem to amuse themselves at all and worse, they hate when I am busy doing anything that does not include them! I have time for this post only because they are both sleeping right now

Last night I had to attend a condo meeting. It ran from 7 pm to close to 9pm. I don’t go out much at night but I was quite surprised to have both tiny terrors frantically running around my feet when I came in. Day trips for shopping and errands are hardly noticed I guess they don’t like being alone when its dark.

Banner hates to go to bed. He will be a quiet little gentleman all day but the minute I get in bed he starts to sing the song of his people…loudly. I have to get up and hold him, pet him and cuddle him or he doesn’t calm down. Balboa just wants to sleep with me. After frantically making biscuits on me for an hour. Is it any wonder I’m always tired?

 

 

Aside from keeping my “masters” Happy and content I’ve been following the news about Kilauea. 

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

AP News-Kilauea Eruption

Photo from FB feed

 

She’s putting on quite the show these days. I wish I could take a trip to Hawaii to see it in person but I’m not sure I’d want to fly anywhere even if I could justify the expense. Seems like there is a plane crash or incident every week!   

Well Balboa just got up and per usual he is trying to climb my leg. Man that hurts. Its amazing that he doesn’t draw blood! That means my writing time is over. so until I get another break, adios! 

 

Hello Hawaii

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Yes, I did Make it to Hawaii

Hi Surf off Kona CoastI’m sure you are wondering if I made it to Hawaii back in October. After all, the plan was to get back to see the Kilauea eruption and take the boat tour to see the lava flowing into the sea. Even with my bad hip I was determined. Sadly, Kilauea had other ideas. She has never been terribly cooperative with me. When I left in March the BIG Eruption was just sending out feelers. A week later ba-boom one of the largest eruptions in Kilauea’s history was wreaking havoc on the Big Island. Volcano National Park was closed and whole developments were being wiped off the map. There were earthquakes and Lava bombs and I was safely back on the mainland!

Its still ParadiseParasailing off Kona

By the time I was able to return to the Big Island the eruption had ended. It slowed down and died the end of September so I was too late. Once again I stayed on the Kona side of the island. It was paradise as usual. Since my plans had been derailed I spend a couple of days just enjoying the island ambiance. Finally I kicked myself into gear. My first adventure was to tour Volcano National Park and see what had changed.

 

 

 

To the Park

Crater Road collapse

 

At first glance it didn’t seem that much different to a casual observer. There was the crater, the steam vents were still steaming but some roads were closed. With a closer look it was obvious the crater was much larger. Then I saw a bit of road half way down into the crater. I was on that road in March! Kilauea will erupt again someday. Will it be in my lifetime? No one knows. But for now there’s no lava flowing into the ocean, no bubbling lava lakes and no night glow in the park. Pele has gone to sleep. 

Volcano National Park

The park is open again and even without the bubbling caldera the park is still worth a visit. Be sure you include a stop on your next trip to the Big Island. Enjoy a nice lunch at the Volcano House while staring at the crater.