Mauna Loa Eruption Update & Photos
History Happening In Real-Time
Revised Update as of Dec. 13th, 2022: Mauna Loa AND Kilauea currently are NOT erupting and NO new lava is present.
Originally Published Dec. 6th, 2022
Mauna Loa has undoubtedly stolen the world’s attention this past week, with its first eruption in almost four decades. Known as the world’s largest and most active volcano, Mauna Loa has been relatively quiet since its last eruption in 1983, when the giant averaged about one eruption every 3 to 8 years. So while many were taken by surprise by its awakening, others have been anticipating this moment for much of their lives. Thankfully, no communities or structures are in harm’s way.
Residents of the Big Island have known something was up for months. You’d have to be pretty distracted not to notice the 20-70 small earthquakes per day…every day…for the past three months or so. These are all historically significant signs of imminent eruption. Even so, no one could believe their eyes when the red glow became visible at 11:30 PM on November 27, 2022…the eruption could be seen from most of the island. By daybreak, the world knew: Pele had awakened.
From the United States Geological Survey (USGS):
“At approximately 11:30 p.m. HST November 27, an eruption began in Moku‘āweoweo, the summit caldera of Mauna Loa, inside Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. The Northeast Rift Zone eruption of Mauna Loa has continued into its seventh full day. “
“Fissure 3 is generating a lava flow traveling to the north toward the Daniel K. Inouye Highway (Saddle Road) that has reached flatter ground and slowed down significantly over the past several days, as expected. As of 7 a.m. today, December 4, the flow front was about 2.3 mi (3.6 km) from the Daniel K. Inouye Highway (Saddle Road).”
USGS Releases Photos From Above
We hope you enjoy these images of the 2022 Mauna Loa eruption, used with permission from USGS/Civil Air Patrol.
An Update From Kona Coffee & Tea
We are truly grateful that at this moment no people, structures, or habitable areas have been affected. There are no signs that this will change. Our coffee is still growing strong at our family farm. Kona Coffee & Tea cafe is still open seven days a week, buzzing with locals and tourists alike, chatting about the historic event.
Both our farm and café are safe and in no danger, along with everyone on the entire island.
If you are on the island or are planning to be, we are excited to see you at Kona Coffee & Tea, and we remind you to please use the absolute utmost respect and courtesy when visiting the areas near Mauna Loa, Kilauea, and the other beautifully dangerous features of Hawai’i. An ever-evolving place, it surely is. We invite you to enjoy it respectfully.
More Information:
Mauna Loa webcam images: https://www.usgs.gov/volcanoes/mauna-loa/webcams
Mauna Loa photos/video: https://www.usgs.gov/volcanoes/mauna-loa/photo-and-video-chronology-mauna-loa
Mauna Loa maps: https://www.usgs.gov/volcanoes/mauna-loa/maps
Mauna Loa FAQs: https://www.usgs.gov/volcanoes/mauna-loa/frequently-asked-questions-about-mauna-loa-volcano
Don’t miss our thoughts on how volcanos affect agriculture and climate, our just-released Holiday Gift Guide, or browse the entire store.