Madam
Pele sure is busy! A new eruption within a different volcano, Mauna Loa, began
around 11:30 PM in Sunday November 27th for the first time in 38 years! The
eruption began in
Moku‘āweoweo, the summit caldera of Mauna Loa, inside Hawai‘i Volcanoes
National Park.
This
means there are currently TWO eruptions on Hawaii Island in TWO different
Volcanoes! One eruption is Mauna Loa and a significantly
smaller one is Halema’uma’u crater on the Kilauea summit caldera.
As of
an hour ago, Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) confirms that lava has exited
Mauna Loa summit and can be seen in two lobes on the northeast flank and the
northern flank. Currently, the lava is not flowing toward
populated areas and does not pose a threat to any communities. It is headed towards saddle road which is a
main throughfare for Hawaii Island residents and tourists alike to go from one
side of the island to the other. It is
currently open, but that could change at any time. The Mauna Loa access road
off Daniel Inoye highway is currently closed to traffic with police posted to keep
looky-loos out.
What does this mean for
current and future guests? Right now, nothing. We are in a hurry up and wait and see just
like everyone else. What may happen in two
hours to two days is uncertain. We will
update on any road closures as we know about them, but otherwise it is mostly
business as usual here. I am told you
can see the glow from the lava advancing down Mauna Loa from inside Hawaii
Volcanoes National Park, but I am going to check that out myself before I
confirm more.
The
National Weather Service has issued an Ashfall Advisory for all districts of
Hawaiʻi Island through today. Trace amounts of ashfall and volcanic gas is
expected. People with respiratory illness should remain indoors. If you must go
outdoors, use face coverings to prevent inhaling ash particles.
Stay Tuned!
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