Mahalo to Gavin Blackwell for sharing this incredible Big Island shot for Aloha Friday Photos. At first glance, you might just think that there’s a peachy-colored cloud in the sky, but when you look closer you see that it’s not a cloud at all. What you see here is the result of a volcano eruption! It’s a towering plume of volcanic ash and gas.
Gavin took this photo on December 2, 2022 by the Kings’ Shops at Waikoloa Beach Resort during the eruption of Mauna Loa. He said, “Drove up there on November 28th and got to see Pele’s hair on the highway at night. It was a once in a lifetime event!” Indeed, this must have made Gavin’s vacation extra special.
The 2022 Mauna Loa eruption started on November 27 and finished December 10. It’s been the one and only eruption of Mauna Loa since 1984. Mauna Loa is an active volcano, though no eruptions are anticipated at the moment per USGS reports.
The 2022 Mauna Lao eruption was quite dramatic with lava fissure fountains and flows that extended 12 miles (9 kilometer) from the vents. Lava came within 1.7 miles of Daniel K. Inouye Highway, also known as Saddle Road.
Though Mauna Loa is probably not going to erupt in the coming days, Kilauea is! Actually, Kilauea has been spattering lava within Halemaumau Crater and the USGS anticipates another lava fountain episode, the 38th, will likely occur between December 6 and 9. You can check in on the USGS video livestreams to see what’s currently happening with Kilauea. While awaiting a fountain episode, my favorite view is the V1 cam which tends to show a closer view of activity.
Happy Aloha Friday!
Sheila Beal
