Natural Hazards Big Island

Volcano Hazards Gallery

Kīlauea and Maunaloa are both active volcanoes. Lava flows from these volcanoes originate at the summits and rift zones, and flow downhill. In 1960, the East Rift Zone of Kīlauea erupted adjacent to the town of Kapoho, wiping out virtually the entire town. Fred Rackle filmed the eruption.

photo of Kapoho from an airplaneKapoho, 1960 eruption.

Fred RackleFred Rackle, who filmed the event.

In 2018, the East Rift Zone of Kīlauea again erupted, this time starting in the Leilani Estates subdivision, and consumed many families’ homes in the region.

Volcano Photos

Lava advances upon a school builing in KapohoIn 1960, an eruption at Kapoho destroyed the village, including the school. (Photo copyright USGS)

Lava from 1950 Maunaloa eruption pouring into the oceanIn 1950, Maunaloa sent three branches of lava down the west side of the island; buildings and a small village were destroyed but no one was injured. (Photo copyright USGS)

Glow from Maunaloa eruption on the outskirts of HiloIn 1984, Maunaloa erupted, and lava flows came within six kilometers of Hilo's city limits. (Photo copyright USGS)

Fountaining fissure documentation at the 2018 Kīlauea eruptionA USGS scientist in the Lower East Rift Zone documents the spectacular ~50 meter tall fissure 7 lava fountain to the east which had lit up the sky in a red hue in the 2018 Kīlauea eruption. (Credit: Brett Walker, USGS)

Aerial view of Kīlauea lava flow crossing Pohoiki road.View of the Kīlauea lava flow that crossed Pohoiki Road on May 28, 2018; the flow originated from fissure 8. This photo was taken at about 1:45 p.m. HST. (Credit: USGS)

Lava fountaining from 2018 Leilani eruptionPāhoehoe lava advancing west from fissure 7 (lava fountain in background) on Leilani Avenue in the 2018 Kīlauea eruption, with lava fountains reaching 50 to 60 m (164 to 197 ft) high. (Credit: USGS)

Aerial view of the Lower East Rift Zone fissure complex looking toward the southwest (uprift)View of the Kīlauea Lower East Rift Zone fissure complex looking toward the southwest (uprift) during a May 28, 2018 overflight at about 1:15 p.m. HST. The small lava flows spreading to the southeast from the fissure complex (lower middle) originate in the area of between fissures 16 and 18. The channelized lava flow in upper left originates from fissure 22. (Credit: USGS)

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