The world’s largest active volcano in Hawaii is showing signs it could erupt for the first time in nearly four decades.
Mauna Loa, located at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park above Big Island is currently in a state of extreme unrest, according to the Hawaii Volcano Observatory. That’s the level the 14,000-foot-tall volcano entered on September 22 after scientists began tracking a growing number of earthquakes on the mountain.
Although geologists do not believe that an eruption is imminent, an eruption is certainly possible. This will be the first time at Mauna Loa in 38 years.
“All eyes are on Mauna Loa,” Hawaii Volcanoes National Park spokeswoman Jessica Ferracane told TPG in an interview Friday.
The massive volcano’s unrest prompted the National Park Service to close some areas of the park and reiterate safety procedures – both for those planning to visit the national park icons and people drawn to the park because of the possibility of an eruption.
“That attracts a lot of people,” Ferrancane said. “Part of our mission is to provide safe access to an active volcano.”
At the same time, there are serious safety precautions to keep in mind. The Kilauea eruptions in 2018 – also in the Volcanoes National Park – caused havoc in parts of the Big Island, destroying homes and forcing evacuations, caused parts of the park to be closed for months.
With that in mind, there are a few things to know, whether you’re considering a trip to Hawaii or already planning.
Unrest grows on Mauna Loa
Considering Mauna Loa is the largest active volcano on the planet and covers a significant portion of Hawaii’s Big Island, there are certainly safety concerns for residents and visitors as well as a potentially massive eruption. can cause.
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After Mauna Loa began showing signs of a possible eruption late last month, the National Park Service took steps to keep visitors away from potentially at-risk areas. tallest.
Hikers can no longer reach the top of the volcano and the trails that lead to the summit are no longer accessible. This is a temporary, albeit indefinite, closure. The now-closed area is usually only accessed by committed hikers and campers who really want to see the volcano up close.
Park officials have taken this step as a precaution; If conditions change, Ferrancane said, “Getting to the people who might be up there will take a lot of time.”
After all, nearly 14,000 feet – the height of the mountain’s peak – is higher than many helicopters can reach, even without taking into account the additional challenges that an eruption can cause.
However, despite this precaution, the Hawaii Volcano Observatory did not sound the alarm of any immediate danger.
The observatory said that while scientists have tracked between 40 and 50 earthquakes that occur late daily – likely triggered by magma – it remains unclear whether an eruption is possible or not. are not.
The last eruption took place in 1984, and there have been 32 others since the volcano’s first well-documented eruption in 1843.
The park’s activities are almost normal
Although the summit of Mauna Loa is temporarily closed, activities at the park are continuing for visitors who want to see all it has to offer.
At 350,000 acres, the vast park and its most visited parts are open. “You can have a safe visit, starting today,” Ferrancane said.
In fact, it was quite an incredible visit there.
After all, the park is not only the home of Mauna Loa, but also Kilauea, where has erupted since September 2021.
There are all kinds of viewpoints and other observation points to view the lava lake and eruption in Kilauea.
As of August, that lava lake was 282 acres, according to the park’s website, although much of the lake was already scaled.
Eruptions mean more visitors
For many visitors who want to see the most the breathtaking sights that a volcano can create, the eruption is really motivating and encouraging to visit the park. For example, when the lava lake in Kilauea rose, the park’s website said.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is open 24 hours a day, but keep in mind that many visitors like to show up between 5pm and 9pm to see the lava at night – so it can get quite crowded casting.
Park officials acknowledge increased seismic activity – and a potential eruption – on Mauna Loa could mean more visitors, especially if eruptions are taking place on both peaks. mountain.
Safe to visit
There are many unknowns when it comes to a potential Mauna Loa eruption. Its effect on the surrounding roads, houses and communities – not to mention the park – remains a mystery. So is any kind of time.
For example, the most recent eruption on Kilauea is one that visitors can safely watch. But the volcano’s previous eruption in 2018 caused damage to hundreds of homes.
Mauna Loa, on the other hand, has a much steeper slope that can lead to lava flowing to more populated areas. However, it is not yet clear whether that will happen.
“It really, really depends,” Ferrancane said. “An eruption at Mona Loa might only affect Mona Loa and not the Kilauea… but it could.”
For that reason, there are two general tips she shares for visitors: Check the park’s website for the latest warnings and conditions before you arrive, and stay away from closed areas when you arrive. there.
The National Park Service further warns that conditions can change at any time while you’re in the park, and that gases from active volcanoes can be dangerous for people with respiratory illnesses.
See the safe volcano as the goal
While a more destructive eruption could result in a larger swath of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park being closed, that is certainly not hope.
“We do our best to keep the park open,” Ferrancane said.
As a geologist studies the latest tremors from the world’s largest active volcano, you should – for now at least – be able to safely visit the park, as long as you check the latest updates and visit only those areas open to the public.
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