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Lava Eruption Spotted in Hawaii

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There are reports of a new volcanic eruption in eastern Hawaii, well east of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, south of Hilo. Image: Google
There are reports of a new volcanic eruption in eastern Hawaii, well east of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, south of Hilo. Image: Google




Updated 5:20pm:
A new lava flow is surfacing from a fissure in the Leilani Estates subdivision on Hawaii’s Big Island, roughly a 40 minute drive south from where Hilo Airport is, and less than 2 miles from the Lava Tree State Monument.

There are reports of a new volcanic eruption in eastern Hawaii, well east of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, south of Hilo. Image: Google
There are reports of a new volcanic eruption in eastern Hawaii, well east of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, south of Hilo. Image: Google

Puna resident Ikaika Marzo took to Facebook to show live video of smoke rising from  Mohala Street in Leilani Estates. Marzo also showed video of cracks expanding on area roads and through people’s yards, including showing cracks expanding around one person’s home in the community. Marzo is warning people to get out; “Lava is coming out of the ground! Ash is in the air!”  “We are trying to get all of these people out of here,” Marzo said in a FacebookLive.


Marzo is a local expert that took a Weatherboy meteorologist out to see an ocean entry of a lava flow from this volcano last spring. 

Hawaii County Civil Defense has confirmed the flow. They issued this alert at 5pm:

Due to the eruption, the following are issued:

  • A mandatory evacuation is now in effect for residents in Leilani Estates Subdivision located from Luana Street down to Mohala Street including the lower end of Leilani Avenue to the end of the subdivision to Pohoiki Road.
  • The Pahoa Regional Community Center near the new Pahoa Regional Park is open for shelter. 
  • Residents evacuating should ensure to bring your emergency evacuation supply kit including necessary medicine, food, and necessary items for your comfort if possible.
  • The intersection at Highway 132 and Pohoiki Road is now closed to allow evacuation efforts to proceed.
  • Puna Geothermal Venture is executing their emergency plan and starting to shut down operations at their time.
  • Call Civil Defense at (808) 935-0031 for emergency needs you may have.

Hawaii County Civil Defense, Police, Fire and partners continue to assist evacuation efforts and monitor the situation. You will be informed of any conditions that affect your safety.

This is a developing story.