We invite you to the following programs:

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University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo    •    7:00 p.m.

• Room 100, University Classroom Building (Bldg 301)  •  Main Campus
• Directions:  http://www.hilo.hawaii.edu/uhh/maps.php

Thursday, January 12

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Tracking active faults and ground deformation south of Kīlauea caldera with the UH-Hilo Geology Department: The Koa‘e fault system connects Kīlauea’s East and Southwest Rift Zones south of the caldera. Faults here appear as low cliffs, or “scarps” along Hilina Pali Road in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park and the area provides an important long-term record of Kīlauea south flank motion. These fault slip during major earthquakes, such as those of May 4, 2018—near the beginning of Kīlauea’s 2018 eruption. Join University of Hawai‘i at Hilo (UHH) geology professor Steve Lundblad as he describes how geology students track ground movements in the Koa‘e fault system, measuring active faults and tracking magmatic intrusions. On-the-ground measurements complement USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geodetic instruments to keep track of this active part of the Kīlauea volcano.

Thursday, January 19 

Tracking magma changes through time: 2022 Mauna Loa versus 2018 Kīlauea: After 38 years of relative quiet, Mauna Loa erupted on November 27, 2022. The eruption began in Moku‘āweoweo, the summit caldera, and within a day had migrated to the Northest Rift Zone, where large lava flows began moving down the slope of the volcano to the north. USGS Hawaiian Volcano observatory geologists collected samples of the lava and brought them to the rapid response lab at the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo (UHH), where changes in the chemistry and crystals were tracked as the eruption progressed. Join UHH geology professor Cheryl Gansecki as she describes what we learned about the magma feeding this eruption and why was it so different from what we saw from Kīlauea in 2018.

ADIP (After Dark in the Park) Programs    •    7:00 p.m.

• Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium  •   Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park
• Directions:  http://www.nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/directions.htm
• Park entrance fees may apply.

Tuesday, January 24

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Insights from Mauna Loa's first eruption in nearly 40 years: After 38 years of quiesence, Mauna Loa erupted from November 27 through December 10, 2022. The eruption began in the summit caldera and within a day had migrated to the Northeast Rift Zone. Lava flows moved downslope on the northeast flank but eventually stalled before impacting a major highway. Join Matt Patrick and Mike Zoeller, geologists with the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, as they describe this historic eruption and what we’ve learned from it.

Tuesday, January 31

Changes at the summit of Kīlauea since the 2018 caldera collapse: In 2018, the lava lake within Halemaʻumaʻu crater drained and the caldera floor dropped by more than 1,600 feet (500 m). There has been a variety of activity within Halemaʻumaʻu since then. The first-ever documented water lake filled the bottom of the crater starting in summer 2019. It reached approximately 160 feet (50 m) deep before Kīlauea started erupting again in December 2020. This eruption continued until May 2021. Kilauea was again quiet for about three months before it burst to life in September 2021. That eruption continued until December 2022. USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory Geologist Drew Downs recounts these events and how the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory continues to monitor activity at this extraordinary volcano.

Hawaiian Ocean View Estates    •   January 14, 1–3 p.m.

• Ocean View Community Center  •  92-8924 Leilani Circle, Ocean View
• Directions:  https://www.ovcahi.org/

Saturday, January 14

Talk story about Mauna Loa: Join USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory and County of Hawai‘i Civil Defense Agency staff for an “open house” style event during which you can talk view informative displays about Mauna Loa volcano and talk story with scientists and public safety officials. Get answers to frequently asked questions and ask your questions.

West Hawai‘i Civic Center    •    January 17, 6:00 p.m.

• Council Chambers  •  74-5044 Ane Keohokalole HWY, Kailua-Kona
• Directions:  https://www.hawaiicounty.gov/Home/Components/FacilityDirectory/FacilityDirectory/6/34

Tuesday, January 17

Living with volcanic hazards in Kona: Kona residents live on an active volcano (Hualālai or Mauna Loa), and are downwind of several active volcanoes (Kīlauea, Mauna Loa, and Hualālai). Natalia Deligne, USGS Hawaiian Volcanic Observatory geologist, talks about past eruptions from Hualālai and Mauna Loa that sent lava flows through parts of Kona, and the 1929 earthquake swarm at Hualālai volcano. Learn about how you and your ʻohana can prepare for eruptions and volcanic unrest in Kona, and other hazards you may face from more distant eruptions, such as vog.

Nā Leo   •    January 18, 6:00 p.m.

• Hilo Nā Leo Studio •  91 Mohouli St., Hilo
• Directions: https://naleo.tv/ (bottom of page)

Wednesday, January 18

Mauna Loa 2022 eruption and response: Tune in virtually or in-person for this talk on the recent eruption of Mauna Loa. USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory Scientist-in-Charge Ken Hon and County of Hawai‘i Civil Defense Agency Administrator Talmadge Magno discuss the unrest leading to the eruption and describe how the eruption and response unfolded. What are the important takeaways for Island of Hawai‘i residents? Learn how you and your ʻohana can prepare for eruptions and volcanic unrest, and other hazards you may face from eruptions. Seating for this event is limited; if you would like to attend this event in person, please email askHVO@usgs.gov. This event will be recorded and available for later viewing.

Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historic Park • January 26, 6:00 p.m.

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• Amphitheater •  State HWY 160, Hōnaunau
• Directions: https://www.nps.gov/puho/planyourvisit/maps.htm
• Park entrance fees may apply.

Thursday, January 26

Mauna Loa 2022 eruption insights and staying prepared: Join USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologist Frank Trusdell as he describes this historic 2022 eruption of Mauna Loa and what we've learned from it. The eruption was the first in 38 years and the first to be monitored with modern instruments. The eruption followed previous eruption patterns, beginning in the summit caldera and migrating to a rift zone. Learn what this eruption has taught us about Mauna Loa and how it can help us better prepare for the next eruption of Mauna Loa.

Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park Hike    •    10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

• Led by USGS-HVO scientist 
• Hikes are free, but National Park entrance fees may apply.

Sunday, January 22

Hike back in time to the 1969-74 Maunaulu eruption: USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologist Carolyn Parcheta leads a two-hour guided walk along the fissure that stared the Maunaulu eruption on May 24, 1969. Lava continued to erupt over the next five years, making it the longest observed effusive rift eruption of the time. The eruption ultimately built a lava shield, Maunaulu (“growing mountain”), a prominent landmark on Kīlauea volcano’s East Rift Zone. It also sent lava flows to the coast and allowed for detailed observations of eruption processes. During the walk, Carolyn will describe how fissures form, how lava fountains erupt, how these eruptions create the environments you see and why some lava drained back into the ground. Bring sun protection, rain gear, day pack, snacks and water. Meet at the Maunaulu parking lot before the 10:00 a.m. or 2:00 p.m. start time.

• Start time: 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. 
• Start/end location: Maunaulu parking lot on Chain of Craters Road in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park (Map: https://www.nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/upload/HAVO-Unigrid-Brochure-2019.jpg) 
• Amenities: vault toilet at the parking lot; no running water 
• Walking distance: 1 mile (1.6 km) round-trip 
• Estimated duration: 2 hours 
• Walk rating: easy, but crosses loose, gravel-like lava fragments and rough, uneven surfaces 
• For your safety: wear sturdy closed-toe walking shoes; bring protective gear for sun and rain; bring drinking water 
• More info: to explore the Mauna Ulu trail after this guided walk, download the NPS “Mauna Ulu Eruption Guide” at https://www.nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/upload/mauna_ulu_trail_guide.pdf.

Hope to see you at these 2023 Volcano Awareness Month presentations!

Questions? Email askHVO@usgs.gov

Thank you!