Types of Volcano Hazards on the Island of Hawai`i

Waha`ula Visitor Center in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park burns from an advancing lava flow

The following types of volcanic hazards on the Island of Hawai`i are described in the online publication, Volcanic and Seismic Hazards on the Island of Hawai`i, revised and reprinted in 1997.

Lava flows

Lava flows are the most common volcanic hazard on Hawai`i and pose the greatest threat to property. For example, since 1983, lava erupted by Kilauea Volcano has covered 102 km² of land, claimed 181 houses, and closed the coastal highway as flows resurfaced 13 km of it with as much as 25 m of lava.

• Lava flows described in booklet, Volcanic and Seismic Hazards on the Island of Hawai`i.
• Overview, lava-flow hazards and effects

Explosive eruptions

Explosive eruptions are relatively rare but pose a serious threat to life when they do occur -- a large explosive eruption in 1790 A.D. killed more than 80 Hawaiian warriors marching across the summit area of the volcano.

• Fact sheet: Explosive Eruptions at Kilauea Volcano, Hawai`i?
• Explosive eruptions described in booklet, Volcanic and Seismic Hazards on the Island of Hawai`i.

Airborne lava fragments

Airborne lava fragments erupted by lava fountains pose a serious hazard only in the immediate vicinity of an erupting vent.

• Airborne lava fragments described in booklet, Volcanic and Seismic Hazards on the Island of Hawai`i.
• Fact sheet: Volcanic Ash--A "Hard Rain" of Abrasive Particles (PDF)

Sulfur dioxide gas

Sulfur dioxide gas, continuously emitted during Kilauea's current long-lived eruption, has resulted in persistent volcanic air pollution in areas of the island downwind of the eruption.

• Volcanic gases described in booklet, Volcanic and Seismic Hazards on the Island of Hawai`i.
• Fact sheet: Volcanic Air Pollution--A Hazard in Hawai`i
• Overview, volcanic gases and their effects

Ground cracks and settling

A lesser volcanic hazard is created by ground movement that occurs when molten rock moves underground; large cracks may appear across roads and other property, and subsidence can cause uneven settling of foundations.

• Ground cracks and settling described in booklet, Volcanic and Seismic Hazards on the Island of Hawai`i.