Volcanoes on or near the Hawaiian Islands (26)

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Hawai'i (Big Island) (5 volcanoes)

Hualalai | Kilauea | Loihi | Mauna Kea | Maunaloa

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Significant volcanic eruptions: Hawaiian Islands

In historic times, at least 4 volcanoes have been active in Hawaiian Islands, including Kilauea, Maunaloa, and Loihi volcanoes. A total of 113 eruptions have been witnessed and documented since 1750.
The table below lists the most recent volcanic eruptions, significant eruptive episodes or related events in Hawaiian Islands since 1900.

Date	Volcano	VEI	Region	Deaths	Damage
2024 Dec 23 - ongoing	Kilauea Halema'uma'u Crater	?	Hawai'i			Info
Many short-lived lava fountain episodes from Halema'uma'u crater, producing lava flows that cover the crater floor with flash floods of new lava
2024 Sep 15 - Sep 20	Kilauea Napau Crater	?	Hawai'i
2024 Jun 3	Kilauea Southwest Rift Zone	?	Hawai'i
2021 Sep 29 - 2023 Sep 16	Kilauea Halema`uma`u Crater.	0	Hawai'i
2022 Nov 27 - Dec 10	Maunaloa Moku‘aweoweo, Northeast Rift Zone	0	Big Island, Hawai'i
2020 Dec 20 - 2021 May 23	Kilauea	0	Hawai'i
1983 Jan 3 - 2018 Sep 5	Kilauea East rift zone (Puu O'o), Halemaumau	3	Hawai'i			Info
The Pu'u' 'O'o eruption from 1983-2018 with a duration of 35 years was one of the longest historic volcanic eruptions ever observed.
2018 Jul 16 (eruption 1983 Jan 3 - 2018 Sep 5)	Kilauea	0	Hawai'i		light	Info
2018 Jul 16: At least 23 people were injured Monday morning after a lava explosion sent rocks and other debris flying into the air onto a tour boat in waters off the coast of Kapoho, according to Hawaii County officials. A 'basketball-sized' lava bomb punctured the roof of the tour boat, which was carrying about 49 passengers while observing Kilauea's Kapoho ocean entry point, leaving a large hole and seriously injuring at least one woman... The lava explosion stems from ongoing eruptions from Kilauea that began May 3. Since then, more than 700 homes have been claimed and many communities rendered unrecognizable. And just a few days ago, lava from one of the most active fissures began forming a tiny island of lava off of Kapoho. (reference #12181) Cited references #12181 Hawaii News Now (2018): Dozens injured in lava explosion that hurled molten rock onto tour boat. Published 16 July 2018. Updated 17 July 2018. Link #12421 Neal, C. A., S. R. Brantley, L. Antolik, J. L. Babb, M. Burgess, K. Calles, M. Cappos et al. (2019): The 2018 rift eruption and summit collapse of Kīlauea Volcano. Science, 363(6425), 367-374. DOI:10.1126/science.aav7046 Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Earthquake Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K
2018 Apr 28 (eruption 1983 Jan 3 - 2018 Sep 5)	Kilauea	1	Hawai'i		very heavy	Info
2018 Apr 28: New eruptions in Kilauea's east rift zone early Friday sent lava soaring more than 100 feet into the air, and Big Island fire officials say two structures have already been damaged from lava creeping through the Puna's Leilani Estates subdivision. The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory also said that active volcanic vents were erupting on Makamae and Mohala streets. Civil Defense said all Leilani Estates and Lanipuna Gardens subdivision residents are required to evacuate immediately. Hawaii County fire officials are also warning of extremely high levels of dangerous sulfur dioxide gas in the evacuation areas and are reiterating this message: Get out of the community if you haven't already and stay out until the threat has passed. At least a dozen small earthquakes rattled the region since midnight. (ref #11917) On Friday, four people were airlifted to safety and at least four homes were destroyed in lower Puna as activity from fissure 20 increased. That activity continued Saturday as new fissures and older ones continued their explosive lava flows, spitting out towering lava fountains that lit up the night sky and set off thunderous gas explosions that could be heard for miles around. On Friday evening, civil defense officials said a fast-moving lava flow had crossed Pohoiki Road and was threatening an isolated area with at least 40 homes. Since the eruptions started more than two weeks ago, some 22 fissures have opened in lower Puna, claiming at least 44 structures in the Leilani Estates and Lanipuna Gardens subdivisions. Mandatory evacuations remain in place for the Leilani Estates and Lanipuna Gardens subdivisions, home to about 2,000 people, but not everyone has heeded them and authorities haven't forced people to leave. (ref #12123) The most recent and 15th fissure opened up Wednesday afternoon, generating a flow that traveled at least 66 feet. Hours later, 10 homes on Alaili Road just outside of the subdivision were evacuated because of worsening cracks on the highway. Some 36 structures have been destroyed, including 27 homes. Lava has covered more than 117 acres of land. At least nine roads are now impassable. As many as 50 utility poles have been damaged by the lava, and hundreds have been without power since the eruptions started. (ref #12135) A stream of lava blocked a Hawaii highway on Sunday that serves as an escape route for coastal residents, while the first known serious injury was reported from fresh explosive eruptions from the Kilauea volcano. A homeowner on Noni Farms Road who was on a third-floor balcony had his leg shattered from his shin to his foot when hit by lava spatter, said Janet Snyder, a spokesperson for the Office of the Mayor, County of Hawaii. (ref #12147) Civil defense officials have previously said about 2,000 residents in and around Leilani Estates were displaced at the outset of the current eruption, which began on May 3. But the total number of evacuees was estimated to have risen to about 2,500 after authorities ushered residents from the nearby Kapoho area as a precaution on Wednesday, as a lava flow threatened to cut off a key access road. At least 75 homes most of them in Leilani Estates have been devoured by streams of red-hot molten rock creeping from about two dozen large volcanic vents, or fissures, that have opened in the ground since Kilauea rumbled back to life four weeks ago. Lava flows also have knocked out power and telephone lines in the region, disrupting communications. (ref #12151) The eruption that began May 3 has opened 24 fissures and covered more than 6,000 acres of land in Lower Puna with lava, destroying more than 700 homes in the Leilani Estates and Kapoho areas, and burying or isolating more than 1,600 acres of farms. (ref#12160) 716 dwellings destroyed by lava (ref#12457) USD 500 million in total damages (ref #1250) USD 370 million overall losses (ref #12634) Cited references #11917 Hawaii News Now (2018): New Kilauea eruption triggers structure fires as hundreds evacuate area. Published 01 May 2018. Updated 04 May 2018 at 11:47am. #12123 Hawaii News Now (2018): Lava's ocean entry creates new hazards, putting Puna residents at risk. Published 14 May 2018. Updated 21 May 2018. Link #12135 Hawaii News Now (2018): Dozens of quakes overnight signal more lava outbreaks are 'likely'. Published 1 May 2018. Updated 11 May 2018. Link #12147 Reuters (2018): Hawaii reports first serious injury from volcano. Published 19 May 2018. Link #12151 Reuters (2018): Mandatory evacuation ordered as Hawaii eruption hits four-week mark. Published 31 May 2018. Updated 8:03pm. Link #12160 Honolulu Star-Advertiser (2018): Hawaii County request for $670 million detailed. Published 14 August 2018. #12258 Hawaii Tribune-Herald (2018): Ag survey reports nearly $28M in damages caused by eruption. Published 21 October 2018. #12421 Neal, C. A., S. R. Brantley, L. Antolik, J. L. Babb, M. Burgess, K. Calles, M. Cappos et al. (2019): The 2018 rift eruption and summit collapse of Kīlauea Volcano. Science, 363(6425), 367-374. DOI:10.1126/science.aav7046 #12457 U.S. Geological Survey (2019): Overview of Kilauea Volcanos 2018 lower East Rift Zone eruption and summit collapse. Published June 2019, USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. #12634 Munich Re Group (2020): NatCatSERVICE Relevant geophysical events worldwide 2018. Accessed 05 February 2020. Munich Re Group Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Earthquake Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K
2018 Feb 1 (eruption 1983 Jan 3 - 2018 Sep 5)	Kilauea	1	Hawai'i	1		Info
2018 Feb 1: Four hikers, a hiking guide leading three others, were hiking near the lava flow when it started raining which created a noxious steam cloud surrounding the group affecting their breathing and vision. The group called for help. The tour guide was overcome by the noxious steam cloud while the three visitors escaped to safe location. Chopper One flew in and found the three people safely away from the fumes then located the unresponsive tour guide in another location. The tour guide was airlifted to a medic unit and he was determined to be dead. Choppers One and Two were able to airlift the three other people who sustained minor injuries and they did not need further medical attention. (reference #12008) Cited references #12008 Hawaii 24/7 (2018): Noxious fumes surround hikers, tour guide dead as three escape. Published 01 February 2018. https://www.hawaii247.com/2018/02/01/noxious-fumes-surround-hikers-tour-guide-dead-as-three-escape/ #12421 Neal, C. A., S. R. Brantley, L. Antolik, J. L. Babb, M. Burgess, K. Calles, M. Cappos et al. (2019): The 2018 rift eruption and summit collapse of Kīlauea Volcano. Science, 363(6425), 367-374. DOI:10.1126/science.aav7046 Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Earthquake Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K
2014 Nov 10 (eruption 1983 Jan 3 - 2018 Sep 5)	Kilauea	0	Hawai'i		heavy	Info
2014 Nov 10: In video provided by the County of Hawaii, lava flow from the Kilauea volcano burns a residential structure Monday, Nov. 10, 2014, in Pahoa, Hawaii. "The lava spread out and ignited the house before noon local time," said USGS spokeswoman Janet Baab in the CNN report. "There are no other homes in imminent danger. We are watching the flow closely and continue to monitor it." Kilauea has been on the active volcano list since 1983. (reference #11150) The slow-moving lava flow from Kilauea volcano is costing Hawaii County taxpayers about $14.5 million. (reference #11149) 22 October-28 October 2014. During 22-28 October HVO reported that Kilaueas 27 June NE-trending lava flow continued to be active. On 22 October a narrow lava flow (less than 50 m wide) that had overtaken the flow front during the previous few days moved into a small gully; the advancement rate was variable and sometimes as high as 300 m/day... At approximately 0350 on 25 October lava crossed Apaa Street and continued to advance towards Pahoa town. Throughout the morning the flow moved down the Pahoa cemetery driveway and then turned SE into adjoining pasture. At 0900 on 26 October the flow was an estimated 140 m wide. The next day it had narrowed to 100 m wide and was about 570 m from Pahoa Village Road. At about 0200 on 28 October the flow had reached the first occupied residential property. The leading edge of the flow was less than 50 m wide but increased to 150 m upslope. At 1730 the lava flow was 310 m in a straight-line distance from Pahoa Village Road and about 900 meters in a straight-line distance from Highway 130... According to news articles, Pahoa town, residence to 800-900 people, consists of small shops and homes. A school and a few roads were closed. Crews were building temporary access roads and trying to build berms to divert lava away from the highly traveled Highway 130. (reference #2432) Cited references #2432 Venzke, E., R.W. Wunderman, L. McClelland, T. Simkin, J.F. Luhr, L. Siebert, and G. Mayberry (eds.) (2002-): Global Volcanism, 1968 to the Present. Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program Digital Information Series, GVP-4 (http://www.volcano.si.edu/reports/). #11149 Associated Press (2014): Hawaii volcano costing local taxpayers $14.5M. Published: Nov 24, 2014 8:25 AM MST, Updated: Nov 24, 2014 8:25 AM MST. #11150 The Washington Times, Cheryl K. Chumley (2014): Hawaii Home swallowed up by Kilauea volcano lava. Published Tuesday, November 11, 2014. Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Earthquake Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K
2012 Mar 2 (eruption 1983 Jan 3 - 2018 Sep 5)	Kilauea	0	Hawai'i		light	Info
2012 Mar 2: Weekly Report 29 February-6 March 2012: According to a news article, the last house in the Royal Gardens subdivision was destroyed by a lava flow on 2 March. (reference #2432) Cited references #2432 Venzke, E., R.W. Wunderman, L. McClelland, T. Simkin, J.F. Luhr, L. Siebert, and G. Mayberry (eds.) (2002-): Global Volcanism, 1968 to the Present. Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program Digital Information Series, GVP-4 (http://www.volcano.si.edu/reports/). Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Earthquake Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K
2012 Feb 10 (eruption 1983 Jan 3 - 2018 Sep 5)	Kilauea	0	Hawai'i		moderate	Info
2012 Feb 10: The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has renewed a disaster declaration for Hawai'i Island due to volcanic emissions from Kilauea Volcano. The declaration is in response to a request from Governor Neil Abercrombie on December 27, 2011, citing continued agricultural production losses caused by vog. The federal declaration allows Hawai'i County agricultural producers the opportunity to apply for emergency loans due to damage caused by volcanic emissions. This type of disaster assistance has been provided for Hawai'i Island agricultural producers since 2008. "Many farmers and ranchers on Hawai'i Island continue to have a difficult time with the cumulative effects of vog on their crops and livestock operations," said Governor Abercrombie. "The federal disaster designation renews our access to emergency federal loans and other assistance programs in this ongoing situation." Agricultural damages reported in Hawai'i County include: damage to vegetable crops (especially leafy greens), some orchard crops, flowers and foliage (including those under greenhouses). Ranchers have experienced adverse impacts on range grasses and premature corrosion of fencing, gates and other metal infrastructure. (reference #9759) Cited references #9759 Abercrombie, Neil, Governor of Hawaii (2012): Federal Disaster Declaration is Renewed for Vog Damage to Hawai'i Island Agriculture. February 10, 2012. Retrieved from link Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Earthquake Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K
2009 Nov 30 (eruption 1983 Jan 3 - 2018 Sep 5)	Kilauea	0	Hawai'i		moderate	Info
2009 Nov 30: Gases in the volcanic fog, or vog, from Kilauea volcano are killing crops and costing Big Island farmers millions of dollars, but help is on the way. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has declared Hawaii County a natural disaster area. The designation means farmers there can apply for low interest loans from the federal government. It is estimated that 2,000 to 2,500 metric tons of sulfur dioxide billows from Kilauea's Halemaumau Crater on any given day. The vog leaves leafy greens less than leafy. (reference #9758) Cited references #9758 HawaiiNewsNow, Brooks Baehr (2009): Hawaii volcano emissions prompt federal disaster declaration. Dec 01, 2009. Retrieved from link Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Earthquake Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K
2000 Nov 3 (eruption 1983 Jan 3 - 2018 Sep 5)	Kilauea	0	Hawai'i	2		Info
2000 Nov 3: Two hikers died above lava bench after possibly inhaling hot gases or being scalded by hot water. (reference #9675) Cited references #9675 Siebert, Lee, Tom Simkin, Paul Kimberly (2010): Fatalities & Evacuations, Volcanoes of the World, Third Edition, Geoscience Press, Inc., University of California Press, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., p. 329-347. Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Earthquake Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K
1998 Apr 28 (eruption 1983 Jan 3 - 2018 Sep 5)	Kilauea	0	Hawai'i	1
1996 Feb 25 ±30 d. - Aug 9 ?	Loihi	0	United States, Hawaiian Islands
1994 Jul 8 (eruption 1983 Jan 3 - 2018 Sep 5)	Kilauea	3	Hawai'i			Info
1994 Jul 8: Reference #13827: 07/08/94, Trigger: bench collapse (4000 m^2), Explosion type: tephra jets, Landforms/Deposits: Unconsolidated, semi-circular littoral cones; field of spatter and tsunami-deposited blocks Note: not directly observed and evidence for them was discovered after-the-fact. Cited references #2432 Venzke, E., R.W. Wunderman, L. McClelland, T. Simkin, J.F. Luhr, L. Siebert, and G. Mayberry (eds.) (2002-): Global Volcanism, 1968 to the Present. Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program Digital Information Series, GVP-4 (http://www.volcano.si.edu/reports/). #13827 Mattox, T. N., and Mangan, M. T. (1997): Littoral hydrovolcanic explosions: A case-study of lava-seawater interaction at Kilauea volcano. Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research, 75, 1–17. Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Earthquake Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K
1993 Apr 19 (eruption 1983 Jan 3 - 2018 Sep 5)	Kilauea	0	Hawai'i	1		Info
1993 Apr 19: Man watching lava enter sea was swept away when new lava bench collapsed, sliding into the ocean near Kalapana. At the same time, steam explosions threw incandescent blocks on the lava delta, injuring 22 other spectators. (reference #9675) Cited references #1412 Simkin, Tom, and Lee Siebert with the collaboration of Russell Blong, Jonathan Dehn, Christopher Newhall, Roland Pool, and Thomas C. Stein (1994): Volcanoes of the World, Second Edition, A Regional Directory, Gazetteer, and Chronology of Volcanism During the Last 10,000 Years, Geoscience Press, Inc., Tucson, Arizona, in association with Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program, Washington, D.C., p. 164-176. #9675 Siebert, Lee, Tom Simkin, Paul Kimberly (2010): Fatalities & Evacuations, Volcanoes of the World, Third Edition, Geoscience Press, Inc., University of California Press, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., p. 329-347. Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Earthquake Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K
1984 Mar 25 - Apr 15	Maunaloa Moku'aweoweo, SW and NE rift zones	0	Big Island, Hawai'i
1982 Sep 25 - Sep 26	Kilauea Kilauea Caldera (SSE of Halemaumau)	0	Hawai'i
1982 Apr 30 - May 1	Kilauea Kilauea Caldera (NE of Halemaumau)	0	Hawai'i
1980 Mar 11	Kilauea East rift zone (near Mauna Ulu)	0	Hawai'i
1979 Nov 16 - Nov 17	Kilauea East rift zone (Pauahi Crater)	0	Hawai'i
1977 Sep 13 - Oct 1	Kilauea East rift zone (near Kalalua Crater)	0	Hawai'i
1975 Nov 29	Kilauea Kilauea Caldera, Halemaumau	0	Hawai'i
1975 Nov 29	Kilauea	0	Hawai'i	2	moderate	Info
M 7.2 earthquake created tsunami 2 hours before beginning of eruption. Extensive damage, subsidence and 2 deaths in Halape Park area when sea inundated acres of land. Cited references #1412 Simkin, Tom, and Lee Siebert with the collaboration of Russell Blong, Jonathan Dehn, Christopher Newhall, Roland Pool, and Thomas C. Stein (1994): Volcanoes of the World, Second Edition, A Regional Directory, Gazetteer, and Chronology of Volcanism During the Last 10,000 Years, Geoscience Press, Inc., Tucson, Arizona, in association with Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program, Washington, D.C., p. 164-176. Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Earthquake Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K
1975 Jul 5 - Jul 6	Maunaloa Mokuaweoweo and NE and SW rift zones,	0	Big Island, Hawai'i
1974 Dec 31	Kilauea Southwest Rift Zone (1,095 m)	0	Hawai'i
1974 Sep 19	Kilauea Kilauea Caldera (Halemaumau and to SW)	0	Hawai'i
1969 Feb 22 - 1974 Sep 19	Kilauea East rift zone (885-945 m), Alae Crater	0	Hawai'i
1974 Jul 19 - Jul 22	Kilauea Kilauea Caldera, Keanakakoi	0	Hawai'i
1969 May 24 - 1974 Jul 22	Kilauea East rift zone (Mauna Ulu, 960 m)	0	Hawai'i
1973 Nov 10 - Dec 9	Kilauea East rift zone, Pauahi	0	Hawai'i
1973 May 5	Kilauea East rift zone, Pauahi, Hiiaka	0	Hawai'i
1971 Sep 24 - Sep 29	Kilauea Halemaumau and upper SW rift zone	0	Hawai'i
1971 Aug 14	Kilauea Kilauea Caldera	0	Hawai'i
1968 Oct 7 - Oct 22	Kilauea East rift zone (730-915 m)	0	Hawai'i
1967 Nov 5 - 1968 Oct 22	Kilauea Halemaumau	0	Hawai'i
1968 Aug 22 - Aug 26	Kilauea East rift zone (580-885 m)	0	Hawai'i
1965 Dec 24 - Dec 25	Kilauea East rift zone (915-960 m)	0	Hawai'i
1965 Mar 5 - Mar 15	Kilauea East rift zone (700-915 m)	0	Hawai'i
1963 Oct 5 - Oct 6	Kilauea East rift zone (700-840 m)	0	Hawai'i
1963 Aug 21 - Oct 6	Kilauea East rift zone (825-960 m)	0	Hawai'i
1962 Dec 7 - Dec 9	Kilauea East rift zone (945-990 m)	0	Hawai'i
1961 Sep 22 - Sep 24	Kilauea East rift zone (395-790 m)	1	Hawai'i
1961 Jul 10 - Sep 24	Kilauea Halemaumau	1	Hawai'i
1961 Mar 3 - Mar 25	Kilauea Halemaumau	1	Hawai'i
1961 Feb 24 - Mar 25	Kilauea Halemaumau	1	Hawai'i
1959 Nov 14 - 1960 Feb 19	Kilauea Kilauea Iki	2	Hawai'i
1959 Nov 14 - Dec 19	Kilauea Kilauea Iki	2	Hawai'i
1955 Feb 28 - May 26	Kilauea Lower east rift zone (50-400 m)	?	Hawai'i
1954 May 31 - Jun 3	Kilauea Halemaumau and Kilauea caldera	?	Hawai'i
1952 Jun 27 - Nov 10	Kilauea Halemaumau	?	Hawai'i
1950 Jun 1 - Jun 23	Maunaloa SW rift zone (2440 m)	?	Big Island, Hawai'i
1949 Jan 6 - May 31	Maunaloa Mokuaweoweo and SW rift zone	?	Big Island, Hawai'i
1942 Apr 26 - May 10	Maunaloa NE rift zone (2800 m) and Mokuaweoweo	?	Big Island, Hawai'i
1940 Apr 7 - Aug 18	Maunaloa Mokuaweoweo and SW rift zone	?	Big Island, Hawai'i
1935 Nov 21 - 1936 Jan 2	Maunaloa NE rift zone (3690 m) and Mokuaweoweo	?	Big Island, Hawai'i
1934 Sep 6 - Oct 8	Kilauea Halemaumau	?	Hawai'i
1933 Dec 2 - Dec 18	Maunaloa Mokuaweoweo	?	Big Island, Hawai'i
1931 Dec 23 - 1932 Jan 5	Kilauea Halemaumau	?	Hawai'i
1930 Nov 19 - Dec 7	Kilauea Halemaumau	?	Hawai'i
1929 Jul 25 - Jul 28	Kilauea Halemaumau	?	Hawai'i
1929 Feb 20 - Feb 21	Kilauea Halemaumau	?	Hawai'i
1927 Jul 7 - Jul 20	Kilauea Halemaumau	?	Hawai'i
1926 Apr 10 - Apr 28 ?	Maunaloa SW rift (2320 m)	?	Big Island, Hawai'i
1924 Jul 19 - Jul 29	Kilauea Halemaumau	0	Hawai'i
1924 May 10 - Jul 29	Kilauea Halemaumau	2	Hawai'i
1924 May 10 (eruption 1924 May 10 - Jul 29)	Kilauea	2	Hawai'i	1		Info
1924 May 10: 1924, May 18. Photographer hit by falling stones dies that night from internal hemorrhage. (reference #2432) Acharya lists a tsunami associated with this eruption on May 30, 1924. Soloviev and Go (1975, A catalogue of tsunamis on the eastern shore of the Pacific Ocean) state that "A number of investigators (Iida et al., 1967; Pararas-Carayannis, 1969) correctly express doubt about the existence of a link between the tsunami and the volcanic eruption. Shepard (Shepard et al., 1950) considers the tsunami to be a flood of meteorological origin.] Cox and Morgan (1977, Local tsunamis and possible local tsunamis in Hawaii) also state "The evidence suggests, therefore, that the phenomena reported were not manifestations of a tsunami. The newspaper accounts are consistent with the alternative hypothesis that the phenomena represented an unusual swell from a major storm in the southern hemisphere." Cited references #80 Cox, Doak C., and Joseph Morgan (1977): Local tsunamis and possible local tsunamis in Hawaii. HIG-77-14, Hawaii Institute of Geophysics, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA, 118 p. #95 Acharya, Hemendra (1989): Estimation of tsunami hazard from volcanic activity--suggested methodology with Augustine Volcano, Alaska as an example. Natural Hazards, vol. 1, no. 4, p. 341-348. DOI:10.1007/BF00134832 #236 Lander, James F., and Patricia A. Lockridge (1989): United States Tsunamis (Including United States Possessions) 1690-1988, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Geophysical Data Center, Boulder, Colorado, USA, Publication 41-2, 265 p. #415 Soloviev, S.L., and Ch.N. Go (1975): A catalogue of tsunamis on the eastern shore of the Pacific Ocean [dates include 1513-1968]. Academy of Sciences of the USSR, Nauka Publishing House, Moscow, 204 p. [Canadian Translation of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences no. 5078, 1984, translation available from Canada Institute for Scientific and Technical Information, National Research Council, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1A OS2, 293 p.] #1412 Simkin, Tom, and Lee Siebert with the collaboration of Russell Blong, Jonathan Dehn, Christopher Newhall, Roland Pool, and Thomas C. Stein (1994): Volcanoes of the World, Second Edition, A Regional Directory, Gazetteer, and Chronology of Volcanism During the Last 10,000 Years, Geoscience Press, Inc., Tucson, Arizona, in association with Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program, Washington, D.C., p. 164-176. Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Earthquake Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K
1906 Dec 2 - 1924 Feb	Kilauea Halemaumau	?	Hawai'i
1923 Aug 25	Kilauea East rift zone (915 m)	0	Hawai'i
1922 May 28 - May 30	Kilauea East rift zone, Makaopuhi, Napau	0	Hawai'i
1921 Mar 18 - Mar 25	Kilauea Kilauea Caldera	0	Hawai'i
1919 Dec 21 - 1920 Jul 30	Kilauea SW rift zone (Mauna Iki, 915 m)	0	Hawai'i
1919 Feb 7 - Nov 28	Kilauea Kilauea Caldera	0	Hawai'i
1919 Sep 26 - Nov 5 ?	Maunaloa SW rift zone (3450 and 2350 m)	?	Big Island, Hawai'i
1919 Sep 29 (eruption 1919 Sep 26 - Nov 5 ?)	Maunaloa	0	Big Island, Hawai'i			Info
1919 Sep 29: The Mauna Loa volcano eruption of September 28 poured lava into the sea at Alika on the Kona coast on September 30, generating unusual wave activity at times. There was not an accompanying earthquake nor could the velocity of the lava flow generate a tsunami. A possible explanation would be the sudden collapse of the 1.5-day accumulations of lava at or beyond the shoreline (Reference #236). The eruption had begun 26 September at the summit of Mauna Loa, but vents on the south rift opened about midnight of the 28th-29th. One of the lava flows reached the sea at Alika, on the Kona coast, at 04:30 Saturday, 30 September. The discharge of lava into the sea was considerable, and three days later the flow had built a delta into the sea (Reference #80). 1919, Septetmber-October. On September 26, the Mauna Loa volcano, which had been dormant since June 1916, revived. The eruption began at a height of 3300 m, that is, 600 m below the top of the volcano and was observed by Jagger from 18:00 on the 26th to 3:00 on the 27th. After two days of quiet, the eruption resumed at 2:00 on the 29th, but now at a height of 2300 m. A thick flow of lava issued from this lower crater. Less than 24 hours later, it filled up all irregularities of the relief, drove a road through the forest and reached the sea side approximately 28 km (15 miles) from the crater. For 10 days, the flow poured into the water, sometimes generating local tidal waves. Then the eruption began to subside, although volcanic activity was still noticeable on October 23 (Reference #415). Cited references #80 Cox, Doak C., and Joseph Morgan (1977): Local tsunamis and possible local tsunamis in Hawaii. HIG-77-14, Hawaii Institute of Geophysics, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA, 118 p. #236 Lander, James F., and Patricia A. Lockridge (1989): United States Tsunamis (Including United States Possessions) 1690-1988, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Geophysical Data Center, Boulder, Colorado, USA, Publication 41-2, 265 p. #415 Soloviev, S.L., and Ch.N. Go (1975): A catalogue of tsunamis on the eastern shore of the Pacific Ocean [dates include 1513-1968]. Academy of Sciences of the USSR, Nauka Publishing House, Moscow, 204 p. [Canadian Translation of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences no. 5078, 1984, translation available from Canada Institute for Scientific and Technical Information, National Research Council, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1A OS2, 293 p.] Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Earthquake Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K
1918 Feb 23 - Mar 9	Kilauea Kilauea Caldera	0	Hawai'i
1916 May 19 - May 30	Maunaloa SW rift zone (3000 and 2250 m)	?	Big Island, Hawai'i
1914 Nov 25 - 1915 Jan 11	Maunaloa Mokuaweoweo	?	Big Island, Hawai'i
1907 Jan 9 - Jan 24 or later	Maunaloa SW rift zone (1890 m) and Mokuaweoweo	?	Big Island, Hawai'i
1905 Feb 22 - 1906 Apr	Kilauea Halemaumau	?	Hawai'i
1903 Nov 25 - 1904 Jan 10	Kilauea Halemaumau	?	Hawai'i
1903 Sep 1 - Dec 7 ?	Maunaloa Mokuaweoweo	?	Big Island, Hawai'i
1902 Jun 3 - 1903 Mar 5 ±5 d.	Kilauea Halemaumau	?	Hawai'i
1902 Feb 14 or before - Feb	Kilauea Halemaumau	?	Hawai'i

Remark:

Our list of volcanic eruptions closely follows the database of eruptions of the Smithsonian's Global Volcanism Project (GVP), the internationally most recognized data source for volcanic eruptions, but also includes significant eruptive episodes or related volcano events. "Volcanic eruptions" are usually to be understood as sequences of individual eruptive episodes that can follow each other, or even overlap (if several vents are involved), and can last many years, decades or even longer. For example, the current activity of Stromboli volcano is understood as a single eruption that has been ongoing since 1934.

Sources: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Volcanic Eruptions Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K | Global Volcanism Project / Smithsonian Institution

Hawaiian Islands FAQ

+When was the last volcanic eruption in Hawaiian Islands?

The last volcanic eruption in Hawaiian Islands was from Kilauea volcano. It began in 2024 and is continuing (as of April 2025).

+When was the first documented volcanic eruption in Hawaiian Islands?

The first historically documented eruption occurred 1750 from Kilauea volcano.

+How often do volcanoes in Hawaiian Islands erupt?

Volcanoes in Hawaiian Islands erupt almost every year. Since the first historically documented eruption 1750in Hawaiian Islands, historic sources have shown nearly continuous volcanic activity: The Global Volcanism Project counts 113 historic eruptions until now, spanning a total of 182 out of 275 years. In other words, a volcano in Hawaiian Islands is active roughly every one in 1.5 years on average. This value is likely underestimated, because the record of historically documented activity is likely inclomplete the further back in time we look.

+How active are the volcanoes in Hawaiian Islands?

Hawaiian Islands is volcanically extremely active: Since 1900, at least 3 volcanoes in Hawaiian Islands have been active. Almost every year, at least one volcano has erupted in Hawaiian Islands. The latest eruption from Kilauea volcano volcano is still continuing at present.

+When was the largest volcanic eruption in Hawaiian Islands?

The largest eruption in Hawaiian Islands in historic times was from Kilauea volcano. It occurred in 1790. It ranks as a sub-plinian eruption with a magnitude 4 on the VEI (Volcanic Explosivity Index) scale.

Latest earthquakes: Hawaiian Islands

In the past 7 days, Hawaiian Islands has had 14 quakes of magnitude 2.0 or above. There were also 11 quakes below magnitude 2.0 which people don't normally feel.

A Magnitude 2.3 earthquake occurred in 1 mi SW of Pāhala, Hawaii County, Hawaii, United States .

Magnitude 2.3 Earthquake 1 mi SW of Pāhala, Hawaii County, Hawaii, United States -

Date and Time	Mag / Depth	Nearest Volcano / Location
Apr 24, 09:15 pm (Universal Time)	2.3 31 km	32 km (20 mi) SW of Kilauea	1 mi southwest of Pāhala, Hawaii County, Hawaii, United States	Info
Apr 24, 04:52 pm (Universal Time)	2.3 32 km	25 km (16 mi) S of Kilauea	11 km E of Pāhala, Hawaii	Info
Apr 24, 12:08 pm (Universal Time)	2.8 13 km	22 km (14 mi) NW of Mauna Kea	11 km SSE of Waimea, Hawaii I FELT IT	Info
Tuesday, April 22, 2025 GMT (1 quake)
Apr 22, 02:14 am (GMT -10)	2.4 8.7 km	17 km (10.6 mi) SE of Maunaloa	23 km N of Pāhala, Hawaii	Info
Sunday, April 20, 2025 GMT (1 quake)
Apr 20, 11:24 am (Universal Time)	2.3 32 km	36 km (22 mi) SW of Kilauea	5 km SSW of Pāhala, Hawaii	Info
Saturday, April 19, 2025 GMT (1 quake)
Apr 19, 10:17 pm (Universal Time)	2.4 45 km	46 km (29 mi) E of Mauna Kea	7 km ENE of Pāpa‘ikou, Hawaii	Info

See Recent Quakes

Volcano List

East Molokai

(Shield 1506 m / 4941 ft)

[more info]

Haleakala

(Shield volcano 3055 m / 10,023 ft)

[more info]

Kaena

(Submarine -1200 m / -3937 ft)

[more info]

Kahoolawe

(Shield 450 m / 1476 ft)

[more info]

Kauai

(Shield 1668 m / 5472 ft)

[more info]

Kaula

(Shield 194 m / 636 ft)

[more info]

Kohala

(Shield 1668 m / 5472 ft)

[more info]

Koolau

(Shield 941 m / 3087 ft)

[more info]

Lanai

(Shield 1021 m / 3350 ft)

[more info]

Mahukona

(Submarine -1080 m / -3543 ft)

[more info]

Niihau

(Shield 390 m / 1280 ft)

[more info]

Unnamed 21.75°N/158.75°W

(Submarine volcano? -3000 m / - 9,842 ft)

[more info]

Unnamed 23.58°N/163.83°W

(Submarine volcano -4000 m / -13,123 ft)

[more info]

Waianae

(Shield 1220 m / 4003 ft)

[more info]

West Maui

(Shield 1764 m / 5787 ft)

[more info]

West Molokai

(Shield 418 m / 1371 ft)

[more info]

Hualalai

(shield volcano 2523 m / 8,277 ft)

Hualalai, the third of the active shield volcano volcanoes on Hawai'i, is located to the northwest and wet of its giant neighbors Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea. Hualalai volcano last erupted during 1800-1801, when it produced lava flows from 5 fissure vents that reached the sea and bur... [more info]

Kilauea

(Shield volcano 1277 m (4,190 ft))

Haleamaumau crater in the center of the Kilauea caldera - the heart of Kilauea volcano

Kilauea is the youngest and most active Hawaiian shield volcano, located on the southern part of the Island of Hawai'i, known as Big Island. Hawai'i is the southernmost and largest of the island chain, which owes its existence to the very active Hawaiian hot spot.
Kilauea ... [more info]

Loihi

(Submarine volcano -975 m / - 3,199 ft)

[more info]

Mauna Kea

(Shield volcano 4205 m / 13,796 ft)

[more info]

Maunaloa

(Shield volcano 4170 m / 13,681 ft)

Mauna Loa volcano with the gentle slopes of a typical shield volcano

Maunaloa (officially renamed as one word from Mauna Loa) is the world's largest and one of its most active volcanoes - a giant shield volcano on the Big Island of Hawai'i. [more info]

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Kilauea volcano (United States) - Smithsonian / USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report for 16 April-22 April 2025 (Continuing Activity)

The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) reported that the eruption within Kilauea's Kaluapele summit caldera, from two vents along the SW margin of Halema'uma'u Crater, continued at variable levels during 16-22 April. Both the N and S vents were strongly incandescent and produced gas emissions on 16 April. Later that evening at around 2110 incandescence at the N vent intensified and began to eject spatter at intervals of 10-20 seconds. ... Read all

Wed, 23 Apr 2025, 04:38

Kilauea volcano update: 18th episode with high lava fountains

Spectacular lava fountains and lava flows from the south vent (image: @disaster_db/x.com)

The north and south vents ceased erupting around the same time. The fountaining phase of episode 18 began at 03:20 AM yesterday and continued for 10 hours and 8 minutes. The lava erupted from both vents, with the south vent producing fountains that exceeded 600 feet (200 meters) in height, while the north vent's fountains remained under 200 feet (60 meters). Read all