January is Volcano Awareness Month

Sponsored by the U.S. Geological Survey's Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO), the goal of Volcano Awareness Month is to educate visitors and kama'aina about the history and power of the volcanoes that have formed our island home.  HVO believes this awareness is crucial, particularly when it comes to the safe exploration and enjoyment of Kilauea, the world's most active volcano, and Mauna Loa, the earth's most massive volcano.

In partnership with Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, the University of Hawai'i at Hilo and the County of Hawaii's Civil Defense Agency, HVO has organized a month full of activities, including guided hikes, educational talks with volcanologists, movies, living history performances, interactive displays, even workshops for elementary and junior high school teachers.

HVO scientists use potential-field geophysics, gas geochemistry, basic geologic and satellite monitoring to track and assess volcanic activity.  Mounted webcams and time-lapse cameras provide daily images from the summits of Kilauea and Mauna Loa, while  "remote sensing" or satellite monitoring can detect thermal anomalies, frequently the earliest warnings of an eruption.  These methods not only provide scientists with valuable information about the 70 million years of activity that created our island, but enable them to more accurately predict the severity and location of eruptions before they occur. Once they determine the area that might be affected, they relay that information to the Civil Defense Agency to organize life-saving evacuations.

In March 2008, a new vent erupted from the Halema'uma'u crater at Kilauea. This vent, now more than 430 feet wide, continues to explode and emit gas and ash. Just one week ago, lava flows from this eruption reached the ocean along the Kalapana coastline, and destroyed two homes in the process. Your Holualoa Inn ohana invite you to explore our Big Island. Plan your romantic Hawaii vacation at our Kona bed and breakfast and let us assist you in arranging your island activities. Before you explore volcano, be safe and check the daily volcanic activity.

Innkeeper Holualoa Inn