Kilauea’s Feisty Friday: Ash, Lava, and a Little Bit of Drama
On Saturday night—yes, that’s right, in the very early morning—Hawaii’s Kilauea Volcano decided to put on a spectacle that would have made even the most seasoned geologist go “wow.” Three fiery blasts erupted around 12:42 am, blasting ash straight up to 11,000 feet (about 3,353 m) and scattering that fine, grey powder over towns downwind. The Honolulu Volcano Observatory reports the ash stay more like a fashionable dusting, smudging homes and roads like a volcanic “coffee with a splash of glitter.”
What the Volcanic Cheerleaders Are Saying
- Eyes: Ash can sting—so keep those eyes open and blinking.
- Breathing: If you’ve got asthma or something, maybe skip the outside until the clouds clear.
- Hands‑to‑Head Nap Zone: Only do it if you’re not allergic to volcanic ash.
Powder Reaches Alright Far
That’s not all. Roughly 25 miles (40 km) farther down the tropical slopes, lava flowed out of six huge cracks—think of a giant kitchen sink, but with molten rock. Two of those cracks actually crossed over a street full of homes in Leilani Estates, sending hot lava right where people live. Talk about an unplanned “hotpot” dinner!
Damage Count: The Numbers Keep Climbing
Last Friday, the precinct reported 50 homes and other buildings lost across the lower Puna district. Now that’s up to 82—a jump the same as if a volleyball game ran for a whole week without a break. The latest crack activity in Leilani Estates put those numbers straight up.
Halt at 150 Yards
An independent lava flow tried to move toward Pohoiki Road—nearly 150 yards (137 m) away from a cluster of homes. The flow slowed down, but that doesn’t mean you can start a party next.
People in the area (about 2,000 souls in Leilani Estates and nearby Lanipuna Gardens) remain under evacuation orders because of the lava plus a toxic sulfur‑dioxide mist that essentially makes breathing a vacuum‑cleaner-level nightmare.
Plan for a Helicopter Ride‑away?
County officials have a backup plan: a helicopter could evacuate up to 1,000 residents from a beachy area south of the fissures if the last exit route gets blocked by lava. They’re keeping an eye on the fissures—because you can’t travel in a pinch if cracks suddenly pop up.
So, if you’re living near Kilauea these days, keep your eyes peeled, close your mouth when the ash starts falling, and remember: nature can throw a pretty firework show. Just make sure you’re not personally invited to the front row!
