For the first time in nearly 40 years, we are seeing a dual eruption of both Kīlauea and Mauna Loa volcanoes, and we are humbled and excited to have the opportunity to witness this incredible and rare experience!
Heightened activity at the summit of Mauna Loa over the last couple months created a forewarning to the present eruption, which officially began at 11:30pm HST, Sunday, November 27, as recorded by USGS Hawaiʻian Volcano Observatory. The current eruption at Kīlauea’s summit has been ongoing since September 29, 2021.
There are multiple viewing sites along Crater Rim Drive within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park where you can see views of both the lava lake from Kīlauea, as well as a night glow from Mauna Loa. Currently, the best viewing of the Mauna Loa eruption is along Saddle Road. However, per the Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation, “the no parking zones between mile marker 16 and mile marker 31 will be enforced. The Saddle Road was not meant to support high volumes of vehicles parking on the highway and its shoulders or pedestrians walking in the roadway. Please do not park along the highway to observe the volcanic activity, especially in areas where vehicles unexpectedly leaving or reentering may pose a hazard, or in areas where motorists may not be expecting people outside vehicles. Designated parking lots may be used and are a safer option for those looking to observe the activity at Mauna Loa.”