Listen to Our Morning Prayer

Aunty Pua Kanakaole Kanahele -Chant

One of the reasons we chose to live and remain here -- on this living land.

And, to see what Haysmer's Infamous Fissure #8 is still doing:
The Fissure #8 current activity

Facts: "Pu'u Luana" (as we are calling it) is producing 6-9 MILLION cubic meters per day.

Scientists report that this is 15-25 times the rate of flow when Pu'u O'o erupted over 30 years ago.


Learn more about the Hawaiian cultural reverence for the land and Pele Family:
Learn More:

Lava Hike

Lunel - nose into the trade winds, ready for hike

Shortly after Hurricane Iselle hit us, in the summer of 2014, lava from nearby Pu'u O'o vent began to flow directly toward our subdivision just south of Pahoa Village. At that time our focus was survival and safety and everyone was hugely relieved when, just a few yards before dividing Pahoa in half, the flow stopped, and began to flow toward the ocean again, to the south of Kalapana. Whew! (click any photo for bigger view)

Huge section of lava shelf fell off in December, and continues to crumble

Here is the newly revised four-mile trail out to view

After Lunel's knee injury in 2015, surgery and following recovery, we were not much interested in a dangerous hike out to where lava was flowing into the ocean. We heard wonderful stories about it from friends and neighbors. Finally, this week, at the invitation of a friend, and because shuttles are available for part of the trek, it seemed the right time.

Photo by Leigh Hilbert -- looking up the pali -- toward the Pu'u O'o vent -- flowing from Kilauea Volcano

Since the flow path returned to the ocean, several large lava "shelves" have broken off and fallen into the ocean, creating danger for hikers resulting in re-routing for site seers. It is a job the park services and county take very seriously. While bikes are available, it seemed smart to take a shuttle out to the drop off point where the hike began. From there it was over four miles out (one-way) to see the flow.
Most people had already been out during the day and now were returning -- wearing headlamps or riding well lit bicycles. Very few people were going out, maybe because it was dark, but we wanted to take full advantage of the dusk-to-dark ambiance for full impact.

Once there, we had the option of turning right to follow the glowing river up the pali (cliffs) or left toward the ocean. We joined small groups of people clustered around, quietly humbled at the raw power as we watched streams of lava pour into the sea. Knowing we faced the return four-mile hike, we did not linger long and were surprised by a gentle rain shower as we began the trek back. We have to give a shout out to Kalapana Cultural Tours who provide a variety of safe, informative services. Mahalo especially to Dwayne!

Mapping Obsession

This map shows our subdivision on right (football shape)

People living in PUNA these days are obsessed with maps!  Seems like everyone is looking for the "perfect map" -- you know, the one that will tell you that the lava will NOT be coming into your subdivision, will NOT be taking your home, your life savings, your kids and dogs, or your retirement.  And, perhaps like many folks, we have one on the kitchen table (photo shopped) with appropriate punctuation.

This is a detailed TOPO map on the kitchen table

Bottom Line:  No one really knows.  CNN had some good coverage today on the morning news, the mayor has declared a state of emergency and people living in the direct path are beginning to evacuate.  Predictions are flying.  Many based on educated guesses and scientific historical evidence, and some rooted in fear.  Most folks we know are working hard to maintain a healthy balance.

Phil and a friend went into Hilo the other day to check out storage units -- just in case.  Many people who live in our subdivision of are hoping that simple GRAVITY is the prime factor and if so, we may get lucky.  Who knows for sure?

The map with the squiggles was produced by the USGS in 2007.  It is based on the direction of STEEPEST flow.

Today, we mowed the yard, packed up the garbage and recyclables for the dump, and made egg salad sandwiches.  Life goes on.  For now, we're committed to enjoying every moment.

Our house is the tiny red dot near the right edge.

Someone created a map from info at hand as a possible "prediction" map that shows the flow going north and west of Leilani, but....oooops, right through poor Pahoa Village and crossing 130 thereabouts.  Not great either.  It's anyone's guess -- what Pele will do.