Mauna Loa Eruption Update - Here's what you need to know: Tuesday, Nov. 29 - Discover The Big Island of Hawaii Real Estate| Travel to Hawaii

On Sunday evening, Mauna Loa, the world’s largest volcano, started erupting for the first time since 1984. Currently, there is no indication of a threat to nearby communities or infrastructure. As of about 10 a.m. today, the leading edge of the lava flow was located at an elevation of over 9,000 feet and was about 5 miles away from Saddle Road and Daniel K. Inouye Highway.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) cannot currently predict how long the eruption will last or if it will impact Saddle Road, so please keep informed through the Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense Agency and USGS who will continue to provide updates as the situation evolves.

Here are some important updates and safety information to note:

The main lava flow is coming from fissure 3 and a fourth, smaller and slower, fissure has opened up on the northeast rift zone.
The lava flow appears to be following the 1935 eruption flow path (see map below).
Lava has crossed several points along Mauna Loa Access Rd. which remains closed.
Dept. of Transportation requests that people do not park on the side of Saddle Road to view the lava flow — it is dangerous and you will be towed.
Nearby air quality may be affected (please see below for more information regarding volcanic smog, or vog).
Evacuation shelters that were opened yesterday at Old Airport and in Ka’u were closed today at noon, since there is no imminent threat to these communities and lava is flowing towards the north at this time.
Although there is no current indication that the closure of Saddle Road (DKI Highway) is imminent, residents should plan ahead, just in case, for this possibility, included longer drive times and more traffic on other routes between East and West Hawaii.