Volcanic Eruption Attraction: Kilauea Erupts, Drawing in Curious Onlookers, Tourists, and Residents
Aloha, Mate! Check out Hawaii Volcanoes National Park's Wild Ride!
Heard the buzz about Kilauea's explosive antics? You bet! A recent mornin' found Uekahuna, a rejuvenated vista overlooking Kilauea's steaming saddle, barely whispering. A trickle of visitors claimed the lookout, gazing at Kaluapele rising with steam.
"We would've scored big if it erupted," chuckled Catherine Kays, 57, from Texas, visitin' with hubby Dan Kays, 54. They'd crossed off number 46 on their mission to hoof it through all 63 parks, missin' Kilauea's thunderous 25th explosive episode by just two days—a testament to Pele's knack for surprise.
Unpredictability is Pele's trademark. It's a "Got a chance?" game for those keen on catchin' the action, according to Jessica Ferracane, public affairs specialist of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park.
Since the eruption turned on again on Dec. 23, 2024, Halemaumau crater has played host to a variety of fountaining episodes spanin' from hours to days, with lava jetting up to 1,200 feet. This rare and breathtakin' phenomenon, reminiscent of the 1,900 feet recorded by Kilauea Iki crater for about a month back in 1959, has scorched the park with a 47% influx in visitin' April travelers compared to the same month last year, Ferracane said.
Fountains sprayin' up like a Moai show? Count on people to line up, even causin' four-mile-long vehicles cloggin' the entrance at times. Lava chasers armed with cameras might be even more persistent, pitchin' camp for extended durations on that lava-lovin' diet of Spam musubi.
Spectacle of such cosmic proportions has shot up businesses within the park, elevatin' the summer travel season for Hawaii, yet sittin' pretty amongst an otherwise grimmish forecast revised by the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism.
Catchin' the action or just marvelin' at its aftermath? Be sure to hit the Volcano House, offerin' 33 guest rooms, 10 cozy cabins, and 16 campsites, all snuggled within the park. And drop by Uncle George’s Lounge, where you can savor the juicy drama through panoramic windows. Ain't life grand?
Don't forget the Volcano Arts Center, where artists take inspiration from the spirited lava fountains. You can almost feel the exhilaration sweepin' through the gallery. Whether or not Kilauea is roarin', folks are snatchin' up souvenirs and art reminiscent of the fiery dance.
Hilo's attractions? They ain't feelin' much love from the lava-loving crowds. Living primarily off the cruise ships dockin' at Hilo Harbor, the town seems to be sailin' through the Kilauea slump, with vendors hopin' for the boomin', summer days to offset the chill in visitors' spendin'.
But for the locals lives downslope of the volcano, excitement blooms. Forner state Sen. Russell Ruderman, who owns Island Naturals Markets with branches in Hilo, Kailua-Kona, and Pahoa, feels relief that the activity hasn't spread, let alone threatened his neighborhood. Every eruption promises its share of anxious moments, but the vibrant red glow on the horizon is nature's very own light show.
From lure to lore, the legend of Kilauea captivates and challenges, transformin' ordinary days into unforgettable tales. Don't miss out—grab a spot on the next flight to Hawaii.
- The recent eruption of Kilauea saw a surge in travelers visiting Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, with a 47% increase in April travelers compared to the same month the previous year.
- The unpredictable nature of Kilauea's eruptions has become a draw for tourists, who are eager to catch the spectacle, causing long lines of vehicles and visitors camping out for extended durations.
- Businesses within the park have seen an uptick in sales as a result of the eruption, helping to elevate the summer travel season for Hawaii.
- While the lava-loving crowds are flocking to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, other parts of Hilo are experiencing a slow period, living primarily off the cruise ships docking at Hilo Harbor.
