The USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) is responsible for monitoring active volcanoes in Hawaii, which involves assessing hazards and communicating with interagency partners and the public. Our mission also includes
VOLCANOWatch: Scientists Look to Hawaiian Chants for Mention of Past Crater Lakes
The Halemaʻumaʻu crater lake at the summit of Kīlauea Volcano is on everyone’s mind at the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. This is the first lake of groundwater observed on the
VOLCANOWatch: HVO announces Volcano Awareness Month programs for January 2020
Neither Kīlauea nor Mauna Loa erupted in 2019, but this period of relative quiet must not lead to complacency about Hawaii’s two most active volcanoes. Both will eventually erupt again.
VOLCANOWatch: Hawai`i State Department of Health Updates Ambient Air Quality Data Website
Information about air quality is important to Hawaii residents, particularly those living on the Island of Hawaiʻi, where volcanic activity can lead to frequently-changing environmental conditions. To better inform residents
VOLCANOWatch: HVO Staff Lend a Helping Hand to Alaska Colleagues
Volcano observatories across the United States work together to ensure efficient and thorough monitoring of the nation’s active volcanoes. This collaboration is particularly evident during a crisis, like the 2018
VOLCANOWatch: New Research Sheds Light on Relationship Between Hilina Fault System and Large Earthquakes
The pali (cliffs) of Kīlauea’s south flank are some of the volcano’s most striking features. Reaching up to 500 m (1500 ft) high, they stand out against the otherwise gentle
VOLCANOWatch: What Does Water in Halemaʻumaʻu Mean?
The slowly deepening pond of water on the floor of Halemaʻumaʻu, the first in recorded history, has captured the interest of media and the public, both locally and nationally. Many
4.5M Quake Off Big Island Coast Poses No Tsunami Threat
The U.S. Geological Survey’s Hawaiian Volcano Observatory recorded a magnitude-4.5 earthquake just offshore of the Island of Hawai‘i on Monday, August 12 at 4:42 a.m. The earthquake was centered about
VOLCANOWatch: Heat and Gases Linger on Kīlauea Volcano’s Lower East Rift Zone
One year ago, activity on Kīlauea Volcano was remarkably different than it is today. Lava was flowing toward the sea, robust ocean entry plumes were fumigating coastal areas, and island
VOLCANOWatch: USGS Volcano Notification Service Informs Island Residents about Hawaiian Volcanoes
Hawai`i residents are likely familiar with the Volcano Activity Updates that the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory issues for Kīlauea and other active Hawaiian volcanoes. These updates, which provide situational awareness of