Kaʻū News Briefs June 7, 2024

In addition to elevated volcanic gas emissions, other significant hazards also remain around the recent eruption site on the upper Southwest Rift Zone of Kīlauea. Minor to severe ground fractures and subsidence features that formed during the June 3 eruption may continue to widen and offset, may have unstable overhanging edges, and should be avoided, warns USGS. Most cracks that formed during the June 3 Kīlauea Southwest Rift Zone eruption are several inches (2 to 5 centimeters) wide with some extending to up to 6.5 feet (2 meters) wide. In this photo, a crack extends towards Pu'ukoa'e in the background. USGS Photo by A.R. Nalesnik

WITH ERUPTION HALTED, MORE AREAS IN HAWAI'I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK reopen, but Maunaiki and Kaʻū Desert trails remain closed.
    Kīlauea volcano is not erupting. Hilina Pali Road, Kulanaokuaiki Campground, the Footprints Exhibit and Pepeiao Cabin in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park are now open.    In addition, the park reopened the coastal campsite at Kaʻaha, Devastation Trail and Keanakākoʻi earlier this week. The areas were closed after the June 3 fissure eruption began near the volcano's remote upper Southwest Rift Zone.
    Maunaiki Trail and Kaʻū Desert Trail past the Footprints Exhibit remain closed due to elevated gases and other volcanic hazards that remain at the eruption site. Visitors should plan ahead and check the park website for updates before entering the park.
    Scientists with the U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (USGS HVO) reported elevated volcanic gas emissions, ground subsidence and severe earth cracks that formed during the short-lived eruption. These cracks have unstable edges and could continue to widen.
    Other hazards include hot, glass-like surfaces on the new lava flows, uneven and rough terrain and hot temperatures.
    The fissure eruption started on Monday, June 3 around 12:30 a.m. in a remote area in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, about about 2.5 miles (4 km) southwest of Kīlauea caldera near the volcano's upper Southwest Rift Zone. The area is in the Ka'u Desert between Pahala and Volcano.

KA'U COFFEE FESTIVAL WRAPS UP SATURDAY AT PAHALA COMMUNITY CENTER, followed by an Afterparty at Mauka to Makai Eatery on Manadina Farm, on the mountain road betweetn Pahala and Na'alehu. Indulge in farm-to-table cuisine with ingredients that directly support Ka'u agriculture, and enjoy some Ka'u Coffee as the festival comes to an end. Groove to art and live music from talented local bands, all set against the backdrop of panoramic views of Mauna Loa, and the Ka'u coast. Suggested Donation: $20 to support local musicians. For more details, visit www.manadina.com/dining. The organizers call the Afterparty a "celebration of Ka'u's vibrant culture and agriculture."


KAHUKU UNIT OF HAWAI'I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK WILL HAVE A BOOTH AT KA'U COFFEE FESTIVAL ON SATURDAY. Rangers will share that the 40th Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park Hawaiian Cultural Festival is happening in Kahuku on Saturday, July 20 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.This free event features musicians, hula performances and Hawaiian arts and craft practitioners. Local conservation groups, Hawaiian games and food for purchase (or bring your own picnic) will also be on hand. Bring water, sun protection, and a rain jacket; a hat, a ground mat or chair are recommended. This is a  family-friendly experience: e komo mai. A complete entertainment line up is coming soon.