The earthquake activity seems to have subsided, and parts of the Chain of Craters Road near Kilauea Crater have been reopened.

However it appears that the lava flow to the Pacific Ocean has stopped, and the former steam plume is now reduced to a few wisps.

Even if you wanted to catch the tail end of the lava flow into the ocean, you’d be out of luck, as Park Rangers have closed the road leading to the area, for safety reasons. Here’s a photo of the area taken by the National Park Service in earlier times:

Stay tuned, as this change in volcanic activity could be a sign of magma breaking to the surface in another location!

Many of the roads in Volcanoes National Park have been closed as a precaution, including the Chain or Craters Road. Potential dangers to sightseers, campers, and hikers can include road damage, molten lava cutting off escape access, poisonous gas venting, or brush fires caused by the lava.

Early indications are that there might be a shift in the flow of molten magma. The earthquakes could signal a change in the eruption, from lava flowing into new underground cavities in the volcano, or a new surface breakout of lava.

You can get more information on road closures from the National Park Service Website at: www.nps.gov/havo or call 808-985-6000.

If you’re ever visiting Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island, it is always a good idea to check for updates, road warnings, or any other significant activity at the Park Service’s website.