Hawaiian Eruptions

Lava fountain during the April 3, 1984 eruption of Mauna Loa. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii.

NPS Photo by Bob Serber.

Introduction

Hawaiian-style eruptions are non-explosive eruptions of gusher-like lava fountains (“fire fountains” or “curtains of fire”) that generate red-hot lava rivers of very fluid basaltic lavas. Hawaiian eruptions are typical for shield volcanoes, where eruptions take place both at the summit and at fissure vents.

• Typical magma composition: basaltic

• Description: Effusive (nonexplosive)

• Eruption Products: Pahoehoe lava flows. Pele’s tears, Pele’s hair, and spatter.

• National Park examples: Mauna Loa and Kilauea in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

Featured Videos

Duration:

59 seconds

Fountaining spatter cone and lava lake within Halemaʻumaʻu crater as seen from the eruption viewing area near Keanakākoʻi Overlook. December 20, 2021

Kīlauea Summit Eruption (Feb 11, 2021)

• USGS—Hawaiian Volcano Observatory video

Related Links

• NPS Volcanoes—Eruption Classifications

• Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (HAVO), Hawaii—[HAVO Geodiversity Atlas] [HAVO Park Home] [HAVO Eruptions] [HAVO npshistory.com]

• USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory—[Kīlauea] [Mauna Loa]

• Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument, Arizona—[GRCA Geodiversity Atlas] [GECA Park Home] [GRCA Volcanoes] [GRCA npshistory.com]

Volcanoes, Craters, and Lava Flows