View of the volcanic gas activity from the Jaggar Museum. Photo by Sue Frause.
Looks like we missed Kilauea's volcanic eruption by a month. One of the Big Island's biggest tourist attractions put on a really big show on March 5, 2011. That's when the Pu`u `Ō `ō crater floor collapsed, followed by a middle east rift zone eruption. One day later, a fissure on Kilauea's east rift zone continued to erupt, with lava spattering up to 80 ft. high.
My hubby and I were on the Big Island of Hawaii in February, celebrating a milestone birthday, or what I prefer to call a "speed limit" birthday. We spent half the time on the east side, flying into Hilo; and the other on the west, flying out of Kona.
Our headquarters on the west side was the small community of Volcano Village, where we rented a cozy little cabin called Volcano Teapot Cottage. Located just a few miles from Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, we spent a late rainy afternoon checking out the Kilauea Caldera.
Volcano Teapot in Volcano Village. Photo by Sue Frause.
After making a stop at the Kilauea Visitor Center, we were told that the best viewing area was at the nearby Jaggar Museum. Originally, we had planned to go on a hike, but the inclement weather nixed those plans. And although we were going to stick around to watch the caldera's glow once darkness arrived, the cold and rain made it an easy decision to head back to our cabin in Volcano Village.
One month later, due to the recent lava outbreak and volcanic conditions, Volcanoes National Park has closed the Chain of Craters Road and all the east rift zone and coastal trails until further notice. The Kulanaokuaiki Campground is also closed.
Check for status updates from the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory.
Hawaii's Kilauea Volcano: One Month Before the March 2011 Eruption
Jaggar Museum in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Sue Frause photo.(01 of14)
Open Image ModalWe did not see any of these Hawaiian Geese. Sue Frause photo.(02 of14)
Open Image Modal"Land where the goddess dwells." Sue Frause photo.(03 of14)
Open Image ModalVolcanic gas. Sue Frause photo.(04 of14)
Open Image ModalFairly quiet at the Kilauea Caldera. Sue Frause photo.(05 of14)
Open Image ModalThe volcanic gas contains sulphur dioxide. Sue Frause photo.(06 of14)
Open Image ModalCouple in the rain overlooking the Kilauea Caldera. Sue Frause photo.(07 of14)
Open Image ModalKilauea Caldera as the rain arrives. Sue Frause photo.(08 of14)
Open Image ModalSteam vents on the road out. Sue Frause photo.(09 of14)
Open Image ModalInside the volcano at the Jaggar Museum (video from March 2010). Sue Frause photo.(10 of14)
Open Image ModalThe road to the Kilauea lava fields on the Pacific Ocean. Sue Frause photo.(11 of14)
Open Image ModalKeep out. Sue Frause photo.(12 of14)
Open Image ModalCake batter. Sue Frause photo.(13 of14)
Open Image Modal(14 of14)
Open Image ModalOur 2024 Coverage Needs You
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
Support HuffPostAlready contributed? Log in to hide these messages.