Hawaiians have been treated to an exciting sight recently. After lying dormant for 38 years, Mauna Loa is erupting once again. Simultaneously, Kilauea, its neighbor on the big island, began to erupt as well. These simultaneous eruptions have led to an influx of tourism and concerns about the safety of the island’s infrastructure.

The twin volcanoes are both part of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Mauna Loa is the largest active volcano in the world, at 2.5 miles above sea level. Prior to last Sunday, it hadn’t erupted since spring 1984. That eruption lasted for about three weeks, and although it didn’t cause a ton of damage to the island, it did threaten Hilo, the big island’s largest city.

Kilauea is known for being among the most active volcanoes in the world. Its last eruption in 2018 caused significant damage across the island, destroying houses and forcing evacuations. The current eruption has been much less damaging; however, it has lasted a very long time. It began erupting in September 2021.

Officials Have Concerns About the Impact of Mauna Loa Lava on Highways

More than a week after it began to erupt, Mauna Loa is still pumping out lava. Because it hasn’t erupted nearly as often as its neighbor, Kilauea, volcano specialists are less sure of where the volcano’s lava flow will go. There’s a significant risk that it will reach the Daniel K. Inouye Highway and cause major disruptions. The lava flow got within two miles of this major highway this week.

However, there’s another concern about the highway that isn’t related to structural damage. The Hawaii DOT issued a press release yesterday urging tourists and onlookers not to stop on the highway in places where stopping is illegal. People have been stopping on the shoulder of the highway to gaze at the lava flow, something that the small highway can’t support adequately. If you’re on the island now, it’s understandable to want to see the lava before it’s gone. However, make sure you stay safe while doing it.