Hilo is situated on lava flows from two of the five volcanoes that form the Island of Hawai`i. However, most of the surface flows one drives by (and upon) every day are flows from Mauna Loa.
Is Hilo in a lava zone?
According to the USGS 1% to 5% of Zone 3 has been covered in the last 200 years. The towns of Hilo, Keeau, Waikoloa, and some South Kona areas are all in Zone 3.
Which Hawaiian Island has the most lava?
The probability of future lava flows is not the same for all areas of the Island of Hawai'i. The long-term lava-flow threat is greatest on Kīlauea and Mauna Loa, the two most active volcanoes, followed by Hualālai.
Is Hilo safe from lava?
Is it safe to live on the Big Island of Hawaii volcano?
Most communities that are located near active volcanoes on the Big Island are not in Zones 1 or 2, but rather in the low risk or safe zones. For example, the town of Hilo is in Zone 3, a safe zone despite its proximity to a volcano.
Which highway is Mauna Loa threatening?
Inouye HighwayInouye Highway, also known as Saddle Road. The highway is considered the major highway on Hawaii's Big Island where Mauna Loa is located.
What is the closest volcano to Hilo Hawaii?
Mauna Loa, the largest volcano on Earth, has erupted 34 times since 1843. An eruption 1984 lasted 22 days and produced lava flows which reached to within about 7.2 km (4.5 miles) of Hilo, the largest population center on the Island of Hawai'i.
What is the closest volcano to Hilo?
Notable Eruptions of Mauna LoaThe 1984 eruption of Mauna Loa that ended 4 miles away from the town of Hilo. Mauna Loa erupts for the first time in nearly 40 years.