Hannah Eberle | A&E Editor
December 8, 2022
On Sunday, November 27, the Mauna Loa volcano started to erupt on Hawaii’s Big Island, marking its first rumble of activity since 1984. Known as the largest active volcano in the world, Mauna Loa still has yet to pose a deadly threat. So far, residents on the island have not been asked to evacuate, however, lava flow is traveling dangerously close to Daniel K. Inouye highway—the main route between the east and west sides of the island. Governor David Ige called for twenty national guard members to assist with traffic control on the threatened highway.
Although the recent eruption has increased stress for many Big Island residents, others are somewhat intrigued by the event. Mauna Loa’s activity now joins Kilauea, another volcano just 21 miles away that has been erupting since last year. The rare sight of two volcanoes erupting in the same park has drawn many scientists and tourists to the scene. Senior Nathan Clark remarked, “I was shocked at the news, I thought the volcano was dormant.” Despite the burden to residents, the eruption is a unique natural event most will never see again in their lifetime.
In addition, many native Hawaiians have been celebrating and honoring the incredible sight. “This seems to be the perfect time for Hawaiians to celebrate their culture, after all, the volcano was there before anybody.” senior Karly Harris said. As the volcano forces astonishing amounts of lava into the sky, native Hawaiians can be found performing traditional chants and offering rosemary in the surrounding areas.
Mauna Loa marks a special occasion for all Hawaiians to celebrate the powerful and ever-changing environment in which they inhabit. As magma continues to rise, the world remains riveted by its daily developments.
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