2018 marked the largest volcanic eruption Kilauea volcano has seen this century. Two lava lakes suddenly drained, explosions rocked the summit crater, earthquakes rattled Hawaii island, and a massive fissure eruption took place in Puna. Rivers of lava flooded the landscape and poured into the ocean in a 2 mile wide ocean entry. The fissure eruption finally ended in August, closing out a 35 year eruption on Kilauea volcano.
On the one year anniversary of the fissure eruptions, I thought it would be interesting to sit down with Kilauea volcano herself and get her perspective on life as a volcano, the eruption, and what she has up her sleeve next.
Volcano Hopper: Hello! Thank you for sitting down to talk with me today.
Kilauea: Aloha. He mea iki.
Volcano Hopper: How should I address you? Do you like your given name?
Kilauea: I have been known by many names, but “Kilauea” will do. When humans first arrived on my slopes, they gifted me that name. It means “much spreading” which is entirely accurate, given how much of the ‘aina I have created. Others address me as if I am the spirit or embodiment of Pele. But my true name? The one that we volcanoes use amongst ourselves? You couldn’t pronounce it. The syllables aren’t even within your audible range. So, yes, little Hopper. Kilauea will do.
Volcano Hopper: Last year’s fissure eruptions on your Lower East Rift Zone were incredibly impressive from a volcanic standpoint.
Kilauea: I know.
Volcano Hopper: As impressive as it was, there was so much destruction and even injuries. Should people fear you?
Kilauea: Perhaps. However, I prefer respect over fear. It’s a tricky thing, this volcano-human relationship. I am so much larger and expend more energy in a breath than you humans do in a year. When I am active and erupting, I am in my element! Sometimes I am so enraptured by the whole process that I do not even notice the humans on my slopes. If a human is in the way when I erupt, they may be hurt. It is inevitable. Your bodies are so fragile. But I do regret that it happens from time to time. What about you, little Volcano Hopper? Do you fear me?
Volcano Hopper: I am not afraid of you, though I do have a very healthy respect for you. I usually know when to keep my distance.
Kilauea: A wise choice.
Volcano Hopper: During your last eruption, the land, coast, and even underwater reefs were completely destroyed. Is it correct to call your eruptions “destructive?”
Kilauea: That’s one point of view. Yes, I can wipe out entire forests with a breath. One shiver from me can level your towns. But if I destroy anything, it’s only so that I can create! (I live to create things!) Think of the excitement you humans have when you paint your halea new color, or adorn it with new decorations. Or the thrill you have of creating an artistic masterpiece. That is the same excitement I feel rearranging my landscape. I splash lava around like paint. I love to create more coastline (above andbelow water) for life to thrive on. I clear out the kipukaslike a forest fire – I clean out the underbrush so that new life can take hold and thrive. So, I’d call my eruptions more creative than destructive!
Volcano Hopper: What is a day in the life of a volcano like?
Kilauea: Days are a blink of an eye to us. Most of us have thrived for thousands of years. I, myself, am 23,000 years old. Yet life is never boring. Some days I am preparing for my next eruption. Others, I am launching lava into the sky. Others yet, I sit quietly and observe the world around me: humans, animals, the curl of the plants as they unfurl their leaves, or watch the stars. But most of all, I love to sing.
Volcano Hopper: What do you sing about? Will you sing a song for us?
Kilauea: We volcanoes sing of everything. This is how we share information with the world. But if I were to sing to you, little Hopper, you would only be able to hear part of it. Most of my vocal range is well below your range of hearing. You might only interpret it as rumbles and not a song at all. Unless you knew better, that is.
Volcano Hopper: What are some of the subtle moments of your beauty that only a select few have observed?
Kilauea: First off, to observe anything I’m trying to share with you humans, you have to simmer down. Be quiet and listen. Sit with me and I’ll show you things. So many people scamper over my slopes each day, frantically rushing here and there, trying to see all the “touristy” things. In their haste to see it all, they often miss beauty right under their noses. What a waste.
Volcano Hopper: So if one wereto be still and sit with you awhile, what might they observe?
Kilauea: I have a playful streak. I’ll interact with you if you’re paying attention. No, I’m not going to shoot a random jet of lava out of the ground simply for your amusement. But I “lava” showing love by leaving hearts here and there for people to spot, whether it be in a lava flow or a puff of steam. And that twisting and swirling steam you saw earlier? I was dancing with you. I love to dance.
Volcano Hopper: What do you think of visitors? Do you mind all the people that visit you each day? Or should humans admire you from afar?
Kilauea: They do not bother me. I am aware of them, as you humans may be sometimes be aware of the hairs on your arm. Sometimes I observe them, and find them entertaining. But most often I am too absorbed in the work I am doing to prepare for my next creative streak.
Volcano Hopper: Some volcanoes give no warning before they erupt, and others stretch out the signs for months. Which are you?
Kilauea: I tend toward the quicker eruptions. I get so impatient to dance! The song is playing, and I need to move! But those who know me best and who watch my every heartbeat are usually quick to know that I am moving.
Volcano Hopper: If you were to warn your human visitors about one thing, what would it be?
Kilauea: I’m unpredictable at best. And I won’t change. You’ll just have to love me as I am. But you humans need to be on your toes. And be smart about what you’re doing. Don’t get cocky and thing that you won’t get burned if you get to close to the edge of a crater, or go romping off the beaten path. The rangers have marked places out of bounds for a reason. They’re not fools and they know me. And if I have a lava flow that oyu want to explore, be prepared. You’ll need to be in shape, and will need gear. I recommend going with someone who knows the flows. Because really, once the top of the lava has hardened, how are you going to tell if there’s a molten river running right under your feet? Hmm? But keep in mind that there are other factors at play too, particularly the weather. And that I don’t control, as much as I’d enjoy that.
Volcano Hopper: Are there any other volcanoes you admire? Why or why not?
Kilauea: A volcano’s gotta have a role model. And have you seen my family? Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea are the biggest, most badass volcanoes on the planet. Both stretch nearly 14,000 feet into the sky! And their bases reach far to the depths of the ocean. They are the biggest mountains on the planet. I am small in comparison, but no less mighty. Someday I may choose to grow to their heights. But I’m not in much rush, now, am I? And I’d rather show my creative flare than my muscles. Most days anyway.
Volcano Hopper: What makes you so special among volcanoes?
Kilauea: I’m the most active on the planet! I am constantly at work, creating and reshaping the land. I provide so many things for the planet. The gases I breathe keep the planet warm and replenish the atmosphere. Nutrients and minerals that I release give fertile ground and minerals for you humans to use. Really, you all would be lost without me.
Volcano Hopper: The question everyone is dying to know the answer to… will you erupt again? When? And where?
Kilauea: Of course I will erupt again! I’m too young to retire. As for where and when? I shall leave you guessing. It’s like Kalikimaka– it’s no fun to spoil the surprise.
Volcano Hopper: Mahalo nui loa for speaking with me today. It has been fascinating to learn more about you.
Kilauea: And mahalo to you for taking the time to sit with me and to learn. Most people aren’t interested. But if you find others who are like you, who love to learn and wish to know me more, they are welcome to come and sit with me too.
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