Is Hilo affected by volcano?

Is Hilo Affected by Volcanoes? Let’s Talk About It.

So, you’re wondering about Hilo and volcanoes, huh? Well, being on the Big Island of Hawaii, Hilo definitely has a relationship with those fiery mountains. It’s not like lava is constantly flowing through downtown, but volcanoes do impact the city in various ways, mostly from Kīlauea and Mauna Loa, two of the most active volcanoes on the planet. Let’s break it down.

Lava’s Close Calls: A History Lesson

Here’s the thing: Hilo’s location puts it in the potential path of lava flows, especially from Mauna Loa. I mean, can you imagine? Historically, Mauna Loa’s eruptions have sent lava snaking towards Hilo. Back in 1880-1881, a flow got within a mile of Hilo Bay! Talk about a close call. Then, in 1935, there was another scare. And get this, in 1984, lava came within just 4 miles of the city before the eruption thankfully stopped. While Hilo hasn’t been directly hit recently, the city itself is built on old lava flows. It’s a reminder that Pele, the volcano goddess, is always present.

Vog: The Invisible Nuisance

Even when the lava stays put, Hilo deals with “vog.” What’s vog, you ask? It’s basically volcanic smog. When Kīlauea and other volcanoes release sulfur dioxide and other gases, they react in the atmosphere and create this haze. And because of Hilo’s location on the east side of the island, the trade winds often blow that vog right over the city. When those winds die down? Ugh, a thick haze just hangs there, and the air quality goes downhill fast.

Now, vog affects everyone differently. Some people get a sore throat, a headache, or have trouble breathing. Others barely notice it. But if you have asthma or any other respiratory issues, you really need to be careful. Even plants can get stressed out by the acidic vog. It’s not fun, trust me.

Other Volcanic Mayhem

Okay, so besides lava and vog, what else could Hilo face? Well:

• Earthquakes: Volcanoes can cause earthquakes, and the whole island is prone to them. You get used to the little shakes, but the big ones? No thanks.
• Tsunamis: Okay, these aren’t directly from eruptions, but tsunamis are a real threat to all coastal areas, including Hilo. You always have to be aware.
• Ash (Tephra): During explosive eruptions, ash can rain down. Usually, the Kona winds blow it away from Hilo, but you never know.
• Infrastructure Woes: Even if the lava doesn’t take your house, it could bury roads and power lines. That’s a headache no one wants.

What’s Happening Now?

As of August 2025, Kīlauea is doing its thing, erupting at the summit in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. The latest episode ended just a couple of days ago, on August 6th, after some pretty spectacular lava fountaining. Even though the lava is staying put up in the crater, the volcanic gases are still a concern. They can definitely affect air quality downwind in places like Hilo.

Staying Safe: A Few Tips

Living near active volcanoes means you need to be smart and prepared. Here’s my advice:

• Stay Informed: Keep an eye on updates from the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory and Hawai’i County Civil Defense. They know what’s going on.
• Vog-Wise: Pay attention to vog conditions and take precautions. If you’re sensitive, stay inside with the windows closed.
• Earthquake Ready: Know what to do if the ground starts shaking. Duck, cover, and hold on!
• Evacuation Plan: If lava threatens, be ready to leave. Don’t wait until the last minute.
• Know Your Zones: Learn about the lava flow hazard zones. It’s good to know where the riskiest areas are.

Look, volcanoes are a part of life here in Hawaii. They’re beautiful, powerful, and, yeah, a little scary. But by staying informed and being prepared, Hilo residents can live safely and respectfully alongside these incredible forces of nature. It’s all about being aware and responsible.