Increasing threat from Hawaii volcano

The Mount Kilauea volcano, spewing and exploding on Hawaii’s Big Island, is becoming more violent, sending rivers of molten rock pouring into the ocean and launching lava spatter skywards

May 20, 2018: Lava crosses Highway 137, heading to ocean near Pahoa, Hawaii

Pacific Ocean
Honolulu
HAWAII
150km 93 miles

Big Island
Hilo
Rift zone
50km 31 miles

May 19: Lava bomb strikes man’s lower leg, shattering it

May 3: Lava first appears

May 19: Lava crosses Highway 137 and enters ocean, sending steam laced with hydrochloric acid and fine glass particles into air

Pahoa
Nanawale Estates
Leilani Estates
Kapoho
Vacationland Hawaii
137
Pohoiki
2km 1.25 miles
Pacific Ocean

Lava flow, May 3-18 
Lava expansion, May 19



Sources: USGS, Time, Honolulu Star Advertiser, BBC
Picture: Associated Press © GRAPHIC NEWS