Thousands of residents and tourists braved the cold and the possibility of altitude sickness last weekend to see one of the best views of the Mauna Loa eruption — from its sister volcano, Maunakea.
Although fog and dense clouds blocked the view of the lava Friday and Saturday night, visitors at the Maunakea Visitor Information Station still waited patiently to see any sign of the eruption.
Atop a nearby cinder cone known as Pu‘u Kalepeamoa, or Sunset Hill, the glow from the lava emerged from clouds, triggering gasps and cheers from visitors who climbed the cone.
“We haven’t had the chance to see the lava fully, but we decided to stick it out today, and it was worth it,” said visitor Ian Adrian.
According to ranger Blair Southworth, Pu‘u Kalepeamoa is providing one of the best views over the clouds.
“It’s been exciting to be up here every day. It’s like waking up to gifts on Christmas,” Southworth said “The evenings have been very busy, but generally, it’s been a positive atmosphere.”
Rangers have been directing traffic and monitoring parking as they see more people than normal. The VIS, located at about 9,200 feet of elevation, has 90 parking spots where visitors can get out of their cars and look straight toward Mauna Loa to see a view of the lava after dark.
“The evenings are definitely busier, but sunset and sunrise are good times to come. The biggest thing we’re discussing is potentially capping the amount of cars allowed on the summit at one time,” Southworth said. “When we get more than 150 cars up there at once, it can be a safety issue, but we haven’t had many problems.”
Southwouth said she has seen more interisland visitors and mainland tourists at the VIS to witness the first eruption of Mauna Loa in nearly four decades.
“So many people have waited over 30 years to see this, and it’s been special to see how people react,” Southworth said.
Shiva Bhardnaj and Poonam Patel drove to the VIS on Friday night after seeing the lava from the Daniel K. Inouye Highway, although the cloud bank covered the view from Mauna Kea.
“We had plans to fly in the day after it erupted, and we were a little nervous, but everyone made it seem very safe,” Patel said. “It’s been incredible to see it. We feel so lucky.”
“The locals have been saying that this is a blessing, and we definitely feel that,” Bhardnaj said.
“It’s something so spiritual, and the eruption has made our trip that much more worthwhile.”
Dan and Avery Liggett climbed Pu‘u Kalepeamoa with their three children to see if they could catch a glimpse of lava glowing through the clouds.
The two are working on the island for three to six months.
“It is so cool that we’re living here at this time and that our sons have to opportunity to witness something like this,” Avery Liggett said. “As naturalists, it’s been amazing being able to teach them volcanology while seeing it happen in real time.”
Brian Cheung of Vancouver brought his mother and child up Pu‘u Kalepeamoa and sat in chairs hoping for a view through the clouds.
“This trip is doubly special for me since it’s the first time I’ve seen my mom since the COVID-19 pandemic,” Cheung said.
“She lives in Hong Kong and was able to get a ticket three weeks ago. As a geography teacher, she has been so happy.”
While Cheung was a little nervous about the lava flow, clear information from Hawaii County eased his concerns.
“I didn’t even know this was a bucket list item for me until I saw it in person,” Cheung said. “You can’t really describe the beauty, either. It feels other worldly.”
The VIS is open for parking 24 hours a day, and rangers monitor drivers going to the summit of Maunakea.
“We want to ask people to be patient and stay safe while we’re up here,” Southworth said.
“It’s a special time, but safety is still the most important part of being up here.”
Those interested in driving to the summit of Maunakea must have a four-wheel drive vehicle.
Before allowing cars to drive to the summit, rangers at the VIS conduct a brake check and ensure the vehicle has four-wheel drive.
Altitude sickness can be life-threatening, so rangers recommend spending 45 minutes at the VIS before driving to the summit to give the body time to acclimate to the high elevation.
Email Kelsey Walling at kwalling@hawaiitribune-herald.com.