Hualalai erupts much less often than its neighbors, with centuries rather than years or decades separating eruptions. The most recent documented activity was an earthquake swarm in 1929, which likely corresponded to an intrusion of magma into the volcano. Its most recent eruption occurred in 1800–01, and the erupted lava flows from 1800–01 underlie almost the entire Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole. Future eruptions from Hualalai may pose a direct threat to Kailua-Kona and the surrounding communities.

Our islands have few dangers except for rare volcanic eruptions, earthquakes and hurricanes. Excessive exposure to the sun can be dangerous and people drown every year by being careless at the beach or hiking in the mountains. Although there are few poisonous native plants, some common exotic landscape plants are toxic such as oleander, crotons and angel trumpets. Some people can experience skin reactions like exposure to poison ivy from cashew and mango trees.

The award is in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the USGS in the field of volcanology, particularly to the understanding of Hawaiian volcanoes, their eruptions, and hazards.

If you want to try growing orchids and rub elbows with the experts, be sure to check out the Hilo Orchid Show and Sale this coming Friday, Saturday and Sunday, July 29-31. According to Richard Kelley, this year’s theme is Orchid Ohana. The show is returning to the Edith Kanaka‘ole Stadium after 2 years of a COVID pandemic induced break. Show chairperson and president Karl Mendonca points out that there will 10 of Hawaii’s top orchid hybridizers/nurseries with a huge variety of plants on display and available for sale. The show will present demonstrations to help beginners on the care of different types so their new purchases will thrive for many years. There is a nominal entrance fee and keiki get in for free.