July 14, 2016 Skylights to Da Max

Pele remains active on and above the coastal plain, widening and overplating the flow field. But the distal tip just over a half mile from the ocean has more or less stalled out for the time being. Pele rolled over the Pali two weeks ago, mostly between Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and the abandoned Royal Gardens subdivision. This new flow is now over 5 miles long, and will probably begin making headway toward the ocean soon. Numerous pahoehoe outbreaks dot the flow field from above the Pali down to the distal tip. But of greatest interest today were the many skylights just above the Pali and in several locations between there and the vent. An enormous amount lf lava can be seen coursing beneath the ground… much more than we see on the surface anywhere. We can only assume the field is inflating and Pele will break out soon to continue her journey to re-unite with her sister, Na Maka, the Goddess of the Sea. It would still appear that the flow could reach the ocean in days or weeks. The bottom portion of the flow is now almost entirely within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, but some lava on the Pali is still oozing into Royal Gardens. Skies today were as crystal clear as we’ve ever seen them… winds blowing Pu’u ‘O’o’s plume almost due west. Leilani the Hula Girl and Lava Ducky joined us today, along with special guest, Peter Buol. Bruce Omori and I were back with Paradise Helicopters’ excellent pilot, Robert Mitchell. Mahalo, Rob… you were brilliant this morning!
Mahalo to Paradise Helicopters and Bruce Omori at Extreme Exposure