Earthquakes on the east side

As a consequence of the eruption occurring in the Puna District, earthquakes have been quite frequent on the island. In the last 24 hours there have been 269 earthquakes in the Puna District. The largest was a 6.9 earthquake which generated a very small local tsunami. On the west side of the island we felt the shaking, but by no means close to that which was experienced on the east side. As I was sitting working on the computer the chair started to shake. The shaking was no where near as intense as the 6.8 quake in 2006 which occurred on this side. But it did persist for about 30 seconds which was an indication that it was intense somewhere on the island. Services were, in fact, disrupted on the east side of the island.

As of this writing, 6 fissures in the Puna District have extruded lava. The entire Leilani Subdivision has been under mandatory evacuation.It does appear that this activity will subside soon.

Pele is on the move

After several days of almost continuous earthquake activity, an eruption has occurred on the southeastern part od Hawaii Island. Residents said for days the ground never stopped shaking. This afternoon a rift opened up in Leilani Estates which is just east of Kalapana, for those who are familiar with past eruptions. Fountaining along the rift has occurred and a mandatory evacuation has been ordered for a portion of Leilani subdivision.

It has been quite a few years since a new rift has opened up in the Puna district. However, the Puna district is on the East Rift Zone of Kilauea Volcano and eruptions there are not unexpected. Residents live with the knowledge that eruptions are probable.

Snow in August

Yes Hawaii is in the tropics and yes we are in the dog days of August, but we also have high mountains. Usually when we have thunder storms there will be snow on Mauna Kea. That is precisely what happened.

Spring Snow

It may be April 30, but here in the tropics we can still have snow. A late season cold front has dusted Mauna Kea with some snow.

The jet stream took a southerly track and brought a late season cold front to the islands. It is not enough to shout about, but it is more than we usually get at this time of year. I have, however, been on Mauna Kea in July throwing snowballs.

Snow has finally arrived

The snow is late this year, but it has finally arrived. While we used to get snow on Mauna Kea in late October, this year it is now the beginning of December before the snow arrived. It looks like there is enough snow for the skiers to have several days of good sport. As soon as the road to the summit is plowed, I expect to see a multitude of skiers on the mountain.

A New Restaurant in Kailua-Kona

            On the site of what used to be the Irish Publick House is Foster's Kitchen. It is on the second story of the building next to the volleyball court with an excellent view of Kailua Bay.

            We enjoyed dinner there at a very reasonable price. From my point of view the only drawback was the lack of good single malt whisky. I had a dram of Glenlivet, which is not a favorite of mine, but was the only single malt they had.

            The meal began with an appetizer of Hapa Brown Beer Cheese, which was an excellent hot, creamy beer cheese served with thinly sliced toasted pretzel bread. It was a very good combination that we both enjoyed.

            For our entree we both had the Blackened Shrimp Cheese Grits which was topped with an egg. The grits were very good and the egg added a nice touch to the dish. Five or six shrimp were ample for a very filling entree.

            We topped off the meal with some local ice cream which is always delicious. There is live music every night, albeit a little loud, but definitely local. The place was really jumping.

            While I wouldn't call the restaurant fine dining, it doesn't pretend to be. Too many restaurants act as though they are fine dining while falling flat. This, on the other, is definitely a place you want to come back to. In fact, Betty is considering bringing her monthly meeting of ladies there for dinner. It fits your pocketbook with a very good meal.

Pele is putting on a show

            Once again the lava has risen in Halemaʻumaʻu Crater at Kilauea. While it has been close to the crater floor in the past year and a half, it has not put on a display like this since May, 2015. Not ony is the spatter visible, but lava is out on the crater floor. This is definitely worth seeing. However, you never know how long it will last.

Lava enters the ocean

Pele's latest march to the sea has resulted in an ocean entry of lava. Yesterday lava entered the ocean for the first time in several years.

            The lava is accessible after a six mile round trip hike from a viewing area set up by the County in the Kalapana area. However, be advised that viewing the ocean entry is extremely hazardous. The ocean entry area is on a ledge that rest on loose debris that is easily eroded by wave action. People have lost their lives in the past when the ledge  collapsed into the ocean as they were standing on it. Actually, a better view is obtained either from the air or by boat. Tours are available to take you at prime viewing time by either plane or boat. Both are much better options than hiking to the ocean entry area.

Pele is flowing again

A breakout of lava from Puʻu Oʻo on the southeast rift zone of Kilauea has moved past the top of the cliff  (pali) and has traveled rapidly down to the coastal plain. It is now about two miles from the ocean.

The County has set up a parking area which is about 3 miles from the flow in the area of Kalapana. The lava can be seen from the parking area. You can hike out to the flow, about a six mile round trip hike. If you do that make sure your footwear is appropriate, you have plenty of water, and flashlights if you will be out after dark. There are several tour companies that will guide you out to the flow.

As is always the case, there is no guarantee the flow will persist. It could end as quickly as it started.