Mauna Loa's first eruption in 38 years is attracting onlookers to a national park for “spectacular” views of the event, and it's also dredging up bad memories among some local residents.
Despite that, some in the area were preparing for unpredictable changes.
It was not clear when or if the lava will reach the road. It could hit flatter ground later Tuesday or Wednesday, according to Hon. Hon said lava crossed the Mauna Loa Observatory access road Monday night and cut off power to the facility. It could move toward the county seat of Hilo, he added, but that could take a week or longer.“It's just very early in this eruption right now,” Hon said.
People in the northern Hilo neighborhood closest to the Mauna Loa eruption were cautious, but not overly scared Tuesday. “I feel so humbled and small," she said, adding that"it’s a profound, incredible experience to get to be here while that’s happening.”
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