In the past 160 years, five volcanic eruptions have sent lava flows to within 10 miles of Hilo Bay. The flow from the 1880-81 Mauna Loa eruption came the closest, posing an immediate threat to Hilo and its beautiful bay.
In the past 160 years, five volcanic eruptions have sent lava flows to within 10 miles of Hilo Bay. The flow from the 1880-81 Mauna Loa eruption came the closest, posing an immediate threat to Hilo and its beautiful bay.
During the eruption, Princess Regent Lili‘uokalani and Princess Ruth Ke‘elikolani came to Hawaii Island and led the efforts to save Hilo town.
Christian prayers and appeals to Pele were offered and preparations were made to dig ditches, construct rock barriers and blast dynamite in attempts to divert the advancing lava streams.
More than nine months later the flow stopped — less than a mile from the bayfront.
Jim Kauahikaua and Ben Gaddis of the U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory will tell the story of this Mauna Loa eruption using maps, art and photographs during a presentation from 7-8:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 11, at the Lyman Museum.
Admission to this program is free to museum members and $3 for nonmembers.
The nationally accredited and Smithsonian-affiliated Lyman Museum showcases the natural and cultural history of Hawaii. Located in historic Downtown Hilo at 276 Haili St., the museum is open from 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
For additional information, call 935-5021 or visit www.lymanmuseum.org.