Lava continues to fill Kapoho Bay

KAILUA-KONA — Lava, fed by Fissure 8 on the lower East Rift Zone, continues to fill Kapoho Bay.

Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reports that vigorous lava eruptions continue in the lower East Rift Zone, according to Hawaii County Civil Defense. Fissure 8 is very active and producing a large channelized flow that has filled in Kapoho Bay. The ocean entry is sending a large laze plume into the air along the coastline.

Late Tuesday, the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory said persistent lava fountaining at Fissure 8 was reaching heights of 150 feet to 180 feet. No other fissure vents were active, HVO said.

Because of the ongoing volcanic activity, Government Beach Road, between Kahakai Boulevard and Cinder Road, is open to Waa Waa and Papaya Farms Road with access to residents only with official credentials. There is no curfew.

Overnight Monday and Tuesday, A wide and fast lava flow from Kilauea volcano’s fissure No. 8 wiped out hundreds of homes in Kapoho and obliterated Kapoho Bay, replacing it with a nearly mile-long delta of lava rock.

Hawaii County Civil Defense Administrator Talmadge Magno said the official count of destroyed homes since May 3 has not risen from the tally of 117 announced earlier this week. However, it was clear Monday that the vast majority of the approximately 500 homes in Kapoho Beach Lots and Vacationland are gone.