Since Jan. 3, 1983, one thing has remained both constant and dynamic on the island of Hawai'i: the eruption of Kilauea volcano.
The eruption in the East Rift Zone was not surprising when it started. The volcano has had scores of eruptions since the first historical record in 1790, according to the Hawaii Center for Volcanology. However, the rift eruption's duration, 23 years so far with no indication of abatement, is believed to be unique in the history of human habitation of the island. The eruption has steadily pumped out an average of 390,000 cubic yards of lava every day.
The eruption began along a series of ground fissures in a remote rainforest area of the zone, from which emerged curtains of bright lava. By June, the activity localized and formed a massive cinder and spatter cone dubbed Pu'u 'O'o; a shallow magma reservoir developed beneath the vent. The eruption continued with fiery intermittence for the next four years before shifting a couple of miles to form the Kupa'ianaha shield, from where it was active for the next six years.
Predictably, the eruption has caused its share of destruction along the Big Island's south coast, overcoming 189 homes and buildings, the National Park Service Visitor Center at Waha'ula, the 700-year-old Waha'ula Heiau and other landmarks. In 1990, lava flows cut through Kalapana and destroyed more than 100 homes.
As the lava has met the sea, several large "benches" have formed and collapsed, including a 34-acre section that fell into the ocean on Nov. 28, 2005.
The ongoing spectacle of fiery eruptions, oozing lava, and the steam-inducing formation of new land along the south coast has, also predictably, attracted a steady flow of spectators.
As many as a thousand people each day make their way down to the lava-viewing area at the end of Chain of Craters Road. Many hike in a half-mile farther to see the lava hit the ocean.
