1984 Eruption of Mauna Loa Volcano

Lava erupts from a fissure, forming a "curtain of fire"

The 1984 eruption of Mauna Loa started in the early morning of March 25, 1984. At first the eruption was from a fissure that opened on the floor of the summit caldera. The fissure lengthened during the first day and the site of lava venting migrated, tracking the leading edge of the fissure. March 25, 1984.

A "Curtain of Fire" erupting from the Northeast Rift Zone of Mauna Loa. Mid-morning March 25, 1984.

View looking up the Northeast Rift Zone of Mauna Loa towards summit. Notice trace of hiking trail, lower right corner, for scale. March 25, 1984.

View looking north, Mauna Kea Volcano in distance. March 25, 1984.

Lava flows

The 1984 Mauna Loa eruption lasted for 3 weeks. With time, channels formed which contained most of the flow. April 6, 1984.

Helicopter above raging lava river. April 6, 1984.

Solidified lava partly covers still flowing lava below. April 6, 1984.

Last Modified: November 16, 1995