Kilauea volcano (Hawaii): lava ocean entry 13 March 2017
Impressions from a morning boat tour to the Kamokuna ocean entry on 13 March 2017 during our latest Kilauea Volcano Special tour. We were lucky enough to be there during the last week when the spectacular fire hose was still active.
A special thanks goes to the competent and friendly crew from Kalapana Cultural Tours, in particular to captains Ikaika and Andrew, who we think provide the best service by far among the competition!
A special thanks goes to the competent and friendly crew from Kalapana Cultural Tours, in particular to captains Ikaika and Andrew, who we think provide the best service by far among the competition!

Approaching the Kamokuna Ocean entry. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(146 Hits)
(146 Hits)

The cliff around the sea entry was formed on 31 Dec 2016 when most off the previous lava bench as we... [info]
(133 Hits)
(133 Hits)

Another sightseeing boat is already on the scene. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(119 Hits)
(119 Hits)

Most of the time, the lava hose is hidden in thick steam, but occasionally, it comes into sight. (Ph... [info]
(462 Hits)
(462 Hits)

From the exposed lava tube, a so-called "fire hose" - a jet of lava - shoots out and pours into the ... [info]
(133 Hits)
(133 Hits)

Zoom onto the mouth of the lava tube where the fire hose exits; today, it is not particularly strong... [info]
(155 Hits)
(155 Hits)

The largest part of the fire hose. While in shade, the lava appears orange, when in sunlight, the co... [info]
(163 Hits)
(163 Hits)

Where the lava hose plunges into the sea, it triggers near-constant (so-called "littoral") explosion... [info]
(271 Hits)
(271 Hits)

The intensity of the explosive interaction at the contact varies a lot. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(135 Hits)
(135 Hits)

Rarely, the jet of lava enters the ocean without noticeable explosions. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(131 Hits)
(131 Hits)

Such calm moments are brief and soon followed by an explosion. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(119 Hits)
(119 Hits)

Zoom onto the lower part of the fire hose reacting with the water. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(120 Hits)
(120 Hits)

The height of the lava hose is approx. 15 meters. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(117 Hits)
(117 Hits)

A short-lived "window" in the steam clouds lets the lava tube's mouth to be seen briefly. (Photo: To... [info]
(111 Hits)
(111 Hits)

Liquid lava strands detach from the hose as it is falling and are twisted and torn into Pele's hair ... [info]
(198 Hits)
(198 Hits)

View of the lava hose during a clear moment. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(120 Hits)
(120 Hits)

The actual entry in the water is never seen directly. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(104 Hits)
(104 Hits)

A moderately strong explosion occupies the full height of the cliff. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(99 Hits)
(99 Hits)

Jets of water, steam and lava fragments rise from the contact of the fire hose with the water. (Phot... [info]
(97 Hits)
(97 Hits)

The shape and direction of the explosions constantly change with the chaotic interaction of the wave... [info]
(93 Hits)
(93 Hits)

Steam parts to give view to the lava hose with a small explosion. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(91 Hits)
(91 Hits)

A good part of the lava is fragmented into smaller and larger particles of all shapes. New black san... [info]
(91 Hits)
(91 Hits)

The same explosion seen a split second later. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(82 Hits)
(82 Hits)

Trails of steam left behind the larger hot lava projectiles. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(189 Hits)
(189 Hits)

Fire hose and explosion (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(227 Hits)
(227 Hits)

Count the fragments...! (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(74 Hits)
(74 Hits)

Cock-tail jets of steam in wet fireworks. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(76 Hits)
(76 Hits)

Parabolic trajectories are seen by the steam trails. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(73 Hits)
(73 Hits)

A larger explosion throws fragments well above the sea cliff. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(73 Hits)
(73 Hits)

Last view onto the fire hose this morning. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(215 Hits)
(215 Hits)

The surface water around the entry area is near-boiling point and steam rises everywhere. (Photo: To... [info]
(80 Hits)
(80 Hits)

View back to an exciting morning excursion on another sunny day on Hawai'i. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(69 Hits)
(69 Hits)