MAUNA LOA, HI – NOVEMBER 28: The Big Island’s Mauna Loa Volcano erupts on November 28, 2022 on the … [+]
Lava from the ongoing eruption of the massive Mauna Loa volcano on the Big Island of Hawaii has flowed to within about three miles of the so-called Saddle Road that runs through the middle of the island.
Officials say the lava has hit a flat area that has dramatically slowed its advance as it pools and inflates on the plateau.
County officials are routing traffic on to a new detour away from the Saddle Road while the local Civil Defense Agency is pledging to start handing out tickets and towing cars that park along the side of the road to try and get a glimpse and photos of the lava.
Curious residents and visitors have been sharing photos and videos captured from the highway.
The Saddle Road remains open in both directions for now.
Hawaii Governor David Ige told reporters Wednesday that state officials will “leave no stone unturned to identify options to ensure that we don’t lose access to DKI Highway.”
Officials have mentioned that setting up a legal viewing area for the lava flow could be an option.
Lava has already crossed the Old Kona Highway, an old dirt road running through a forest reserve.
The Saddle Road cuts travel time to one side of the island to the other by several hours over the alternative route, which is the belt road that follows the coastline.
The USGS says there is still no threat to property from the eruption at this point.
