Chapter 10: The Southern Coastlands: On the Subtropical Margin

Hawaii has a variety of great features that attract a number of people all around the world and has been known as one of the greatest resort places for vacation. Despite that attraction, there is one thing that scares local people and travelers and that you can’t stop with human power: natural hazards.

Natural hazards that occur in Hawaii include volcanoes, earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, tsunamis, and brush fires.

[Volcano]

Active Volcano: Kilauea, Mauna Loa, Hualalai

History of Eruption:

Kilauea since 1983

Mauna Loa’s last eruption in 1984

Hualalai’s last eruption in 1801

Lava flows that are heated up to 2000 degrees Fahrenheit have massive destructive power. As lava flows run downhill, they bury everything in its path, such as trees, houses, and roads, and destroy completely. In addition to the impact of lava flows, volcanoes produce vog that adversely affects health of people.

[Earthquake]

There are small earthquakes that occur on a regular basis on the Big Island due to the underground magma movement. But there were larger earthquakes that Hawaiian has experienced in history.

Year Location Magnitude

1868 Kau 7.9

1951 Kona 6.9

1952 Kona 6.0

1975 Kilauea 7.2

1983 Kaoiki 6.6

1999 Pahala 5.6

2006 Kiholo Bay 6.7

2006 Mahukona 6.0