Volcano Hazards Gallery
Kilauea and Mauna Loa are both active volcanoes. Lava flows from these volcanoes originate at the summits and rift zones, and flow downhill. In 1960, the East Rift Zone of Kilauea erupted adjacent to the town of Kapoho, wiping out virtually the entire town. Fred Rackle filmed the eruption; view a short video clip of the 1960 eruption, including footage shot from a plane. (Video is in Quicktime format.) Text.
Volcano Photos
In 1960, an eruption at Kapoho destroyed the village, including the school. (Photo copyright USGS)
In 1950, Mauna Loa sent three branches of lava down the west side of the island; buildings and a small village were destroyed but no one was injured. (Photo copyright USGS)