July 1974 Summit Eruption

USGS diagram of the July 1974 eruption

On July 19, 1974, fissures opened up in multiple places at the summit of Kīlauea, creating large lava fountains and dramatic views from vantage points like Volcano House. Lava flows crossed Chain of Craters Road and spilled into Lua Manu, while additional fissures cascaded lava into Keanakākoʻi Crater and Kaluapele (Kīlauea caldera).

The most dramatic activity lasted less than a day, with low fountaining continuing on the caldera floor until the event fully concluded on July 22.

 

Lava flow crossing Chain of Craters Road near Puhimau crater (USGS Photo)

 

Erupting fissures in Keanakākoʻi on July 19. The 1974 eruption filled the crater with nearly 20 feet (6 m) of lava. (USGS Photo/R. Tilling)

 

Aerial view of erupting fissures in Kīlauea caldera and on either side of Keanakākoʻi crater, July 19, 1974 (USGS Photo)

 

Visitors watching the events of July 19 from Waldron Ledge (USGS Photo/R.L. Hofmann)

 

Lava flow on the floor of Kaluapele (Kīlauea caldera), Saturday July 20, 1974 (USGS Photo)

 

Aerial image of the area surrounding Keanakākoʻi after the July 1974 eruption (USGS Photo/Rodriquez)

 

Additional Resources:

• Day hike to Keanakākoʻi Crater
• "Kīlauea's July 1974 summit eruption: fond memories of dinner by "lava-light" USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory Volcano Watch article
• "Magma migration and resupply during the 1974 summit eruptions of Kilauea Volcano, Hawaii", USGS professional paper

 

Learn more about previous eruptions of Mauna Loa and Kīlauea