Volcano Watch: Remembering a Destructive Mauna Loa Eruption 75 Years Ago - West Hawaii Today

Volcano Watch: Remembering a destructive Mauna Loa eruption 75 years ago - West Hawaii Today

Lava fountains at the summit of Kilauea have been shining a spotlight on Hawaii’s most active volcano but let us not forget the larger one looming in the background of Kilauea. Mauna Loa is currently quiet and now is a good opportunity to remember the 1950 Southwest Rift Zone eruption — the volcano’s most recent eruption to have caused significant damage — 75 years ago.

VOLCANO WATCH: The Destructive Mauna Loa Eruption, 75 Years Ago

ISLAND OF HAWAIʻI - The 1950 Southwest Rift Zone eruption was Mauna Loa volcano's most recent eruption to have caused significant damage.

Volcano Watch — Remembering a destructive Mauna Loa eruption 75 years ago

By Hawaiian Volcano Observatory July 17, 2025 Lava fountains at the summit of Kīlauea have been shining a spotlight on Hawaii’s most active volcano but let us not forget the larger one looming in the background of Kīlauea. Mauna Loa is currently quiet and now is a good opportunity to remember the 1950 Southwest Rift Zone eruption—the volcano’s most recent eruption to have caused significant damage—75 years ago. Volcano Watch is a weekly articl…