Between quiescence and crisis: Hawaiian Volcano Observatory communication and response strategies on the Island of Hawaiʻi

Bulletin of Volcanology
By: , and 

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Abstract

Over the past two centuries, eruptions of Mauna Loa volcano have damaged infrastructure and destroyed several communities on the Island of Hawaiʻi. Future eruptions will impact existing population centers and critical infrastructure, which continue to grow each year. The U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory has developed and practiced methods to promote eruption preparedness in communities on the Island of Hawaiʻi, particularly over the past three decades during which Mauna Loa was quiescent while Kīlauea volcano erupted frequently. Here, we summarize the observatory’s efforts to increase awareness of hazards associated with Hawaiian volcanoes and describe how lessons learned during responses to past volcanic crises on Kīlauea were applied prior to and during the 2022 Mauna Loa eruption, highlighting new response communication challenges encountered during the event. Additionally, we identify potential avenues for future communication/outreach on the Island of Hawaiʻi, such as expanding efforts in communities located in high-hazard areas and striving to be more culturally and linguistically inclusive in our communication techniques.

Suggested Citation

Mulliken, K., Hon, K., Phillips, D.A., Babb, J., Trusdell, F., Neal, C., Zoeller, M.H., Poland, M., and Stovall, W., 2026, Between quiescence and crisis: Hawaiian Volcano Observatory communication and response strategies on the Island of Hawaiʻi: Bulletin of Volcanology, v. 88, 46, 20 p., https://doi.org/10.1007/s00445-026-01961-1.

Study Area

Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Between quiescence and crisis: Hawaiian Volcano Observatory communication and response strategies on the Island of Hawaiʻi
Series title Bulletin of Volcanology
DOI 10.1007/s00445-026-01961-1
Volume 88
Publication Date April 06, 2026
Year Published 2026
Language English
Publisher Springer
Contributing office(s) Volcano Science Center
Description 46, 20 p.
Country United States
State Hawaii
Other Geospatial Island of Hawai'i
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