CJ, Linda and I have been blessed with over a year of fairly regular eruptions at Halema’uma’u.  Starting in December of 2024 and continuing to this day, the Kilauea volcano has erupted about every two weeks.  And these are not your run-of-the-mill eruptions.  Several of them have been over 1000 feet in the air…one was estimated at 1600 feet and often there are two vents going hundreds of feet each at the same time.  It continues to be the episodes of a life time for us…and for thousands of others who have sat on the rim and enjoyed the show.

It is not just the size and frequency that have made these episodes unique.  The caldera is actually filling up with lava.  There is a huge mound of material from the vents that is just behind the vents and toward the sea from where the Jagger Museum once stood (it is now gone…done in by a huge eruption and earthquake…a viewing area remains).  For the only time in my lava life, I was uncomfortably warm one night while shooting…some half mile or more from the vents.  The heat was from the lava that had flowed out over the floor all the way to directly underneath our viewing area.  Instead of the normal 50 degree night, it felt like 80 degrees…a very odd feeling.

Oh, and then there was the volcanic hail storm.  I got caught in it in the middle of the night.  The fountain was maybe 1500 feet and the lava particles…tephra, Pele’s Hair and  reticulite rained down on my brand new pickup truck like a hail storm.  There were pieces of reticulite the size of watermelons hitting my car.  Cars were running off the road and spinning out on the slick silica that was hitting the highway.  I was in it for 20 minutes and it was just plain scary.  Did damage to my windshield, paint job and nerves.  I got to tell me story on ABC and NBC, because I had dash cam video of it and because one huge piece stuck between the cab of my pickup and the pick up part…and I got to show that on TV along with my story.

By the way, the huge pieces of reticulite weighed only a few ounces and most broke into small pieces when they hit the car or road. But they were as sharp as broken glass and traveling at good speed when they dropped from thousands of feet in the air (they get pulled up into the sky with the plume, sometimes reaching many miles high).  Here is the piece that stuck in my truck.

 

CJ, Linda and I are complete partners when it comes to photography, but that doesn’t mean that we can not be competitive with one another.  CJ could not stand that I had this good story to tell, so he made it out to another episode that made my episode story look tame.  Volcanic material rained down so hard that they closed the park.  Peoples got cut.  Umbrellas got torn.  Roofs had to be shoveled off.  Roads had to be cleared.  It was as big a mess as I have seen since the Puna eruptions.  I missed that episode and am happy I did.

Our most recent episode happened mostly in the rain.  I’ve shot those rain episodes…hard to get a good shot and not a lot of fun.  We are on standby for the next episode and it looks like it might be in the rain.  Also, I feel that something is changing in these episodes…not sure what…but each one is a bit different.

I will do a new blog on how to view the episodes if you are on island…how to photograph them…how to stay safe.  We have had two locals and a visitor fall into the caldera in the last year or so…two died, including one last week…and one lived because he got impaled on a tree after falling just 30 feet, with hundreds of feet below that tree.  They saved that guy…a miracle.  I’ve also noticed that each episode attracts huge crowds…which can overwhelm the National Park staff and, next thing you know, there are dozens of people hanging on the crater rim in places that are WAY out-of-bound.  Scares the heck out of me when I see it.  I am amazed there have not been more accidents.  I am especially concerned by the children I see…seemingly under no ones control…that run up to the edge of crater without any fear or concern.  Of course, this comes from a 79 year old guy who can be seen on Saturdays yelling at kids to keep off of his lawn.

We hope you get to see an episode or two in person.  It is about impossible to nail down the day and time an episode will begin…but they have been going off about every two weeks.  They last from a few hours to a day or more.  If you are here and the lava starts to fountain…drop everything and head to the National Park.  The show will be something you remember for a lifetime.

 

Aloha,

 

Don Hurzeler for CJ, Linda and the rest of the Lava Light Gallery crew of lava fanatics.

 

 

I just returned from a week in the Swiss and Italian Alps in the middle of winter.  I have never seen so much snow.  On two days we caught bright sunlight and great scenery…so we have some wonderful images to edit.

I live in Hawaii…I don’t edit many snowy photos.  We have snow on the summit of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa and I avoid it as much as possible.  I lived in Chicago for over 20 years, I am over plan for a lifetime when it comes to snow.

So I sat down to edit my mountain shots and learned a few important things very quickly.

1. Don’t sharpen snow shots that are in both sunlight and shadows.  The area in the shadows will turn out green.  I did not sharpen nor denoise any of my shots and they all look crisp.
2. Make sure you have on your indicator that tells you if you need to turn down your highlights.  You will have areas that need turned down.
3. Go easy on the saturation. I used Auto Tone in Photoshop and that gave me all the color correction I needed.

All the rest was very easy.  The shots looked great and the editing was simple.  Good luck with yours.

 

1.  Going to Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is always a winner…even if you have been previously.  The lava is not flowing at the time of this writing, but things can change quickly.  If the lava does start to flow, the best viewing is at night.  The Halema’uma’u crater is at about 4500 feet altitude, so bring a jacket and a flash light.
2. Hop in the water with manta rays at night.  You do not even need to know how to swim to enjoy the experience.  In fact, at least one of the manta boats has a special rate for those who just want to see the manta up close, but from the boat.  There is not one thing on a manta that can hurt you…and it is life changing to jump in and view them up-close and personal.  Our favorite manta boat is Sunlight on Water.  They run a sunset and a later evening manta snorkel.  A GoPro or a properly protected phone will get you great video and but not quite as great photos.
3. Whale watching.  Lots of boats going out for whale watches…always fun.  The season runs late December to March.
4. Go with a tour company to the top of Mauna Kea at night.  You will not believe how many stars are visible.  If you go on a night with no moon and clear skies, you will be able to reach out and touch the Milky Way…or so it will seem.  Do not attempt to drive up in anything less than a four wheel drive.  The tour companies provide warm coats…it is cold as heck up there and there may be snow on the ground.
5. Snorkel at Kealakekua Bay…sometimes called Captain Cook.  CJ used to crew on the Fairwinds II and Linda and Don have been on the Fairwinds hundreds of times.  Great snorkeling for all levels of experience.  They provide the gear, a lunch and a trip back and forth that often spots whales and dolphin.  Walking down to the bay is not as fun as it sounds.  Kayaking across the bay can be fun…but not as fun as the Fairwinds II.
6. Visit a coffee farm…lots to choose from.  We love Buddha Cup Coffee just south of Kailua-Kona…free and unique.
7. Golf…lots of golf courses around…many are quite expensive in the winter.  The locals go to Makalei Golf Course…hilly, great views, tons of peacocks…or Kona Country Club stretching along the ocean in the Keauhou area…or The Waikoloa Village Golf Club…seniors will love this course or beautiful Makani Golf Club (formally known as the Big Island Golf Club).  There are world class course all over the island…some private…some very expensive…all are beautiful.The Waikoloa area has some of the best.
8. The Botanical Gardens just outside of Hilo…world class.  Some steep walkways.  However, it is an inexpensive experience and the vegetation is amazing.  Close enough to Hilo that you can visit downtown Hilo and also go see the Rainbow Falls that are just minutes from downtown Hilo.  Bring an umbrella.  If you have time, drive the Hamakua coast line back through Waimea…maybe take a side trip to the overlook for Waipio Valley.  Waipio is having major problems with the narrow road that leads into the valley and it is recommended that you not try to drive or walk it at this time.
9. Hiking…go online and look for local hiking trails…hundreds to choose from.  We love hiking down into Pololu Valley, but avoid that one if it has rained recently…can be slippery.  One other warning, not a great place to go for a swim in either the ocean or the river…but otherwise gorgeous.
10. Helicopter trips…many to choose from.  Can be expensive, but helicopters are a great way to see the island.  Blue Hawaiian Helicopters is located near our gallery in Waikoloa…and there are several other services from which to choose.

So much to do and so little time…visit the Octopus Farm, the Sea Horse Farm, walk the petroglyph trails near our gallery, watch for the green flash at sunset, go see Kozy for a magic and comedy show right around the corner from our gallery, go to a luau, go see South Point and the Green Sands Beach and the Black Sand Beach on the way, scuba dive, look for turtles (ask us where to look), look for local art in Holualoa, go to a chocolate farm or Mac nut farm…or find some of the most beautiful  beaches in the world at places like Hapuna and Makalawena…or our beloved Kua Bay…Two Step…Kahalu’u or Ho’Okeena.

And if you want to get a great orientation to the island, come spend a few minutes with us in the gallery.  We will show you photos from all around the island…tell you how to get to those locations and help you in any way we can.  The folks who read our blogs are Ohana…family…and we are always happy to see you.  We are located in the Queen’s Marketplace, Waikoloa, Hawaii between Quiksilver and The Bike Works.  Our hours are 10-8 seven days a week.

Aloha.

The owners of Lava Light Galleries, Inc…CJ Kale, Don and Linda Hurzeler…do not enter many photo contests…too busy taking photos and running the gallery. But Linda recently entered several and came away with some interesting awards..

#1 Gold Medal for Top Travel Photographer in the USA.

#2 Silver Medal and #3 Bronze Medal for Top Women’s Wildlife Photographer for the USA

#4 for Top USA Women’s Photographers 2023.

Big thanks to OneEyeland for the recognition for our esteemed partner. Big congrats to Linda.

CJ Kale and Don Hurzeler for Lava Light Galleries, Inc.

CJ Kale and I went out for an early morning mission to the caldera on Saturday September 16. We arrived at about 4am and found that the five active spatter cones on the caldera floor were now just one active spatter cone. We shot until sunup…and noticed the height and intensity of the fountaining was decreasing remarkably. We left at sunup…the attached photo is the last one I took. Very little fountaining was happening…and we were sure it would pause or quit soon. It did.

As of today, September 18…the eruption is considered over. Stay tuned…it will build up pressure…more earthquakes will happen and the fun will begin all over again. We will let you know then that happens.

Meantime, our blue skies have returned and Hawaii is in the slow part of the year. However, the Ironman is starting to bring people to the island and October marks the beginning of the busy season for us. Lots to look forward to…bigger surf, snow on the the Maunas, humpback whales returning in November or December and the likelihood of yet another eruption some time soon.

Aloha,

Don Hurzeler for CJ, Linda and Lava Light Galleries, Inc.

The Kilauea volcano is erupting within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. All the action is within the crater. CJ and I went out last night and it was quite a sight.

The eruption is along a rift in the caldera floor. There are about five splatter cones fountaining lava. The night we were there they were shooting lava into the air maybe 90 feet…with the splatter cones already built up to about 60 feet. They were producing a huge amount of molten material.

Best viewing was from the Kilauea Overlook. The mile long hike out road on Crater Rim Road was shut down due to gas and airborne material covering the viewing area on that side. Also…that side will be looking into the back of the splatter cones.

I noticed that the eruption was a bit less vigorous this morning. If you are headed out there, check with me and I will give you latest conditions and best views. Call Don Hurzeler at 8089388383…Hawaii time zone.

Aloha,

Don Hurzeler for Lava Light Galleries, Inc.

Writing this at 5pm Hawaii time on Friday December 9, 2022. It appears to me that the eruption is greatly diminished. It may be going on a pause or it may be going out. Could breakout in a new area, no way of knowing at the moment. There is still some lava at Fissure #3, but the volume is way down. I am going out at 3am tomorrow to get a better look at the situation.

Meantime, C.J. did a great job on CNN. Take a look at the link and you will get a good idea as to how we get the shots…it is not all pretty.

https://www.cnn.com/2022/12/09/us/mauna-loa-eruption-volcano-chasers-risk/index.html

We will be putting up a Mauna Loa Eruption gallery on this site today or tomorrow. We are also trying to get some prints rushed into the gallery. Kind of a crazy time for us and the gallery…but we are loving it. Aloha to all.

Don Hurzeler for C.J. Kale, Linda Hurzeler and the Lava Light Galleries, Inc.

Here are the basics to get you going…

You can get good photos with an iPhone…I am seeing them all over Facebook.

But if you want to increase your chances of getting a great photo of the eruption, here is what you will need…

A tripod.

Camera body.

Three lenses…wide (like 14mm or a 16-35), medium (like 24-70 or 70-200 and a long lens (like a 400mm). The brighter the better on all of the lenses..f/2.8 would be terrific.

Bring an extra battery and extra card..although this type of photography does not result in too many shots in any one night…500 would be a big night.

A flash light to help you in the dark or to light up a foreground element.

Winter clothing.

As to settings…I shoot the entire range to get different effects. I shoot 30 second exposures to 1/2500th exposures. Remember a couple of things…lava produces heat shimmer, so the faster the shot, the more likely that the lava will be nearly in focus. Second, lava is moving…another reason to shoot fast rather than slow. And, you will likely be a long way from the flow, so details will be hard to capture…capture the scene. My long exposure shots are all quite wide…capturing the scene with a long exposure and low ISO.

ISO 100 is your friend. Try to keep your ISO low for most shots…go no higher than 1600 for any shot.

The best tip you will get is this…the red/yellow/white part of the eruption…the lava…will burn out white if you let it. We feel that a white lava shot is a deleter. So, you may have to use your hand or a card or something to cover the hottest spot of the image for much of the exposure…to try to balance the shot. I have been doing this technique for more than a decade and I still ruin two out of every three shots doing it..but the third one is a winner. Ruined shots will show kind of a shadow of your thumb or whatever you are using, because you held it there too long. This technique is “learn by doing”…and do not expect to nail it first time…shoot lots of shots and you will get better and better at it…until you only ruin two out of every three.

Photographing lava is tricky business, but IF YOU CAREFULLY CHECK EACH SHOT IN THE BACK OF YOUR CAMERA OR FINDER and then make adjustments to improve the next shot…you will quickly figure it out. If you do not review your shots, you may come home tired…and then disappointed. Learn how to review your shots by magnifying them in the Finder or back screen, so you can check for the dreaded White Lava and you focus. Again…remember that it is highly unlikely that any of us will get clean, crisp focus on live lava…it will probably be a bit blurry due to the heat shimmer around it.

As to where to do your photography…I have gotten good results in the Mauna Kea bathroom parking lot, along Saddle Road while trying to keep from getting a $1000 ticket, up Mauna Kea and everywhere in between…including downtown Kona for the glow. Explore and you will find your spot…there is no one secret spot for this massive eruption. And a helicopter would be nice, with doors off and at sunrise or sunset…however, they are a little difficult to reserve at the moment.

Hope that helps. If you have specific questions, send me an email at [email protected] and I will get you an answer.

Aloha,

Don Hurzeler for C.J.Kale, Linda Hurzeler and Lava Light Galleries, Inc.

Welcome, this is an informational blog for those of you on island or off, who are still considering whether you should try to go see the Mauna Loa eruption. You should, absolutely.

Is there vog on the island? ..there is. We saw a big cloud of it well behind Kona as we returned from our photo session this morning at about 6:30AM. I looked sizable and dirty (actually looked quite lovely with the morning sun hitting it) and we know it was filled with smoke/dust and irritants. Thankfully, it was being carried away from Kona and out to sea…with our apologies to those on the neighboring islands.

Questions I have been getting a lot…

Is it safe to see the lava? Are the crowds too much to bear? Does vog cause health problems?

Vog. Surely it does…for some people. While I suspect it is not good for all people, but for some reason it has never caused me a problem…and I have asthma. I’ve lived on this island for 15 years and have never been sick with a cold, flu or respiratory illness…not once. That said, I know others who moved off island due to vog induced problems. So…it is an individual kind of a thing. If you have in your head that all the people here are half dead from coughing up lava particles…you have it wrong. It is pretty much life as usual for everyone who is not sensitive to vog. Read more here on the USGS site.

Safety. It is really safe to see the lava… you are quite some ways from it and it does not shoot out like lightning and zap people, like in the movies. Nevertheless, it is safe viewing.

Is it crowded? Firstly, it has been massively crowded…and there was a steady stream of cars going to the viewing area when we drove out there at 3am this morning. Keep in mind it is Saturday morning here and many people have the day off. If you avoid sunrise and sunset…and now that the county has opened an excellent viewing option…it is no big deal. Yes, you will deal with some traffic, but it is not all that bad, except during peak hours.

Today’s Photos

One of the photos above has three white lines near the bottom. Actually, those are lines of cars…taken with a 30 second exposure. You’ll see the line on the left is the Saddle Road traffic coming up from Hilo at 3am. Next, the one closest to the bottom on the right is the traffic coming up from Kona on the Saddle Road.  Additionally, the heavier line of traffic above that bottom right line are the cars entering the new viewing area. Very well done by our country people… making it viewable for all of us.

Photographers like certain conditions and light. For us, the best time to shoot is 3am to 6am, and 3pm to 6pm. For the most part, the rest of the time we are elsewhere.

Lastly, Linda and I photographed the eruption from 3:30AM to 6:00Am this morning at about 9000 feet up Mauna Kea. It was “only” 45 degrees, but we froze to death, especially our gloveless hands and tennis shoed feet. To be certain, plan to dress warm, we will do so in the future.

Next blog.. What camera gear to bring + how to best photograph the eruptions. Preview…you can get some very nice photos on an iPhone, I promise. Certainly will be a must read.

Aloha,

Don Hurzeler, for C.J. Kale, Linda Hurzeler and Lava Light Galleries, Inc.