HVERI Newsletter – January 2025
Embracing Opportunity, Strengthening Community
Aloha HVERI ʻohana,
Hauʻoli Makahiki Hou! As we step into 2025, we stand together in a place of reflection and renewal. This new year is more than a moment in time; it’s an invitation to strengthen the bonds that hold us as a community—bonds of resilience, shared purpose, and a deep love for the land and each other.
At HVERI, we’ve seen the incredible power that emerges when we come together—when we support each other, educate each other, and invest in the future of our ʻohana. It’s in these moments of connection that we build the strength to face whatever challenges lie ahead, whether through disaster preparedness, digital resilience, or education. Your support is the heartbeat of this mission, and we could not do this work without you.
As we look to 2025, we see a horizon filled with possibilities. It’s a time to deepen our relationships, to learn from the past, and to envision what’s possible when we truly invest in one another. With your help, we will continue to build a future where resilience isn’t just a word—it’s a shared experience that we live, breathe, and pass on to the next generation.
Let us carry forward the lessons of the past and the hope of the future, knowing that we are stronger together. Your continued support and commitment to our work make this journey possible, and for that, we are deeply grateful.
Mahalo nui loa for being part of this journey with us. Together, we can make 2025 a year of growth, of community, and of aloha.
With deep appreciation,
Lou Ettore
Executive Manager, HVERI
Photo Credits: Anna Ettore/Two Pineapples
December 23rd Eruption
Kīlauea joined in on the holiday season with a breathtaking display at its summit caldera on December 23, 2024 at 2:20am. For those lucky enough to witness it, the eruption was nothing short of magical—lava fountains soared into the sky, and fiery reds and oranges reflected off the clouds above Halemaʻumaʻu Crater. Over the days, the eruption transformed the crater floor, lifting it nearly 50 feet and creating a scene of dynamic, untamed beauty.
By January 3, the eruption had paused, leaving only a faint, ghostly glow from the vents on the southwest side of the caldera. Standing at the rim, you could still feel the energy of the event—a quiet anticipation in the air as if the volcano was simply catching its breath.
Even now, the story isn’t over. The ground at the summit is gently swelling, and a subtle haze of volcanic gases drifts on the wind. It’s a reminder that Kīlauea is alive, unpredictable, and always capable of awe-inspiring moments. As we watch and wait for what comes next, the eruption serves as a powerful symbol of the ever-changing landscape of Hawaiʻi. The eruption is occurring within a closed area of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. All lava is contained within Halemaʻumaʻu crater in Kīlauea caldera. No unusual activity has been noted along Kīlauea's East Rift Zone or Southwest Rift Zone.
January is Volcano Awareness Month
Presented by the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO), Volcano Awareness Month is an opportunity to deepen our understanding of the dynamic forces that shape Hawaiʻi. This January, HVO is hosting a series of engaging events designed to educate and inspire:
Weekly Volcano Talks
Explore the latest in volcano science and monitoring through talks led by HVO scientists. Topics include Kīlauea’s recent activity, the evolution of Mauna Loa’s eruptions, and the cutting-edge tools used to track volcanic changes.Guided Site Tours
Join HVO experts on tours of key volcanic landmarks. These immersive experiences provide a unique opportunity to learn about the geology and history of Hawaiʻi’s most iconic sites from the scientists who study them.Public Q&A Sessions
Have questions about Hawaiʻi’s volcanoes? Bring them to one of HVO’s open Q&A sessions and get answers directly from the experts. Learn how monitoring efforts keep communities informed and safe.
For a full schedule of Volcano Awareness Month events, visit the calendar here.
Waiākeawaena Elementary School Science Night
HVERI was honored to participate in Waiākeawaena Elementary School’s Science Night, where a lively crowd of students and families gathered for an evening of discovery and hands-on learning. The event featured our Volcano Education Tool Kit, and the Lava Bomb Stomp Launcher was another great success, captivating students and bringing volcanic science to life.
Highlights included a Rift Zone Inflation-Deflation Demonstration, the ever-popular Lava Lamps, and two exciting Elephant Toothpaste Eruptions that wowed students with their colorful, foaming displays simulating a volcanic eruption. The excitement and curiosity on display underscored the value of hands-on education in fostering a love for science.
We were especially grateful for the support of our amazing volunteers, Anna and Yvonne, whose contributions made the evening even more impactful. We'd love to hear from you if you’re interested in volunteering at an HVERI event! Please contact us at contact@hveri.org.
Thank You for Your Generous Support
As we step into this new year, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who supported HVERI in 2024. Together, you helped us raise an incredible $54,624 in individual donations—funds that have made a tangible difference in our efforts to educate, empower, and prepare communities across Hawaiʻi.
Your contributions have allowed us to expand our educational outreach, enhance tools like the Volcano Education Toolkit, and launch resilience initiatives that directly benefit families across the islands. Every dollar donated fuels our mission, helping us create a safer, more informed, and connected community.
We are equally grateful to our amazing partners—nonprofits, foundations, and community leaders—whose grants, collaborations, and unwavering support amplify our impact. Together, we’re building a powerful network of resilience that uplifts and strengthens our island ʻohana, ensuring a brighter future for all.
From the entire HVERI team, mahalo nui loa for your generosity, collaboration, and belief in our mission. Let’s continue this journey of resilience, growth, and community in 2025.
If you’d like to continue supporting our work, please visit hveri.org/donate. Your contributions truly make a difference.
