Home»Light Source Photography by Lee Scott»Big Island

The Big Island is Pele's home, and until recently this was most evident at Volcanoes National Park where the lava lake at Halemau'uma'u would glow continuously. However, in late April and early May of 2018 that all changed as the lava lake of Halemau'uma'u dropped and lava began to fill Kilauea's underground channels. Shortly after fissures began forming in a residential area called Leilani Estates. These fissures broke through the ground or roads and began to spew lava. Some fizzled out after a day or two while others lasted longer. But Fissure Number 8 has grown into a lava fountain, spewing molten lava 220 feet into the air. It has continued unabated for about a month now and I have made two trips to the Big Island to photograph this incredible event. This gallery includes photos from two early morning boat rides to the lava ocean entries, including the devastation I witnessed at Kapoho Bay; two doorless helicopter rides above Fissure 8; as well as early trips made when the lava lake at Halema'uma'u crater glowed gloriously in the dark hours. I have also included photos of Hawaii Short Eared Owls (Pueo) and a few seascapes from Hawaii's volcanic rock beaches. Yes, this is Pele's home and her influence is all around you on the Big Island. Now more than ever. I hope you enjoy this images. Some are difficult to view, but important, I think, as they tell the story of Hawaii and our time on Pele's lands. Respect to Pele and hope and courage to all affected by the current and past eruptions. Aloha, Lee