Hawaii
Toddler wanders within feet of 400ft cliff near rim of Kīlauea volcano
Hawaii national park rangers have reissued warnings about volcano tourism after a small child wandered off and came within feet of a 400ft cliff near the rim of Kīlauea volcano, whose latest eruption had begun on 23 December.
“The hazards that coincide with an eruption are dangerous, and we have safety measures in place including closed areas, barriers, closure signs and traffic management,” said park superintendent Rhonda Loh in a statement.
“Your safety is our utmost concern, but we rely on everyone to recreate responsibility. National parks showcase nature’s splendor but they are not playgrounds,” Loh added.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) Hawaiian volcano observatory reported that the eruption had entered its second pause and, as it could restart at any time, toxic gas emissions were still high. Glassy volcanic particulates, called tephra, blanketed the closed portion of Crater Rim Drive downwind of the lava fountains that were active over the last few days.
In an advisory, the park service warned that visitors may encounter unstable ground, sharp volcanic rocks and hidden lava tubes that pose risks of injury. It added that volcanos can produce hazardous gases like sulfur dioxide, and that weather conditions can change rapidly.
The child had wandered off from his family “in a split second”, park officials said, as the family stood at the top of a 400ft cliff, admiring the lava glow within Kaluapele – the Kīlauea caldera – at sunset on 23 December. The ongoing eruptions of Kīlauea, now the fifth since 2020, have sent lava fountains as high as 262ft with molten material.
The toddler ran toward the edge of the cliff before his mother snatched him up just feet away from what likely would have been a fatal fall.
Officials at active volcanos often struggle to balance the spectacle of an eruption with safety. They say it pays to know whether the earth’s expulsion is effusive and explosive.
Effusive eruptions involve a relatively gentle flow of lava, often erupting from a fissure with the lava slowly creating a broad, cone-shaped mountain of hardened lava. Under those conditions, the main risks include lava flows and harmful, invisible gases.
Explosive eruptions carry the risks of ash fall, the potential for landslides and rockfalls, as well as pyroclastic flows – fast-moving and lethal clouds of hot gas and volcanic matter that cause severe burns, fatalities and destruction of anything in their path – volcanic blasts and volcanic mudflows.
Travel insurer World Nomads advises researching your volcano destination, familiarizing yourself with the evacuation routes and procedure, and visiting with a licensed guide.
Hawaii
Community memorial service for Kazuo Todd today in Hilo – West Hawaii Today
The funeral procession for deceased Fire Chief Kazuo Todd with pass-in-review for Hawaii Fire Department firefighters took place Saturday morning at HFD Administration in the County Building on Aupuni Street in Hilo.
Hawaii
What’s Cooking: Celebrating Lunar New Year with Hawaii Dim Sum & Seafood
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – A family-run Chinese restaurant in Honolulu’s Chinatown is gearing up for Lunar New Year festivities.
Hawaii Dim Sum & Seafood Restaurant owner Karen Tam and her son Kirave Liang joined HNN’s Sunrise to showcase their dim sum and Chinese specialties.
Lunar New Year specials include a special jai with 18 vegetarian ingredients and the sweet, sticky, steamed rice cake gau in brown sugar and coconut flavors, which symbolize good fortune and prosperity.
”We eat food with a lucky meaning to start the great year,” Tam said. “We have jin dui (sesame balls) every day.“
Feb. 17 marks the start of the year of the Fire Horse, when families gather to celebrate with big meals and auspicious dishes. Hawaii Dim Sum & Seafood will offer set party menus and special orders for foods not commonly found in Honolulu, such as whole stuffed duck, braised abalone in oyster sauce, and basin meal.
“It’s the biggest fest of the year. We celebrate Chinese New Year by eating with family in a round table,“ Tam said.
Hawaii Dim Sum & Seafood also has private rooms with karaoke systems and a banquet hall to accommodate small family gatherings to large parties.
Hawaii Dim Sum & Seafood is located on 111 N. King St. and is open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, There is street parking and paid parking behind the restaurant on Nimitz and Maunakea.
For more information, visit hawaiidimsumseafood.com or follow on Instagram @hawaiidimsumseafood.
Copyright 2026 Hawaii News Now. All rights reserved.
Hawaii
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