February 14, 1877 Eruption of Mauna Loa

On February 14, there was a strong eruption of the Mauna Lo volcano with the ejection of smoke to a height of 5 km and the effusion of lava. The eruption lasted several days. On the 24th, about about 3:00, an underwater eruption occurred 2 km from Kealakekua. It was accompanied by an earthquake, which was felt along the shore of the bay. The water mass was illuminated with a varying red, dove-blue, then green light. Large chunks of hot lava floated onto the surface. A crack arose between the site of the underwater eruption and the top of the Mauna Loa volcano. The crack extended 5 1/2 km. In the second half of the day, a strong earthquake occurred, which affected many islands of the archipelago and was accompanied by a strong underground rumbling (Reference #415).

From 14 to 24 February 1877, evidence of a summit eruption of Mauna Loa was seen from coastal areas on Hawaii. No lava flow extended down the volcano's flanks, but there was evidence later of a submarine eruption and possibly a tsunami (Reference #80).