Did you hear that a volcano in Hawaii just erupted? On the Big Island of Hawai'i, Mount Mauna Loa reigns supreme as the largest volcano in the world.

Mauna Koa volcano in Hawaii, Hawai'i
Google Maps
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Mauna Loa is at a Level RED volcano alert, according to a certified report from the United States Geological Society. This means that lava has been seen and is actively flowing through fissures in the volcano's crust.

The lava is slowly spreading to parts of private roads near the Volcano Observatory on the Big Island.

Thank goodness, the volcano eruption does not appear to be ready to unleash huge lava flows and put local communities at risk. Two nearby emergency shelters that had been opened have reportedly been closed for the time being, although emergency management authorities are continuing to monitor the eruption at Mauna Loa.

Five volcanoes rest on the Big Island. Mauna Loa is closest in proximity to the island of Hawai'i but is also within travel distance of the beautiful city of Kilauea far to its east and the small community of Captain Cook farthest to its west. You may have already heard that the last time Mauna Loa erupted was in the early 80s (1984) and that Mauna Loa is the Hawaiian language name that means "Long Mountain."

Map of Hawai'ian Volcanoes
Islander via Amazon
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Since the eruption of volcano Mauna Loa is expected to bring in a bunch of lookie-loo tourists, let's take a look at some of the beauty that lies on our country's gorgeous 50th state (August 21, 1959).

PAHALA, HAWAI'I

Pahala Hawaii
ACTIONCAMFLIX via YouTube
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Kau Coffee Beans in Pahala Hawaii
ACTIONCAMFLIX via YouTube
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KAILUA-KONA, HAWAI'I

 Visit a farmers market for some fresh and local produce!

Farmers Market in Kailua Kona in Hawaii
Maly Romero - Discover The Big Island Real Estate via YouTube
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Watch out for BIG WAVES every now and then!

Ocean Waves in Kailua Kona Hawaii
ViralFox via YouTube
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CAPTAIN COOK, HAWAI'I

Aloha Guest House Bed and Breakfast

Tucked away off unpaved roads and coves of huge mango trees, a coffee field, and a citrus crop or two, lies the Aloha Guest House. You will probably squeal with delight at your stay because it has several bedrooms that overlook the Pacific Ocean.

Captain Cook Hawaii
Jeremy Bishop on Unsplash
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You can go snorkeling in Captain Cook, too!

Snorkeling in Captain Cook Hawaii
Kona Snorkel Trips via YouTube
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KILAUEA, HAWAI'I

Kilauea Volcano Tour
Viator Travel via YouTube
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BIG ISLAND OF HAWAI'I

Waipio Lookout US Parks and Rec
CNN via YouTube
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Big Island of Hawaii restaurant and brewery
CNN via YouTube
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SEE ALSO: If You See This Weird Giant Jellyfish in WA or Alaska, Don't Touch It

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