• Video
  • Shop
  • Culture
  • Family
  • Wellness
  • Food
  • Living
  • Style
  • Travel
  • News
  • Book Club
  • Newsletter
  • Privacy Policy
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • Terms of Use
  • Your Privacy Choices
  • Contact Us
  • Recalls and Product Safety Alerts
  • © 2026 ABC News
  • News

Lava in Hawaii so widespread it can be seen from space

1:07
Lava spews from Hawaii volcano
European Space Agency
ByMark Osborne
May 27, 2018, 6:36 AM

The spread of lava in the Puna district of Hawaii's Big Island has gotten so large it can be seen from space.

The European Space Agency tweeted unbelievable photos of the lava that has gushed from over 20 fissures on the island since Kilauea erupted on May 3. Fissures No. 6, 13 and 22 have been the most active, flowing to the southeast into the ocean, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

The photos were taken on May 23 and shared by the ESA on Friday.

There have been a total of 82 structures damaged from the lava so far, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Of those damaged, 41 are houses.

The fissures spewing lava in the eastern district of Puna on Hawaii's Big Island can be seen from space in this cropped photo taken May 23, 2018.
European Space Agency

The acreage covered by lava as of Friday night in Hawaii was 2,232 acres, officials said. The Civil Defense Agency also noted that 37 homes are "isolated" either due to lava surrounding them or roads being cut off by the flow.

There’s still a potential for lava to cut off all access to the Lower Puna area, which would trigger the helicopter evacuations officials have been planning.

The fissures spewing lava in the eastern district of Puna on Hawaii's Big Island can be seen from space in this photo taken May 23, 2018.
European Space Agency

As of Friday, there were 230 people in shelters, the agency said.

ABC News' Frank Elaridi, Alyssa Pone and Clayton Sandell contributed to this report.

Up Next in News—

Kids who lost loved ones on 9/11 channel grief into art at America's Camp

September 11, 2026

Anthropic says it blocked potential AI bioweapon misuse

September 11, 2026

Lindsay Clancy's attorney asks judge to force 'not guilty' finding

September 10, 2026

Remembering the hero search-and-rescue dogs of 9/11, 25 years later

September 10, 2026

Shop GMA Favorites

ABC will receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

Sponsored Content by Taboola

The latest lifestyle and entertainment news and inspiration for how to live your best life - all from Good Morning America.
  • Contests
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Your Privacy Choices
  • Children’s Online Privacy Policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • About Nielsen Measurement
  • Press
  • Feedback
  • Shop FAQs
  • ABC News
  • ABC
  • All Videos
  • All Topics
  • Sitemap
  • Recalls and Product Safety Alerts

© 2026 ABC News
  • Privacy Policy— 
  • Your US State Privacy Rights— 
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy— 
  • Interest-Based Ads— 
  • Terms of Use— 
  • Your Privacy Choices— 
  • Contact Us— 
  • Recalls and Product Safety Alerts— 

© 2026 ABC News