Here is a look at the benefits, and drawbacks to the explosive sight.
Thousands come to see this each day – Halemaumau crater at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
"It’s probably one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been to," said a visitor.
Halema’uma’u crater is located within the active Kilauea volcano.
"In fact, where I stand, there is magma flowing beneath my feet, which is what feeds the lava lake that sits just below the plume behind me," said Kanoe Gibson.
Five years ago, an explosion formed a 100ft crater. Today it’s over 500 feet and isn’t showing signs of stopping.
Good news for local businesses that are now thriving.
"It has increased about 25% for us and it has changed where we have not only visitors which we love the visitors, but we have a lot of local families come from outer islands," said Lava Rock café manager Adele Tripp.
But For others like Kapapala ranch in Ka’u, the vog from the volcano has taken a toll.
"The initial challenge was getting over the hurdle of having animals to market in the face of this volcanic fallout," said Kapapala Ranch owner Lani Petrie. "Calves that should’ve been born at 80 pounds birth weight were born at 30 pounds,"
The effects put other farmers in the area out of business. But scientists say things are looking up.
"The good news is that over the past couple of years, the emissions from the volcano have decreased significantly," said Tamar Elias, gas geochemist.
See the original article at: KHON2 Developing Stories
