Aerial views a pit enlarging on the south flank of Pu`u `O`o cone, Kilauea Volcano, Hawai`i

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Photograph by J. Kauahikaua on July 1, 1999	Aerial view of a lava bench, coastal plain, Pulama pali, and Pu`u `O`o vent, Kilauea Volcano. New surface flows reached the lava bench and ocean on June 20 or 21, 1999, following a brief pause in the supply of magma to Pu`u `O`o vent on June 14-17.
Photograph by J. Kauahikaua on June 24, 1999	The leading edge of this bench collapsed during the night of July 2-3. We estimate that as many as 75 m of the bench slid into the ocean, removing about 1.7 ha (4.1 acres) of new land (20 percent of the bench).
Strong explosions occurred intermittently during the next few days, reaching a climax on July 4th. Here is a description from someone who witnessed these explosions: "Major explosions and jetting started on the bench at 6:14 p.m. Bubble bursts were occurring from three locations and lava fountaining was occurring from a vent on the western part of the bench. Lava was thrown up to 150 m into the air by the fountaining. The fountain produced a nested pair of cones, approximately 30-45 m in diameter and 5-7 m tall. The bubble bursts took place about 20-40 m inland of where the waves could reach. The bubbles were about 40 m in diameter, but a few reached 60 m." "Most impressive was watching the entire cone and surrounding bench undulate like a liquid during the most vigorous bubble-burst activity. Between explosive episodes, a series of surface flows broke out, covering most of the visible bench. One flow that poured into the ocean built a tube through the surf, which led to a series of underwater explosions about 25 m offshore." "We were also able to see the fireworks above Hilo Bay, but Pele's show was by far much better!"

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