MEDIA RELEASE

On March 25, 1984, the most massive mountain on Earth began spewing lava from its 13,677-foot summit on Hawaii Island. In the first 24 hours, enough molten lava gushed from Mauna Loa to pave a highway all the way to the moon. 

The eruption continued for 21 days.

To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the eruption, a DVD has been released of the award-winning 1985 film, “Rivers of Fire.” Until now, this dramatic, 24-minute film has been available to the public only on VHS tape.

“Rivers of Fire” was filmed by Hawaii Island videographers Jay Harada and Glenn Ege, written by Bruce Benson, narrated by legendary Hawaii newsman Bob Sevey, and funded by the Hawaii Natural History Association. 

The entertaining and educational film contains dazzling footage of the “curtains of fire” erupting at the summit and on the volcano’s flanks, as well as stunning scenes of huge rivers of lava gushing down the mountain at up to 35 miles per hour. 

It also explains interesting facts about Hawaiian volcanoes, including why we have the “hot spot” that causes our volcanic activity, and what the differences are between our two kinds of lava.

New features on the DVD include optional English subtitles and a Japanese language track.

A special anniversary sale price of $20 extends through March. After that, the price will be $24.95. 

Find “Rivers of Fire” and other DVDs, as well as great books and other natural and cultural history products at Hawaii’s national park visitor centers, call 985-6051 or order at www.hawaiinaturalhistory.org.

Hawaii Natural History Association is a non-profit National Park Service cooperating association. Proceeds from the sale of educational items are returned to the National Park Service to support interpretive programs, research projects, museum activities, free publications, cultural demonstrations and other related activities.