Lava fissures flow from the north flank of the Mauna Loa volcano on December 7.
In pictures: Mauna Loa volcano erupts in Hawaii
Lava fissures flow from the north flank of the Mauna Loa volcano on December 7.
Andrew Richard Hara/Getty Images

Updated 0010 GMT (0810 HKT) December 14, 2022

The world's largest active volcano, Mauna Loa, erupted in Hawaii for the first time in 38 years.

The eruption started late on November 27, sending lava down one side of the volcano on Hawaii's Big Island. There has been no indication of a threat to nearby communities, but the lava flow is inching closer to the Daniel K. Inouye Highway, a major artery that connects two sides of this island.

State health officials have also warned that air quality could be worsened by hazards such as vog, or volcanic smog.

Mauna Loa is seen from the air on December 12. According to the USGS on December 13, Mauna Loa has <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2022/12/13/us/mauna-loa-eruption-inactive-lava/index.html" target="_blank">stopped erupting. </a>
Mauna Loa is seen from the air on December 12. According to the USGS on December 13, Mauna Loa has stopped erupting.
Robyn Beck/AFP/Getty Images
People watch lava erupt from the volcano on December 1.
People watch lava erupt from the volcano on December 1.
Go Nakamura/Reuters
A helicopter flies past lava fissures on December 7.
A helicopter flies past lava fissures on December 7.
Andrew Richard Hara/Getty Images
Locals dedicate a traditional drink to Pele, the goddess of volcanoes and fire, on December 3.
Locals dedicate a traditional drink to Pele, the goddess of volcanoes and fire, on December 3.
Go Nakamura/Reuters
Lava flows from the volcano on November 30.
Lava flows from the volcano on November 30.
Go Nakamura/Reuters
A woman records the volcano with her phone on December 3.
A woman records the volcano with her phone on December 3.
Gregory Bull/AP
A fissure erupts on the volcano's Northeast Rift Zone on December 1.
A fissure erupts on the volcano's Northeast Rift Zone on December 1.
Drew Downs/USGS
Motorists make their way through Hilo as people search for a volcano vantage point on December 2.
Motorists make their way through Hilo as people search for a volcano vantage point on December 2.
Gregory Bull/AP
Lava spews from the volcano on November 30.
Lava spews from the volcano on November 30.
Go Nakamura/Reuters
A journalist records lava from Mauna Loa.
A journalist records lava from Mauna Loa.
Gregory Bull/AP
A man looks on as lava erupts from Mauna Loa on November 30.
A man looks on as lava erupts from Mauna Loa on November 30.
Gregory Bull/AP
A child holds a stuffed animal while walking over hardened lava rock from a previous eruption.
A child holds a stuffed animal while walking over hardened lava rock from a previous eruption.
Gregory Bull/AP
This aerial photo, taken on November 28, shows a line of fissure vents erupting.
This aerial photo, taken on November 28, shows a line of fissure vents erupting.
Civil Air Patrol/USGS
People gather to observe the eruption.
People gather to observe the eruption.
Go Nakamura/Reuters
A fissure erupts on the Northeast Rift Zone of Mauna Loa.
A fissure erupts on the Northeast Rift Zone of Mauna Loa.
M. Patrick/USGS
The volcano last erupted in 1984.
The volcano last erupted in 1984.
Marco Garcia/AP
The eruption began in Moku'āweoweo, the summit caldera of Mauna Loa, around 11:30 a.m. on November 27, according to the Hawaii Volcano Observatory.
The eruption began in Moku'āweoweo, the summit caldera of Mauna Loa, around 11:30 a.m. on November 27, according to the Hawaii Volcano Observatory.
Andrew Richard Hara/Getty Images
People watch the lava on November 28.
People watch the lava on November 28.
Caleb Jones/AP
Fountains of lava as tall as 200 feet burst from Mauna Loa on November 28, the US Geological Survey said.
Fountains of lava as tall as 200 feet burst from Mauna Loa on November 28, the US Geological Survey said.
Civil Air Patrol/USGS
Hawaii officials have said the simultaneous eruptions of Mauna Loa and the Kilauea volcano are not threatening homes or nearby infrastructure.
Hawaii officials have said the simultaneous eruptions of Mauna Loa and the Kilauea volcano are not threatening homes or nearby infrastructure.
Marco Garcia/AP
Hawaii Gov. David Ige signed an emergency proclamation to direct resources and aid response to Mauna Loa's eruption.
Hawaii Gov. David Ige signed an emergency proclamation to direct resources and aid response to Mauna Loa's eruption.
Civil Air Patrol/USGS
In this long-exposure photo, cars drive down Saddle Road on November 28 as Mauna Loa erupts in the distance.
In this long-exposure photo, cars drive down Saddle Road on November 28 as Mauna Loa erupts in the distance.
Marco Garcia/AP