Hawaii Vog Makes For Incredible Skylines And Horrible Air Quality

Hawaii has a love-hate relationship with "vog."

On one hand, vog (or volcanic smog) is basically harmful volcanic air pollution. As Kilauea volcano on Hawaii's Big Island oozes lava, it emits sulfur dioxide that reacts with sunlight, oxygen, dust particles and moisture to form an aerosol, better known as vog.

When this vog wafts over the islands, it often leaves people with headaches, watery eyes, sore throats, and can make it very difficult to breathe. (It's like being in a smoky room, but it's everywhere.)

On the other hand, vog is the world's best real-life photo filter. When sunlight (or moonlight) passes through the vog-polluted air, it can create some truly mind-boggling horizons.

In short, vog is bad for your health, but oh-so-good for brilliantly colored -- or ominously muted -- skylines.

Below, take in 10 wondrous views of Hawaii's voggy skies, without any of the health hazards:


Purple Haze



Silver Stillness



Golden Hour



Smokey Sunrise



Rainbow In The Sky



Lava Flow In The Twilight



Blankets Of Grey



Tiger-Striped Sunset



Reflections In The Lake



Red Into The Night