Kilauea

Kilauea is an active shield volcano located on the southeastern flank of the island of Hawaii, within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. It is among the most active volcanoes on Earth, with frequent eruptions and lava flows that have greatly shaped the island’s landscape and coastline.

Geology and structure: Kilauea is a basaltic shield volcano built by repeated low-viscosity eruptions. The summit houses the Kilauea Caldera, containing Halemaʻumaʻu Crater, which hosts a lava lake during periods of activity. Eruptions occur at the summit as well as along the east Rift Zone, sending lava flows downslope toward the coast.

Eruptive history and recent activity: A long-lived eruption from Puʻu ʻōʻō at the east Rift Zone began in 1983 and continued for decades, dramatically rebuilding the landscape in the Puna district. The 2018 eruption phase included rapid summit collapse and extensive flank eruptions that destroyed many homes and altered roads and drainage. Since 2020, renewed activity at the summit has included intermittent lava lake activity in Halemaʻumaʻu, with eruptions varying in intensity and reach.

Monitoring and hazards: The U.S. Geological Survey’s Hawaiian Volcano Observatory monitors Kilauea and issues real-time alerts. Hazards include lava flows that threaten infrastructure, volcanic gas emissions, volcanic ash, ground deformation, and earthquakes. The volcano remains a focal point for scientific study and for park visitors.

Cultural and environmental context: Kilauea holds cultural significance for Native Hawaiians and is traditionally associated with the goddess Pele. The volcano continues to influence local ecology, tourism, and coastal development through recurring eruptions and lava deposition.