Kilauea: Quick Facts

Kīlauea is the world's most active volcano, situated on the southeastern part of the island of Hawaii in the U.S. state of Hawaii. It is a prominent feature within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The volcano is an elongated dome formed by lava eruptions from its central crater and from fissure systems along its east and southwest rifts. Kīlauea's summit features a caldera, a broad, shallow depression approximately 3 miles (5 km) long and 2 miles (3.2 km) wide. Its slopes blend into those of the larger Mauna Loa volcano to the west and north. Kīlauea has a history of frequent, often non-explosive eruptions, with its most active vent located in Halemaʻumaʻu Crater.

Kilauea is located on the southeastern part of the island of Hawaii, within the U.S. state of Hawaii. It is a prominent feature of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. This active volcano is an elongated dome formed by lava eruptions from its central crater and fissures along its east and southwest rifts. Kilauea's summit is 4,090 feet (1,250 meters) high and features a caldera, a broad, shallow depression. The volcano's slopes blend with those of the nearby Mauna Loa volcano.

Kilauea, located on the island of Hawaii, is classified as a shield volcano. Shield volcanoes are characterized by their broad, rounded shape, built up by numerous eruptions of very fluid lava. Kilauea's slopes are gentle, and its summit features a caldera, which is a large, collapsed crater. This type of volcano is typically composed of basalt and is known for its effusive, rather than explosive, eruptions. Kilauea has been particularly active, with eruptions occurring frequently since 1983.

Kilauea is the world's most active volcano, located on the island of Hawaii. Its frequent eruptions are typically nonexplosive, often appearing as a boiling lake of lava within its central crater. While Kilauea has a history of significant eruptions, including a destructive event in 1955 and explosive activity in 2018, its eruptions are generally contained within the caldera. In contrast, Mauna Loa, a nearby volcano, erupts on average every three and a half years with fountains and streams of lava. Mauna Loa last erupted in 2022.

Kilauea, one of the world's most active volcanoes, has significantly shaped the land and people of Hawaii. Its frequent eruptions, primarily non-explosive lava flows, have created new landmasses, notably along the southern shore where lava reached the sea. However, these eruptions have also caused destruction, with lava flows in 1955 and 1990 devastating sugarcane fields, orchards, and even burying the historic community of Kalapana. In 2018, a series of eruptions in the east rift zone opened fissures that destroyed residential neighborhoods and released sulfur dioxide gas, accompanied by an explosive eruption that sent ash plumes high into the atmosphere. Historically, a steam explosion in 1790 killed part of a Hawaiian army, and a 1975 eruption was followed by a destructive tsunami.

Kilauea is significant to scientists as the world's most active volcano, offering invaluable insights into volcanic processes and Earth's geology. Its frequent, often non-explosive eruptions provide a unique opportunity for volcanological study, including monitoring magma movement and gas emissions.

For Hawaiian culture, Kilauea is deeply intertwined with the legend of Pele, the goddess of fire and volcanoes. The volcano is considered her home, and its eruptions are viewed as manifestations of her power and presence. This spiritual connection makes Kilauea a sacred site and an integral part of Hawaiian identity and tradition.