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Kīlauea, one of the world’s most active volcanoes, has shaped Hawaii’s Big Island for over 300,000 years. As a shield volcano, it produces frequent, effusive eruptions of basaltic lava that slowly build its gentle slopes.
Historical Eruptions
● 1790: Deadliest known eruption killed 80+ warriors in Keonehelelei ash explosion
● 1955 & 1960: East Rift Zone eruptions destroyed villages of Kapoho
● 1983-2018: Puʻu ʻŌʻō eruption - longest continuous flank eruption in recorded history
● 2018: Lower Puna eruption destroyed 700+ homes and reshaped coastline
Current Status (2024)
● Active summit lava lake in Halemaʻumaʻu crater since 2021
● No immediate threat to communities
● Hawaiian Volcano Observatory monitors 24/7 for:
○ Earthquake swarms
○ Ground deformation
○ Gas emissions (SO₂)
Unique Features
● Home to Pele, Hawaiian volcano goddess
● Part of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (UNESCO site)
● Lava flows create new land - added ~1.5 sq km since 1983
Kīlauea remains both a cultural treasure and geological wonder, offering scientists unparalleled opportunities to study effusive volcanism up close.
Fun Fact: Kīlauea Volcano has been erupting almost continuously since 1983, making it one of the most active volcanoes on Earth! During this time, its lava flows have added over 875 acres of new land to the Big Island of Hawaii
What type of volcano is Kīlauea?
StratovolcanoShield volcanoCinder coneCalderaWhich eruption lasted 35 years?
1790 event1955 eventPuʻu ʻŌʻō eruption2018 eruptionWhat was destroyed in 2018?
Honolulu airport700+ homesMauna Loa summitPearl HarborWhat is monitored at Halemaʻumaʻu?
Tsunami wavesLava lake activityHurricane windsGlacier movementWhich goddess is associated with Kīlauea?
HinaPeleLakaPoliʻahuHow much new land formed since 1983?
0.1 sq km1.5 sq km15 sq km150 sq kmWhat makes Kīlauea lava less explosive?
High silica contentLow gas contentUnderwater ventsArtificial coolingWhich organization monitors Kīlauea?
NASAHawaiian Volcano ObservatoryUSGS Earthquake CenterNOAA
