Halema'uma'u Crater Overlook

Within the summit caldera of Mount Kilauea at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is a crater called Halemaʻumaʻu, nearly 3,000 feet in diameter and often showcasing a plume of sulfur dioxide smoke. Halemaʻumaʻu is still active with an underground lava lake and occasional eruptions! The lava lake once existed above ground, as recorded when the first English explorers to discover the crater noted their observations. The landscape is constantly changing here. In 2008, an explosive incident widened the crater by up to 30 feet.

History

In 1823, English missionary William Ellis wrote the first published description of Halema'uma'u Crater. Forty years later in 1866, Mark Twain said that looking at the crater was like "gazing at the sun at noon-day, except the glare was not so white." The crater floor, though not covered by lava at the moment, is a volatile landscape that can erupt lava or vent sulfur dioxide at any moment.

• How Long We're Here: 10-20 minutes unless closed by park officials due to eruptions and conditions.
• Location: Crater Rim Drive, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Big Island of Hawaii.
• Amenities: Photo opportunities.
• Insider Tip: Always check the latest eruption news before heading to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park!
• Fun Fact: Be mindful: Ancient traditions continue to be honored and practiced here by native Hawaiians.
• What To Expect: Kilauea Caldera in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

• One-Day Hawaii Volcano Eco-Adventure from Oahu Tour
  From: Oahu
  $299.99Go
• One-Day Hawaii Volcano Evening Eco-Adventure from Kauai Tour
  From: Kauai
  $329.99Go
• One-Day Hawaii Volcano Evening Eco-Adventure from Maui Tour
  From: Maui
  $329.99Go
• Big Island Hawaii Volcano Evening Eco-Adventure Tour
  From: Big Island
  $119.99Go