The "Firepit" of Halema'uma'u

Halema'uma'u Crater has been the site of the most eruptions at the summit of Kilauea Volcano. Between 1905 and 1924, for about 20 years, a dazzling lake of molten lava circulated within its walls. In 1924, the lake drained away, allowing ground water to penetrate deep inside the volcano. Enormous steam explosions followed, showering the landscape with rocky debris still visible around the rim today. During the 1924 steam blasts, Halema'uma'u collapsed, forming a gaping pit 1600 meters wide and 410 meters deep. Since then, 17 eruptions and 4 collapses have occurred in the crater, producing a slight increase in the crater's diameter and reducing its depth from 410 meters to 85 meters.

Mauna Loa Estates, Hawaii · United States