Site of Hawaiian Volcano Observatory

For nearly 30 years, America’s first full-time volcano observatory occupied this site. Under the direction of Dr. Thomas A. Jaggar, a world renowned volcanologist, expertise for monitoring and studying volcanoes was developed here. In 1942, the observatory was relocated to Uwekahuna, overlooking Haema’uma’u, to make way for the Volcano House Hotel. A concrete piling here served as a base for cameras and transits, and the mound covers the old Whitney Seismograph Vault, where early seismic instruments were located.

Mauna Loa Estates, Hawaii · United States