Halemaʻumaʻu

Halemaʻumaʻu is a volcanic pit crater at the summit of Kīlauea on the island of Hawaiʻi and lies within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. It is one of the best-known volcanic craters in the world and has been the focus of frequent eruptive activity in recent decades.

The crater has periodically contained a lava lake and has produced visible gas and steam plumes during active phases; these episodes have attracted scientists and visitors interested in active volcanism. Designated park overlooks and nearby visitor facilities provide managed points for observation when conditions allow.

The site has long cultural significance in Hawaiian tradition and is associated with the volcano deity Pele. In recent history the crater and the Kīlauea summit experienced major changes during the 2018 summit collapse and associated eruptions, which altered crater morphology and visitation arrangements.

Halemaʻumaʻu sits within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park on the island of Hawaiʻi (the “Big Island”), at the summit area of Kīlauea. The crater is accessed via park roads and viewing areas managed by the National Park Service.

• Cultural significance: Located within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the island of Hawaiʻi and regarded as a sacred site in traditional Hawaiian belief, associated with the deity Pele.
• Variable activity: Crater activity is variable; the feature has hosted lava lakes, explosive steam events and gas emissions at different times, so viewing conditions and access change with volcanic activity.

What to See #

• Summit Crater: A large pit crater at the summit of Kīlauea volcano inside Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park that has held lava lakes and produced regular steam and gas plumes during eruptive periods.
• Park Overlooks: Park overlooks and established visitor points around the Kīlauea caldera provide formal viewing areas for the crater and its activity; access is managed by the national park.