Puʻu ʻŌʻō

Pu’u ‘Ō’ō is a volcanic cone on the east rift zone of Kīlauea on the island of Hawaiʻi. It produced a sustained sequence of effusive eruptions that began in 1983 and continued until 2018.

The cone’s activity generated numerous lava flows that reshaped parts of the island and sometimes reached the ocean; viewing of active flows was possible only from designated, often changing vantage points and frequently restricted for safety. The vent and its lava-tube systems were closely monitored by volcanic observatories during its active period.

Pu’u ‘Ō’ō formed as a vent on Kīlauea’s east rift and became the principal eruptive center for decades. In 2018 the cone and associated lava-tube system were heavily altered during a major unrest and eruption migration downrift, and activity at Pu’u ‘Ō’ō ceased.

The cone sits on Kīlauea’s East Rift Zone on Hawaiʻi’s Big Island, within the broader area of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and the island’s volcanic landscape.

• Eruption duration: Eruption activity at the vent lasted from 1983 until 2018, making it one of the longest-lived eruptive centers of Kīlauea in recorded times.
• Lava-flow impacts: Lava flows from the cone repeatedly altered local topography and in several episodes reached the ocean, creating new coastline and hazardous conditions for visitors.

Puʻu ʻŌʻō is on the east rift zone of Kīlauea; access depends on current volcanic activity and park advisories. Visitors should consult the National Park Service (Hawaii Volcanoes National Park) for up-to-date trail and closure information and plan travel from Hilo or the park’s visitor centres.

• The summit area is exposed-check volcanic advisories and winds before visiting.
• Sunrise visits reward with east-facing views into the caldera and the fissure-formed landscape below.
• No facilities on the summit; bring water and layered clothing for rapid temperature changes.