The Active Volcanoes of Hawaii: A Guide to Exploring Nature’s Fiery Wonders

I’ve always admired Hawaii’s natural beauty. Nothing compares to seeing its powerful volcanoes up close.

Right now, Hawaii has six active volcanoes, each with its own history and landscape. These volcanoes shaped the Hawaiian Islands and still play a big role in their growth and beauty.

When I visit spots like Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, I witness the raw energy that formed this island chain. The Big Island’s massive shield volcanoes and Maui’s Haleakalā offer so much to explore and learn.

If you want to see real geological history in action, Hawaii’s volcanoes provide an unforgettable experience.

Whether you’re curious about recent eruptions or planning to hike across dried lava fields, learning about the active volcanoes of Hawaii reveals why they attract visitors from around the world.

Overview of Hawaii’s Active Volcanoes

Hawaii is famous for its volcanic activity. Volcanoes have shaped each island over millions of years.

The state has five active volcanoes. Each one has unique features that attract scientists and visitors.

What Makes a Volcano Active?

A volcano is active if it has erupted within the last 10,000 years. In Hawaii, several volcanoes can still erupt again.

Volcanoes get labeled as active, dormant, or extinct. If a volcano erupts regularly or recently, people call it “active.”

Some, like Kilauea, erupt more often. Others, such as Haleakalā, erupt less frequently.

A volcano’s recent eruptive history and its potential for future eruptions matter most. For example, scientists watch Kilauea and Mauna Loa closely because they have erupted many times in the past century. Sometimes, these eruptions surprise nearby communities with lava flows. More about active volcanoes.

Hawaii’s Volcanic Origins

A volcanic hotspot in the Pacific Ocean formed Hawaii’s islands. Molten rock rises from deep within the Earth’s mantle to create new land.

Each island began as an underwater volcano before rising above sea level. As the Pacific Plate moved over this hotspot, it created a chain of volcanoes.

That’s why the oldest islands are in the northwest, while the youngest, like the Big Island, are in the southeast.

The Big Island hosts three active volcanoes: Mauna Loa, Kilauea, and Hualālai. Each one has a different age and activity level.

This ongoing process continues to build new land and change the region’s geography. Details on Hawaii’s volcanic origins.

Types of Hawaiian Volcanoes

Most volcanoes in Hawaii are shield volcanoes. These volcanoes have broad, gentle slopes built by easily flowing lava.

Shield volcanoes differ from steeper, more explosive stratovolcanoes. Hawaii’s shield volcanoes erupt gently, spreading lava over wide areas.

This gentle activity helps create the islands’ large size and smooth topography. Mauna Loa is the largest volcano in Hawaii.

Kilauea erupts frequently, while Mauna Kea, Hualālai, and Haleakalā erupt less often but are still considered active. Loihi Seamount is underwater and may become an island as it grows from volcanic eruptions. Learn more about types of Hawaiian volcanoes.

Mauna Loa: The World’s Largest Active Volcano

Mauna Loa is the biggest active volcano on Earth. It covers about half of Hawaii’s Big Island.

Its huge size, frequent eruptions, and fast-moving lava flows make it a major part of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

Eruption History of Mauna Loa

Mauna Loa’s eruption record is fascinating. Since 1843, it has erupted at least 34 times.

These eruptions can happen with little warning. Most eruptions start at the summit or along the volcano’s long rift zones.

Big eruptions have sent lava flows miles downslope, sometimes threatening homes and roads. In 1950, lava reached the coast in just a few hours.

The last eruption happened in 2022. Scientists and the public paid close attention.

Mauna Loa’s explosive past means people living nearby need to respect the risk. Overview of Mauna Loa’s eruption history.

Mauna Loa’s Geology and Structure

Mauna Loa means “Long Mountain” in Hawaiian because of its broad, shield-like shape. It rises about 13,678 feet (4,169 meters) above sea level.

If I measure from the ocean floor, it’s even taller. Mauna Loa’s summit has a large caldera called Moku‘āweoweo.

The volcano’s bulk makes up about 51% of the Big Island’s land area. Its shape comes from fluid lava spreading out in thin layers, building gentle slopes.

Long fissures, called rift zones, help direct eruptions. You can see these features in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park or on maps showing the structure of Mauna Loa.

Lava Flows and Hazards Near Mauna Loa

Lava flows from Mauna Loa can travel long distances at high speeds, especially during strong eruptions. The fluid lava moves quickly over land, crossing roads and threatening communities.

The 1950 eruption sent lava to the sea in under three hours. Mauna Loa’s eruptions are a significant hazard for people nearby.

Much of the area around the volcano is part of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Lava has sometimes threatened roads, homes, and highways.

Local authorities watch the volcano closely to give residents as much warning as possible. Hazards and lava flows of Mauna Loa.

Kīlauea: Hawaii’s Most Dynamic Volcano

Kīlauea sits on the Big Island. It is one of the most active volcanoes on Earth.

Ongoing eruptions, unique lava lakes, and dramatic land changes make this volcano important in Hawaii.

Recent Eruptions and Activity

Kīlauea erupts frequently. Since 1952, it has erupted dozens of times.

The Puʻuʻōʻō Eruption lasted 35 years, from 1983 to 2018. This eruption added hundreds of acres of new land to the coastline.

The volcano still shows activity today. In June 2024, Kīlauea erupted again, sending lava high into the air.

The USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory monitors the volcano and provides regular updates and warnings.

Halemaʻumaʻu Crater and Lava Lakes

Halemaʻumaʻu Crater sits in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Visitors have seen bright orange lava lakes in the crater in recent years.

The lava lake in Halemaʻumaʻu has appeared and disappeared several times over the last decade. Volcanic gases and steam rise from the lake, creating a glow at night.

The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory tracks changes in the lake’s size and the gas from the crater. Park officials use this information to decide when it’s safe to visit viewing areas.

East Rift Zone and its Impact

The East Rift Zone is a long crack stretching east from Kīlauea’s summit. This area is one of the volcano’s most important features.

Most of Kīlauea’s eruptions since the 1980s happened here, including the Puʻuʻōʻō and Kupaianaha eruptions. Lava flows from the East Rift Zone have destroyed homes, roads, and farmland, but they have also created new land along the coast.

The USGS and other organizations monitor the East Rift Zone with sensors and field reports. This ongoing activity shows why Kīlauea is Hawaii’s most changing volcano.

Hualālai and Kohala: Lesser-Known Active Volcanoes

Hualālai and Kohala are not as famous as Mauna Loa or Kīlauea. Both volcanoes shape the Big Island in important ways.

Hualālai is still considered active. Kohala is the island’s oldest volcano.

Recent and Historical Activity

Hualālai is the third most active volcano on the Big Island. Its last eruption happened in 1801, when lava flows threatened what is now Kailua-Kona.

Over the past several thousand years, newer lava flows resurfaced about 80% of Hualālai’s surface. Although it hasn’t erupted in over 200 years, scientists still consider it active and watch for signs of movement.

Kohala is much older and is not likely to erupt again. Its volcanic activity stopped thousands of years ago.

The difference in eruption frequency between Hualālai and Kohala makes them unique among the active volcanoes of Hawaii.

Potential Hazards of Hualālai

Hualālai has stayed quiet for centuries, but it still poses a threat because it is active. Many people live, work, and visit the Kona region at the volcano’s base.

If Hualālai erupts again, lava could quickly reach nearby communities. The 1801 eruption sent lava almost to the ocean, cutting through areas where homes and roads now stand.

Here’s a quick look at possible hazards:

Scientists at the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory watch Hualālai for any changes or magma movement. The volcano’s location near populated areas increases the danger, even if an eruption seems unlikely now.

For more details, visit the USGS Hualālai facts.

The Oldest Volcano: Kohala

Kohala is the oldest volcano on the Big Island. It last erupted about 60,000 years ago.

Because it has not erupted in so long, scientists consider it extinct. Kohala is famous for its deep valleys, scenic cliffs, and lush waterfalls.

Unlike Hualālai, erosion and weathering have shaped Kohala’s main features. The volcano’s high ridges and steep cliffs show how much time has passed since lava last flowed here.

Many people visit Kohala for hiking, viewpoints, and green landscapes. To learn more, check out Hawaii’s volcano history.

Other Notable Hawaiian Volcanoes

Some volcanoes in Hawaii are not erupting now, but they still play an important role. These mountains and formations shape the islands and show how the Hawaiian Islands formed in the Pacific Ocean.

Mauna Kea: Dormant but Mighty

Mauna Kea is the tallest mountain in Hawaii when measured from its base on the ocean floor. Its peak rises 13,796 feet above sea level, and underwater, it stretches more than 33,000 feet from its true base.

Mauna Kea last erupted about 4,600 years ago, so scientists consider it dormant. Many people visit Mauna Kea to see the stars.

The summit has some of the world’s best observatories because the air is clear and dry. Ancient Hawaiians viewed Mauna Kea as sacred, seeing it as a place where Earth and the heavens meet.

Scientists monitor Mauna Kea for changes in the landscape. These changes can give clues about future volcanic activity.

Lō‘ihi Seamount: The Submarine Volcano

Lō‘ihi Seamount is an active volcano, but people cannot see it from land. It sits about 3,000 feet below the surface of the Pacific Ocean, off the southeast coast of the Big Island.

Lō‘ihi is still growing and will someday become Hawaii’s newest island. This submarine volcano has already erupted several times.

Scientists first discovered Lō‘ihi in the 1950s after detecting earthquakes near its location. They use robots and submarines to study Lō‘ihi and watch it build up layers of lava underwater.

Lō‘ihi shows how island chains keep growing. New volcanic islands are born under the sea, showing the ongoing power of geology in the Hawaiian Islands.

Read more about Lō‘ihi and Hawaii’s active volcanoes.

Haleakalā and Maui’s Volcanic Landscape

Haleakalā is the main volcano on Maui and rises to 10,023 feet at its summit. It is not as active as Kīlauea or Mauna Loa, but it has erupted at least 10 times in the last 1,000 years.

The most recent eruption probably happened in the 1700s. Haleakalā National Park is a popular spot for sunrise views and hiking.

The summit looks like a giant crater, with colorful rocks and cinder cones inside. Maui’s landscape includes rolling hills and steep cliffs shaped by old lava flows from Haleakalā.

Scientists consider Haleakalā an active volcano, but eruptions are rare.

Exploring Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park lets visitors get close to some of the world’s most active volcanoes, including Kīlauea. At the park, people can see lava landscapes, walk through rainforests, and explore history shaped by eruptions.

Key Attractions and Features

The park is home to both Kīlauea and Mauna Loa, two volcanoes that have changed the land for thousands of years. Many visitors hope to see fresh lava flows, but not every trip includes a live eruption.

Sticking to marked trails and overlooks keeps visitors safe. Volcanic gases, unstable cliffs, and hidden sinkholes can be dangerous if signs and rules are ignored.

The park also offers scenic drives, old lava fields, steam vents, and ancient Hawaiian petroglyphs. Find more details in the National Park Service guide.

Chain of Craters Road

Driving down Chain of Craters Road feels like traveling through a changing world. This scenic road leads from the summit of Kīlauea to the sea.

Along the way, drivers pass old lava flows and see craters formed by past eruptions. Lookouts along the road offer photo opportunities and views of steam rising from cracks in the ground.

At the end of the road stands the Hōlei Sea Arch, a massive rock arch shaped by lava and ocean waves. The drive is about 19 miles one way.

Starting early is helpful, since the round trip and stops can take most of the day. Chain of Craters Road is a highlight for volcano tours.

Read more from GuideAlong’s guide.

Thurston Lava Tube

The Thurston Lava Tube, or Nāhuku, lets visitors walk inside a real tunnel formed by flowing lava. The trail to the entrance goes through green rainforest, which contrasts with the dark, cool tunnel.

Inside, it is easy to imagine how lava once rushed through, carving a hollow path underground. Lights make it safe to explore.

The tube is short, so it is good for families or anyone new to hiking. Visiting early in the morning means fewer people.

Bring a flashlight or use a phone light for better visibility. For tips, check the Shaka Guide for Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

Eruptions, Lava, and Volcanic Phenomena

Hawaii’s volcanoes create changing landscapes with flowing lava, sudden eruptions, and earthquakes. Understanding these events is important for safety and exploration.

Lava Flows and Fountains

Lava is what most people picture when thinking about Hawaiian volcanoes. These volcanoes mainly erupt basalt lava, which is very fluid and can travel far from the vent.

Lava flows move down the slopes and sometimes cover roads or forests. The 2018 Kīlauea eruption sent rivers of lava to the sea, destroying homes and changing the coast.

Lava fountains shoot molten rock high into the air, sometimes over 100 feet. At night, visitors can look for the bright glow from the Halemaʻumaʻu crater.

Viewing active eruptions and lava is possible from a distance, but it’s important to follow park instructions for safety.

Tephra, Ash, and Volcanic Hazards

Some eruptions in Hawaii also send tephra and ash into the air. Tephra includes small rocks like pumice and ash, which can travel far downwind.

Ash clouds can affect air quality and cause breathing problems. Fine ash can also damage electronics and car engines.

Tephra sometimes falls close to the vent, creating rough, rocky ground. Besides ash, volcanic gases like sulfur dioxide can form a haze called vog, which causes health problems, especially for people with asthma.

Check local alerts for air quality before visiting areas near active eruptions.

Main volcanic hazards include:

• Ashfall and tephra rain
• Toxic gases
• Fast-moving lava flows

Earthquakes and Volcanic Monitoring

Volcanoes in Hawaii often cause earthquakes. Most are small, but some can damage buildings.

Earthquakes usually happen when magma moves underground, causing the ground to crack or shift. Scientists use seismometers and GPS equipment to watch for changes in the volcano, such as inflation (the ground swelling as magma fills chambers) and deflation (shrinking after eruptions).

This data helps scientists predict eruptions and warn communities. Updates from experts, like the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, help people stay aware of volcanic activity.

Visiting Hawaii’s Active Volcanoes Safely

Exploring Hawaii’s volcanoes can be exciting, but planning ahead and staying safe is important. Whether hiking, taking a tour, or just enjoying the views, knowing what to expect helps make any visit both fun and secure.

Best Hiking Trails and Scenic Walks

When I visit Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, a few trails really stand out. The Kilauea Iki Trail is a favorite and takes me through a crater with solidified lava and lush rainforest.

It’s about a 6.4 km loop and usually takes around two hours. I get to see the old lava lake up close, which feels unique.

There are also flat, easy walks like the Devastation Trail. This trail shows views of a landscape shaped by past eruptions.

If I want something short but impressive, I choose the Sulphur Banks trail. Here, I see steaming vents and colorful mineral deposits.

I always check local park information before starting any hike. Conditions can change quickly due to volcanic activity or weather.

I stay informed by using the latest updates from park rangers and the national park’s safety page.

Helicopter and Guided Tours

For a bird’s-eye view, I book a helicopter tour over Kīlauea and Mauna Loa. These tours give me a unique look at active craters and recent lava flows that I can’t see from the ground.

Pilots and guides share real-time information about the volcano’s activity. If helicopters aren’t for me, I can join guided hikes and van tours.

I explore with expert guides and learn about the geology, history, and culture of Hawaii’s volcanic landscapes. It’s important to choose licensed tour operators with experience in the area.

This keeps me safe and ensures the information is accurate. Many tours offer hotel pickup, snacks, and stops at scenic spots that are hard to reach on my own.

Volcano Safety and Preparation

Safety comes first when I visit volcanoes. Eruptions, earthquakes, and volcanic gases can happen without warning.

I always bring water, snacks, sunscreen, a hat, and a light rain jacket. Weather and trail conditions can change quickly.

When I drive around the park, I stay cautious. The roads are narrow with sharp curves, and the views can distract me.

I pay extra attention to traffic rules and signs. The park’s safety guide lists more tips for a safe visit.

I follow all warnings and posted signs. I avoid closed areas and keep away from steam vents or lava.

If I stay on marked trails and listen to rangers and guides, I lower my risk and have a better trip.

Culture, History, and Volcano Legends

Hawaii’s volcanoes are more than just landforms. They shape the islands’ identity through myth, stories, and a deep connection between people and nature.

The Myth of Goddess Pele

When I think about Hawaii’s volcanoes, I remember the story of Pele. Pele is the Hawaiian goddess of fire and volcanoes.

Many people believe she lives in the Halemaʻumaʻu crater at Kilauea, the most active volcano on the Big Island. According to legend, Pele is known for her fierce power and fiery temper.

She can both create and destroy land. Locals honor her with offerings, like flowers or food, especially during volcanic activity.

Pele’s influence appears in many traditions, chants, and dances. The respect for Pele shows how closely Hawaiians connect nature’s forces to their lives and beliefs.

You can learn more about her role in Hawaiian culture by visiting the volcanic legacy page.

Folklore and the Volcanic Landscape

Hawaiian folklore is rich with stories about the volcanic landscape. People saw volcanoes as living parts of the island, not just mountains.

Eruptions were messages from the gods. Families passed down tales explaining how new land formed from lava flows or why certain areas should stay untouched.

These stories taught people how to live with both the dangers and gifts of active volcanoes. Many traditions still survive and guide locals in respecting the land.

You can see how these stories connect to Hawaiian identity and resilience by checking out the connection between volcanoes and culture.

Historic Sites Like Diamond Head

Diamond Head, or Lēʻahi, is one of Hawaii’s most famous volcanic landmarks. I learned that it’s a large tuff crater formed about 300,000 years ago.

Native Hawaiians have long considered Diamond Head important for navigation and defense. The crater also served as a military lookout in the early 1900s.

Today, it is a popular spot for hiking and sightseeing. Its history and unique shape make it a symbol of natural power and cultural heritage.

Learning about Diamond Head’s historic role helps me see how volcanoes influence both the past and present in Hawaii.

Scientific Monitoring and Research

Scientists work constantly to monitor Hawaii’s volcanoes. They use many tools to watch eruptions, collect data, and study how magma moves below the surface.

Each eruption helps researchers understand the volcano’s behavior and risks.

Hawaiian Volcano Observatory and USGS

I rely on the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO), which the USGS operates, for the latest updates about volcanic activity. HVO scientists use special instruments to track earthquakes, ground movement, and gas releases.

They place monitoring stations all over Hawaiʻi Island. These stations show where magma is moving and if an eruption might happen.

The data reaches HVO every minute, so they can respond quickly to changes. When a volcano looks restless, HVO warns nearby residents and sends out alerts through the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory.

Eruption Episodes and Notable Events

Looking back at important eruption events helps me understand these volcanoes. For example, Episode 23 and Episode 24 at Kīlauea caldera shaped the current crater floor.

These episodes gave scientists new lava flows and vents to monitor. The Halemaʻumaʻu eruption brought one of the most significant changes at the caldera in recent years.

The north vent poured out lava, creating new land on the crater floor. HVO tracks each episode with maps, photos, and gas data collected daily.

Studying Magma and Crater Changes

I learn a lot from how scientists study magma under Kīlauea and watch the crater floor change. Geologists use radar, GPS, and drones to map the caldera’s surface.

By watching how the ground rises or sinks, they figure out how much magma moves underneath. Gas samples from vents, especially at Halemaʻumaʻu, show what kind of magma rises.

When the north vent opens or closes, new cracks, lava lakes, or small explosions might appear. These methods help everyone see slow and sudden changes in the volcano.

For more about how scientists track volcanic changes, visit the USGS Monitoring Techniques page.

Volcanoes Beyond Hawaii

Volcanoes are not only found on the Hawaiian Islands. Many other places in the United States and around the Pacific Ocean also have impressive volcanic activity.

Comparing Alaska and Hawaii’s Volcanoes

Alaska actually has more volcanoes than Hawaii. Alaska has over 130 volcanoes that have been active in the past two million years.

Some examples are Mount Redoubt, Mount Spurr, and Augustine Volcano. Most of Alaska’s volcanoes sit along the Aleutian Islands, which stretch into the North Pacific Ocean.

These volcanoes often erupt with ash clouds and sometimes lava flows. Because Alaska is farther north, its eruptions can cause problems for airplanes flying across the Pacific.

Unlike Hawaii, where eruptions tend to be quieter with flowing lava, Alaska’s volcanoes can be explosive. The differences in eruption style come from the types of magma and each volcano’s location on the earth’s crust.

Volcanoes in the United States and Pacific

The United States has volcanoes in several states besides Hawaii and Alaska. For example, Mount St. Helens and Mount Rainier are both famous volcanoes in Washington state.

Mount Shasta and Lassen Peak are important volcanoes in California.

Many countries across the Pacific Ocean sit along the “Ring of Fire.” This area has many active volcanoes, including volcanoes in Japan, the Philippines, Indonesia, and New Zealand.

The Ring of Fire is the most active volcanic region in the world.

Here is a quick list of some major Pacific volcanoes outside Hawaii:

• Mount Fuji (Japan)
• Mount Pinatubo (Philippines)
• Krakatoa (Indonesia)
• Mount Ruapehu (New Zealand)

These volcanoes shape the land and affect the weather. They can also cause big changes in nearby communities.