To the Native Hawaiian people, Kīlauea is alive — the summit caldera, Halemaʻumaʻu, is the sacred home of Pele, goddess of fire. Located on the Big Island of Hawaii, it is one of the most active volcanoes on Earth. For the Native Hawaiian people, the summit caldera, Halemaʻumaʻu, is the sacred home of Pele, the goddess of fire and volcanoes.

Unlike the explosive stratovolcanoes of the Ring of Fire (like Fuji or Merapi), Kilauea is a shield volcano. It is built from countless layers of fluid lava flows that have created a broad, gently sloping mountain. But do not let its shape fool you—Kilauea’s power is immense. The 2018 eruption reshaped the island’s coastline and destroyed over 700 homes, serving as a reminder that we are merely guests on Pele’s land.

1. The Legend of Pele

To visit Kilauea is to visit the home of Pele. According to Hawaiian chant and oral history, Pele traveled from Tahiti in search of a home where she could keep her sacred fires burning. She was chased across the Pacific by her angry older sister, Nāmakaokahaʻi (the goddess of the sea).

Pele dug fire pits on Kauai, Oahu, and Maui (including Haleakalā), but each time, Nāmakaokahaʻi flooded them. Finally, Pele reached the Big Island and dug deep into the summit of Kilauea. Here, high above the ocean, her fires were safe.

Rituals and Respect: You will often see offerings wrapped in ti leaves (hookupu) left at the crater rim. These are for Pele. Visitors should never take lava rocks home as souvenirs. It is considered deeply disrespectful (and bad luck) to remove even a small pebble from Pele’s body.

2. The 2018 Lower East Rift Zone Eruption

For 35 years (1983-2018), Puʻu ʻŌʻō on the East Rift Zone erupted almost continuously. But in May 2018, everything changed. The magma drained from the summit lava lake and migrated underground. It burst forth in the lower Puna district, right in the middle of residential neighborhoods like Leilani Estates.

Fissure 8: This fissure became a roaring fountain of lava, reaching heights of 80 meters (260 feet).
The Impact: The eruption destroyed over 700 homes and covered 13.7 square miles of land. It also filled in Kapoho Bay, a beloved swimming spot, verifying Pele’s role as both creator and destroyer.
The Summit: As lava drained from the summit to feed the lower eruption, the floor of Halemaʻumaʻu Crater collapsed. It dropped more than 500 meters (1600 feet) in a series of massive, earthquake-triggering slumps, tripling the volume of the crater.

3. Hiking: Kīlauea Iki Trail

The Kīlauea Iki (“Little Kilauea”) Trail is widely considered one of the best day hikes in Hawaii. It offers a journey through time and terrain.

The Route: This 4-mile (6.4 km) loop starts in a lush, native rainforest filled with giant ferns and singing birds.
The Descent: You descend 400 feet onto the floor of a solidified lava lake. This lake was formed during a massive eruption in 1959, where lava fountains shot up to 1,900 feet (580 meters)—the highest ever recorded in Hawaii.
The Crater Floor: Walking across the crater floor feels like walking on a cracked brownie. Steam still vents from the cracks, a reminder that the rock beneath your feet is still hot. Tip: Follow the ahu (stacked stone cairns) to stay on the trail.
Difficulty: Moderate. The climb back out can be steep and hot. Bring water.

4. Flora: The Legend of ‘Ōhi’a and Lehua

As you hike, you will see gnarly trees with grey bark and brilliant red, pom-pom flowers. These are the ‘Ōhi’a Lehua trees, and their story is a tragic romance.

The Legend: ‘Ōhi’a was a handsome warrior, and Lehua was a beautiful maiden. They were deeply in love. One day, Pele saw ‘Ōhi’a and wanted him for herself. When ‘Ōhi’a politely rejected the goddess, pledging his heart to Lehua, Pele flew into a jealous rage. She turned ‘Ōhi’a into a twisted tree. Lehua was heartbroken. The other gods, pitying her but unable to reverse Pele’s magic, turned Lehua into a beautiful red flower and placed her on the ‘Ōhi’a tree, so the lovers would never be separated.

The Superstition: It is said that if you pick a Lehua blossom, it will rain—because the sky is crying for the separated lovers.

5. Nāhuku (Thurston Lava Tube)

Located near the Kīlauea Iki trailhead is Nāhuku, a 500-year-old lava tube.

Formation: Lava tubes are formed when a river of lava creates a crust on top. The crust insulates the lava inside, allowing it to flow for miles. When the eruption stops, the lava drains out, leaving a hollow tunnel.
The Experience: It is a short, easy walk through a fern forest to enter the tube. Inside, it is dark and dripping. Electric lights illuminate the tunnel (8 AM - 8 PM), highlighting the solidified ripples on the walls.
Sound: Listen carefully. The lava tube has unique acoustics, often amplifying the sound of water dripping or distant voices.

6. Chain of Craters Road

This 19-mile scenic drive takes you from the summit (4,000 ft) down to the sea level coast.

The landscape: You pass through younger and younger lava flows, marked by signs showing the year of the eruption.
The End: The road ends abruptly where a lava flow from 2003 crossed the road. You can park and walk out onto the black lava cliffs to see the Hōlei Sea Arch.
Petroglyphs: Stop at the Puʻu Loa Petroglyphs trail to see thousands of ancient carvings in the lava rock, where Hawaiian families would bury the umbilical cords (piko) of their children to ensure a long life.

8. Short Hikes: Devastation Trail & Sulfur Banks

If you want to see the diversity of Kilauea without a long trek, these two short walks are essential.

Devastation Trail

Distance: 1 mile (1.6 km) round trip. Easy.
The Scene: This paved path takes you through a stark, alien landscape of black cinders. These cinders rained down during the 1959 Kilauea Iki eruption, stripping the ohia trees of their leaves and bark.
Life Returns: Today, you can see nature reclaiming the land. Bright red focal ohia flowers and white lichens stand out against the dark grey cinder, a perfect example of life finding a way.

Haʻakulamanu (Sulfur Banks)

Distance: 1.2 miles (2 km) round trip. Easy/Wheelchair accessible.
The Smell: You will smell it before you see it. Volcanic gases (carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and hydrogen sulfide) seep out of the ground here.
The Colors: The gases deposit crystals, staining the rocks with vibrant shades of yellow, red, and brown. It is a stark contrast to the surrounding green rainforest.
Warning: Due to the gases, this trail is not recommended for those with heart or respiratory problems, pregnant women, or young children.

9. Current Activity and Viewing

Kilauea is dynamic. Check the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory or the NPS website before you go.

Glow: If there is an active eruption in Halemaʻumaʻu, go to the overlooks (like Keanakākoʻi) after dark. Seeing the orange glow of lava reflected against the starry sky is unforgettable.
Vog: Be aware of “vog” (volcanic smog). It contains sulfur dioxide and can be harmful to people with asthma or heart conditions.

Technical Specifications

Feature	Data
Elevation	1,247 m (4,091 ft)
Location	Big Island, Hawaii (USA)
Type	Shield Volcano
Status	Highly Active
Key Feature	Halemaʻumaʻu Crater (Pele’s Home)
Key Flora	’Ōhi’a Lehua
Key Fauna	Nēnē Goose, ‘Io (Hawaiian Hawk)
Climate	Ecological diversity (Rainforest to Desert)