Near Volcano in Hawaii County, Hawaii — Hawaiian Island Archipelago (Pacific Ocean)
The "Firepit" of Halema'uma'u
Halema'uma'u Crater is the site of the most eruptions at the summit of Kilauea Volcano. Between 1905 and 1924, a period of about 20 years, a dazzling lake of molten lava circulated within its walls. Then, in 1924, the lake drained away, allowing ground water to penetrate deep inside the volcano. Enormous steam explosions resulted, showering the landscape with rocky debris, still visible around the rim today. During the 1924 steam blasts, Halema'uma'u collapsed, forming a gaping pit 1600 meters wide and 410 meters deep. Since then, 17 eruptions and 4 collapses have occured in the crater. The net effect has been a slight increase in the craters diameter and a decrease in its depth (from 410 meters to its present-day 85 meters).
Erected by National Park Service.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Natural Features • Natural Resources. A significant historical year for this entry is 1905.
Location. 19° 24.176′ N, 155° 16.875′ W. Marker is near Volcano, Hawaii, in Hawaii County. Marker can be reached from Crater Rim Road. Located within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, on the southeast rim of the crater, off Crater Rim Drive. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Volcano HI 96785, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Mauna Loa (approx. 1.3 miles away); Explosive eruptions rock Kīlauea volcano (approx. 1.4 miles away); The Volcano House reigns as one of America's great lodges (approx. 2.3 miles away); Site of Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (approx. 2.4 miles away); The 'Ōhi'a Wing will soon be home to the park's collection of artwork and artifacts (approx. 2.4 miles away); Kilauea (approx. 2.4 miles away); Stephen Tyng Mather (approx. 2.4 miles away); Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (approx. 2.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Volcano.
Regarding The "Firepit" of Halema'uma'u. Mid-March of 2008 marked the beginning of a series of events at Halema'uma'u (say Holley-Ma-oo-Ma-oo)including seismic events, the development of a fumarole directly below the Crater Overlook and the first explosive eruption of Halema'uma'u Crater since 1924, which has necessitated the closing of the Crater Overlook, as well as Crater Rim Drive, to the general public because of significant volcanic hazards. The U.S. Geological Survey has placed multiple Volcano Cams to monitor Halema'uma'u activity.
Also see . . .
1. Halemaʻumaʻu. Wikipedia entry (Submitted on March 13, 2024, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
2. Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. USGS website entry (Submitted on January 5, 2010, by Howard C. Ohlhous of Duanesburg, New York.)
Additional keywords. Volcano eruption
Credits. This page was last revised on March 13, 2024. It was originally submitted on January 5, 2010, by Howard C. Ohlhous of Duanesburg, New York. This page has been viewed 1,659 times since then and 50 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on January 5, 2010, by Howard C. Ohlhous of Duanesburg, New York. 7, 8. submitted on February 27, 2010, by Howard C. Ohlhous of Duanesburg, New York. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.