Is Halemaumau Crater open?
Hallowed Ground, Pele and the Fire of Creation
Of the many tantalizing reasons to stay at Volcano Village Estates, one of the most convincing is its proximity to the summit of Kilauea. The caldera of Kilauea, which formed hundreds of years ago when the summit collapsed into itself, is over three miles wide. Every visitor to the Big Island must witness its monumental size in person, and you can do so easily, as Volcano Village Estates is only a five-minute drive away.
The volcanic floor of the massive caldera is known as Halemaumau, or “House of the Ferns.” And as noted in National Park historical documents, it has also been called Lua Pele, or “Pit of Pele,” as Pele is the volcanic goddess who is said to reside here. Halemaumau is a place of reverence, where Hawaiian folklore comes to life in a bravado volcanic display of creation and destruction.
A Land of Earthquakes and Lava Lakes
As recently as May of 2021, an active lava lake was visible in the Halemaumau crater, with magma bubbling up to the surface and visible from nearby Crater Rim Drive. A lake of water formed in 2019 and grew over the next year, but eventually, the water receded, and lava took its place in late 2020.
It is not uncommon to measure 30+ earthquakes in 24 hours within the Kilauea caldera, as was the case on August 30th. Park scientists, ever-devoted in their ongoing study of the volcano, update its activity daily and offer a great resource for travelers to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
Such is the nature of the most active volcano on earth, where things are constantly shifting, and lava is waiting in the wings, sure to appear yet again.
From the Crater to the Caldera: Must-Do Hikes
When planning your visit to Halemaumau, start with the Crater Rim Trail, which offers some of the most magnificent views stretching across the broad expanse of the massive caldera. There are several overlooks along the way, and the trail can be easily broken up into smaller sections, making it accessible for hikers of all ages and abilities.
To add even more adventure, link into the Halemaumua Trail, which drops over 400 feet from the crater rim through a rainforest canopy, eventually leading you to the caldera floor itself. There you’ll be stepping foot on the hallowed ground of Halemaumau, where Pele reigns and a volcano is reborn again and again.
Reserve your stay today and prepare to be awed by Halemaumau!
