Kilauea

Kilauea is a volcano on the island of Hawaii, in the Pacific Ocean. It is one of the most active volcanoes in the world. Lava has been flowing from Kilauea for many years. The volcano is part of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

Rivers of Lava

Kilauea pours out runny, hot lava that flows like a river. The lava slowly builds new land as it cools and hardens. The volcano has actually made the island of Hawaii bigger over time. Scientists study the lava to learn how volcanoes work.

A Sacred Place

In Hawaiian stories, Kilauea is the home of Pele, the goddess of fire and volcanoes. People in Hawaii have respected and honored Pele for a long time. Visitors to the national park can see steam rising from the ground. Sometimes the glowing lava lights up the night sky.

Fun Facts

• Kilauea means 'spewing' or 'much spreading' in Hawaiian.
• It has been erupting off and on for more than 40 years.
• Kilauea sits on top of a hot spot deep inside the Earth.

Did You Know?

Kilauea's lava once reached the ocean, and the steam formed tiny pieces of green glass called 'Pele's tears.'