The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory sits on the rim of Kīlauea caldera. Staff scientists are responsible for monitoring the volcanoes on the island of Hawaii and Maui's active volcano, Haleakala. Volcanologists also conduct an active research and field mapping program to determine the geologic history of individual volcanoes. Halemaumau pit crater, at the top of the photo, was the site of long-term lava lake activity that continued at Kīlauea for a century prior to 1924. Brief, intermittent eruptions at Halemaumau have occurred since then, most recently in 1975.

Copyrighted photo by Katia and Maurice Krafft, 1984.

Copyrighted image used with permission. All Rights Reserved. Contact photographer for any usage requests.

Kilauea