The Kilauea volcano has been actively erupting since 1983.
As the youngest of all of Hawaii's volcanoes, and one of the most active, yet most accessible volcanoes in the world, Kilauea is one of Hawaii's most defining natural wonders.
Formation
Kilauea is a shield volcano. Extreme Science explains shield volcanoes are formed when magma that wells up through fissures in the ocean floor is cooled by ocean water. Over time, the cooled magma builds up into a mountain. Some mountains--like Kilauea--become high enough to break past the water's surface.
Features
Kilauea is a large, low volcano with gently sloping sides located on Hawaii's Big Island. Its lava is runny and slow-moving, and pours out of vents in various spots in the volcano's surface.
Eruption History
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, Kilauea was almost constantly active throughout the 19th century and has erupted 34 times since 1952. The most recent eruption began in 1983 and is still ongoing as of 2010.
Fun Facts
Kilauea is part of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Visitors to the park can explore Kilauea's summit, craters and surrounding areas by car or through trail or wilderness hikes.
Beliefs
Native Hawaiians once believed the summit caldera of Kilauea was home to the spirit of the fire goddess Pele.
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