Explore the Kilauea Volcano, Hawaii’s most active volcano! Explore lava flows, steam vents, and legends of Pele, the fire goddess, in this natural marvel
THE ULTIMATE PARENT’S GUIDE
Visit the Kilauea Volcano: The Adventure Guide
Fun Facts
Interesting Things To Know About Kilauea Volcano
- Kilauea is one of the world’s most active volcanoes and has been helping create the Big Island of Hawaii for over 400,000 years!
- HOLY MOLY! The word “Kilauea” means “spewing” or “much spreading” in Hawaiian, which perfectly describes how its lava flows create new land!
- WOW! Kilauea has added over 500 acres of new land to the Big Island of Hawaii since 1983 – that’s about 500 football fields of new ground!
- SUPER COOL! The volcano is home to Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of fire and volcanoes, and many Native Hawaiians still leave offerings of flowers and fruits to honor her!
- MIND BLAST! The lava from Kilauea can reach temperatures of 2,140°F (1,170°C), which is hot enough to melt a penny in seconds!
- AMAZING! When the hot lava meets the ocean, it creates tiny particles of glass that float in the air – scientists call this “Pele’s hair”!
Must-Visit Spots
Where To Go At Kilauea Volcano
Kilauea Visitor Center Get Ready for the Kilauea Visitor Center : Tips, Activities, and Fun Facts!
THINGS TO KNOW
WHY VISIT? This is your gateway to volcano adventure! Start here to get junior ranger badges, see fascinating displays, and watch an exciting movie about volcanoes.
INTERESTING FACT! The visitor center sits on land that was once a lava lake, and the building was designed to look like a volcanic crater from above!
COOL ACTIVITY! Pick up a Junior Ranger booklet and start your volcano explorer journey. Kids can earn a special badge by completing fun activities throughout their visit.
THINGS TO TALK ABOUT
ASK YOUR KIDS: If you could design your own volcano, what special features would it have?
DISCUSS: Kilauea has been erupting almost continuously for over 30 years, making it one of the longest-running volcanic shows on Earth!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Volcanoes come in different shapes and sizes, just like buildings. Some are tall and pointy like Mount Fuji in Japan, while others are wide and gentle-sloping like Kilauea. Scientists call Kilauea a “shield volcano” because its shape resembles a warrior’s shield laid on the ground. The reason for these different shapes is the type of lava that flows from them – some lava is thick like honey, while other lava is runny like water!
ASK YOUR KIDS: What do you think makes the ground feel warm in some places?
DISCUSS: The heat you feel comes from underground chambers of magma that can be as hot as 2,000°F – that’s 4 times hotter than your oven at home could ever get!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Deep beneath our feet, there’s a giant pool of melted rock called magma. When this magma reaches the surface, we call it lava. The heat from this underground magma creates steam when it meets groundwater, which is why you might see steam rising from cracks in the ground. This is also why some areas of the park feel like a natural sauna!
THINGS TO FIND @ THIS SPOT
OBJECTIVE: Find the 3D model of the volcano and count how many different colored layers you can see.
HINT: Look carefully at the cut-away side of the model.
OBJECTIVE: Spot the seismograph and watch it record Earth’s movements.
HINT: It’s the machine that draws squiggly lines on paper.
Steam Vents Trail Get Ready for the Steam Vents Trail : Tips, Activities, and Fun Facts!
THINGS TO KNOW
WHY VISIT? Experience the volcano’s breath! Feel warm steam rising from cracks in the Earth and see how the volcano changes the landscape.
INTERESTING FACT! The steam you see isn’t from lava – it’s actually rainwater that gets heated by hot rocks underground!
COOL ACTIVITY! Hold up a piece of paper near (but not too close to) the steam vents and watch it flutter in the warm air.
THINGS TO TALK ABOUT
ASK YOUR KIDS: Why do you think some plants can grow near the steam vents while others can’t?
DISCUSS: Some special plants called ‘ōhi’a lehua have adapted to live in this hot environment and can survive where other plants can’t!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Just like how some animals live in the desert and others in the arctic, plants have special adaptations to survive in different environments. The ‘ōhi’a lehua tree is like a superhero of the volcano world – it can grow in cracks in the lava rock and survive in very hot conditions. Its bright red flowers are often the first signs of life to appear after a lava flow!
ASK YOUR KIDS: If you put your hand near the steam (safely!), what does it remind you of?
DISCUSS: The steam coming from these vents can be as hot as 160°F, which is about the same temperature as the hot water in your bathtub!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: The steam vents are like nature’s tea kettle! When rain falls on the volcano, it seeps down through cracks in the rocks until it meets hot rocks heated by magma below. The water then gets so hot it turns to steam and rises back up through the cracks. This is similar to what happens when you boil water for hot chocolate – the heat makes the water turn into steam that rises from your cup!
THINGS TO FIND @ THIS SPOT
OBJECTIVE: Count how many different steam vents you can spot from the trail.
HINT: Look for white puffs rising from the ground.
OBJECTIVE: Find a ‘ōhi’a lehua tree with red flowers growing near the vents.
HINT: Look for trees with small, bright red brush-like flowers.
Sulphur Banks Trail (Ha’akulamanu) Get Ready for the Sulphur Banks Trail (Ha’akulamanu) : Tips, Activities, and Fun Facts!
THINGS TO KNOW
WHY VISIT? Experience a rainbow of mineral colors and smell the unique “rotten egg” scent of volcanic gasses!
INTERESTING FACT! The yellow crystals you see are real sulphur, just like what’s in some vitamins!
COOL ACTIVITY! Play “I Spy” with the different colored minerals – look for yellow, orange, white, and red rocks.
THINGS TO TALK ABOUT
ASK YOUR KIDS: Why do you think the rocks here have so many different colors?
DISCUSS: The colorful rocks are created when volcanic gasses mix with air and rain, just like how mixing different paints creates new colors!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Think of the volcano as a giant natural art studio! The yellow color comes from sulfur crystals, the red and orange colors come from iron rust (just like on old bikes), and the white colors are from other minerals. When volcanic gasses come up through cracks, they paint the rocks with these beautiful colors. It’s like nature’s own crayon box!
ASK YOUR KIDS: What does the air smell like here? What does it remind you of?
DISCUSS: The “rotten egg” smell comes from a gas called hydrogen sulfide, which helps scientists know the volcano is active!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Our noses are like super-sensitive gas detectors! The smell here is actually helping keep us safe by warning us about volcanic gasses. Just like how smoke detectors in our homes warn us about fire, our noses warn us about strong volcanic gasses. Scientists use special instruments to measure these gasses, but they still rely on their noses too!
THINGS TO FIND @ THIS SPOT
OBJECTIVE: Find three different colored minerals and draw them in your Junior Ranger booklet.
HINT: Look along the boardwalk edges for yellow, white, and orange colors.
OBJECTIVE: Spot steam rising through colored rocks.
HINT: Look for places where white steam meets colorful mineral deposits.
Crater Rim Drive Overlook Get Ready for the Crater Rim Drive Overlook : Tips, Activities, and Fun Facts!
THINGS TO KNOW
WHY VISIT? Get an amazing bird’s-eye view of the massive Kilauea crater and sometimes see the glow of lava!
INTERESTING FACT! The crater is big enough to fit 3,000 Olympic swimming pools!
COOL ACTIVITY! Use the viewing binoculars to spot different features in the crater, like steam vents and old lava flows.
THINGS TO TALK ABOUT
ASK YOUR KIDS: How do you think this giant crater was formed?
DISCUSS: This crater wasn’t made by an explosion, but by the ground slowly sinking as magma drained away underneath!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Imagine filling a water balloon and then letting all the water out – the balloon gets smaller and sinks in the middle. That’s similar to what happened here! When magma (melted rock) moved out from under this area, the ground above it couldn’t stay up anymore and slowly sank down. This process created this massive crater, which scientists call a caldera. It’s like nature’s giant bowl!
ASK YOUR KIDS: What changes do you think we might see in the crater if we came back in one year?
DISCUSS: The crater changes almost every day – sometimes new cracks appear, steam vents shift, or even new lava appears!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Kilauea is like a living, breathing mountain! Just as our bodies grow and change, volcanoes are always changing too. Sometimes new lava fills parts of the crater, other times the walls collapse a little, and new steam vents might appear. Scientists take pictures every day to track these changes, just like how your parents might take pictures to see how much you’ve grown!
THINGS TO FIND @ THIS SPOT
OBJECTIVE: Look for places where the crater walls have different colors or layers.
HINT: The walls often show brown, red, and black layers from different eruptions.
OBJECTIVE: Try to spot birds soaring over the crater.
HINT: Look for the ‘io (Hawaiian hawk) or nēnē (Hawaiian goose) especially in the morning.
Other Nearby Points of Interest
Other great things to do near Kilauea Volcano
BEFORE YOU LEAVE – Make sure to check out more of what this area has to offer! Here are a few nearby spots that we think you’ll love just as much as the Kilauea Volcano:
Thurston Lava Tube: An amazing natural tunnel formed by ancient lava flows that you can walk through – it’s like exploring a secret underground passage!
Mauna Loa Observatory: Just up the mountain, this scientific station helps track global climate change and has amazing views of the stars at night.
Akaka Falls State Park: A beautiful 442-foot waterfall surrounded by lush rainforest, perfect for young explorers to see Hawaii’s tropical side.
Read before you go
To make your visit even more exciting, check out these age-appropriate books:
- Volcano! by Ellen Lawrence – A perfect introduction to volcanoes for young readers with lots of pictures and simple explanations.
- How Do Volcanoes Make Rock? by Ellen Lawrence – This book helps kids understand the connection between lava and rock formation in an engaging way.
- Pele and the Rivers of Fire by Glen Grant – A beautifully illustrated book that introduces children to the Hawaiian legends of Pele, the volcano goddess.
- V is for Volcano: A Hawaii Alphabet by Roland Smith – A fun way to learn about Hawaiian culture and natural features through the alphabet.
Fun Facts
Interesting Things To Know About Kilauea Volcano
- Kilauea is one of the world’s most active volcanoes, continuously creating new land and reshaping the Big Island of Hawaii.
- WHOA! Kilauea has added over 875 acres of new land to Hawaii’s Big Island since 1983!
- HOLY LAVA! The word “Kilauea” means “spewing” or “much spreading” in Hawaiian, perfectly describing how its lava flows create new land!
- SUPER COOL! The volcano’s lava lake can reach temperatures of 2,140°F (1,170°C), hot enough to melt gold!
- INCREDIBLE! Some areas around Kilauea have received black rain – regular rain mixed with volcanic ash!
- MIND-BLOWING! Scientists have discovered life forms in Kilauea’s steam vents that can survive in extremely acidic conditions, similar to what might exist on Mars!
Must-Visit Spots
Where To Go At Kilauea Volcano
Kilauea Visitor Center Get Ready for the Kilauea Visitor Center : Tips, Activities, and Fun Facts!
THINGS TO KNOW
WHY VISIT? This is your gateway to understanding the volcano’s mysteries, with interactive exhibits, detailed maps, and rangers ready to share amazing volcanic stories.
INTERESTING FACT! The center’s building was designed to withstand both earthquakes and volcanic activity, and its architecture incorporates local volcanic rocks.
COOL ACTIVITY! Pick up a Junior Ranger booklet and start your volcanic adventure by completing fun activities that will help you earn your official Junior Ranger badge.
THINGS TO TALK ABOUT
ASK YOUR KIDS: If you could design a volcano-proof building, what materials would you use and why?
DISCUSS: The visitor center’s roof is specially designed to handle up to 4 inches of volcanic ash!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Buildings in volcanic areas need special considerations. Engineers use reinforced concrete, flexible foundations, and sloped roofs. These design elements help structures withstand earthquakes, ash fall, and even acid rain from volcanic gasses. Modern volcanic monitoring equipment can detect subtle changes in ground movement, gas emissions, and seismic activity.
ASK YOUR KIDS: Why do you think scientists call Kilauea a ‘drive-through volcano’?
DISCUSS: Unlike tall, cone-shaped volcanoes, Kilauea is a shield volcano that’s so gentle in slope, you can actually drive across it!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Shield volcanoes form when fluid lava flows easily in all directions, creating a gentle dome shape. This is different from explosive volcanoes like Mount St. Helens, which build steep sides from thick, sticky lava and explosive eruptions. Kilauea’s lava is rich in iron and magnesium, making it more fluid and less explosive. This composition allows scientists to study volcanic activity up close, making it one of the most researched volcanoes in the world.
THINGS TO FIND @ THIS SPOT
OBJECTIVE: Find the seismograph display and count how many small earthquakes occurred today.
HINT: Look for the machine with the squiggly lines near the geology exhibit.
OBJECTIVE: Locate three different types of volcanic rocks in the display cases.
HINT: Pay attention to the textures – some are smooth, others are rough and full of holes.
Thurston Lava Tube (Nāhuku) Get Ready for the Thurston Lava Tube (Nāhuku) : Tips, Activities, and Fun Facts!
THINGS TO KNOW
WHY VISIT? Walk through an actual 500-year-old lava tunnel where molten rock once flowed like a river of fire.
INTERESTING FACT! The lava tube formed when the outer layer of lava cooled and hardened while hot lava continued flowing inside, eventually draining out to leave the tunnel we see today.
COOL ACTIVITY! Count the different colors on the tube’s walls and try to identify what minerals might have caused them.
THINGS TO TALK ABOUT
ASK YOUR KIDS: How do you think scientists know how old this lava tube is?
DISCUSS: Scientists can date lava tubes by studying the layers of organic material and volcanic deposits above them, similar to reading the rings of a tree!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Dating volcanic features involves multiple scientific methods. Radiocarbon dating helps determine the age of plants that were covered by lava flows. Archaeologists study Hawaiian artifacts found in the area. Geologists analyze the composition of different lava layers. Together, these methods help create a timeline of Kilauea’s volcanic activity.
ASK YOUR KIDS: If you were a drop of lava flowing through this tube, what would your journey be like?
DISCUSS: Lava in this tube once flowed at temperatures over 2,000°F and moved at speeds up to 10 miles per hour!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: The journey of lava through tubes is fascinating. The outer edges cool first, creating an insulated tunnel that keeps the inner lava hot and flowing. This is similar to a straw carrying liquid, but imagine that straw being formed by the drink itself! The smooth walls you see were created by the last lava that flowed through, and the various formations on the ceiling formed from drips of cooling lava.
THINGS TO FIND @ THIS SPOT
OBJECTIVE: Look for “lavacicles” hanging from the ceiling.
HINT: These look like stone icicles and formed when the tube was actively flowing with lava.
OBJECTIVE: Find evidence of different lava flow levels on the walls.
HINT: Look for horizontal lines that mark where lava once flowed at different heights.
Halema’uma’u Crater Overlook Get Ready for the Halema’uma’u Crater Overlook : Tips, Activities, and Fun Facts!
THINGS TO KNOW
WHY VISIT? This is the heart of Kilauea’s volcanic activity, where you can witness an active lava lake and impressive steam vents.
INTERESTING FACT! The crater has grown significantly since 2018, when it expanded from about 280 feet deep to over 1,600 feet deep!
COOL ACTIVITY! Use the provided binoculars to spot the different colors in the crater – from the glowing orange of fresh lava to the various grays and blacks of cooled rock.
THINGS TO TALK ABOUT
ASK YOUR KIDS: Why do you think ancient Hawaiians considered this crater the home of Pele, the volcano goddess?
DISCUSS: The crater often creates its own weather, with steam clouds that can rise thousands of feet into the air!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Hawaiian mythology is deeply connected to volcanic activity. The crater’s dramatic displays of power – fountaining lava, thunderous explosions, and billowing steam – inspired stories of Pele’s moods and actions. These stories weren’t just entertainment; they helped people understand and respect volcanic hazards. Today, scientists have discovered that many traditional Hawaiian observations of volcanic activity align perfectly with modern scientific understanding.
ASK YOUR KIDS: How do you think scientists measure the temperature of lava without getting too close?
DISCUSS: Scientists use special thermal cameras that can detect heat signatures from safe distances, showing temperatures up to 2,200°F!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Modern volcano monitoring combines traditional observation with high-tech tools. Thermal imaging cameras, gas sensors, and seismometers work together to create a complete picture of volcanic activity. Scientists can even use satellites to detect minute changes in ground elevation that might indicate moving magma. This technology helps predict eruptions and keep people safe, while also teaching us about Earth’s internal processes.
THINGS TO FIND @ THIS SPOT
OBJECTIVE: Spot and count the different colors of volcanic gasses rising from the crater.
HINT: Look for white steam clouds versus bluish sulfur dioxide plumes.
OBJECTIVE: Find evidence of the crater’s most recent collapse event.
HINT: Look for fresh cracks and changes in the crater walls’ color patterns.
Sulfur Banks (Ha’akulamanu) Get Ready for the Sulfur Banks (Ha’akulamanu) : Tips, Activities, and Fun Facts!
THINGS TO KNOW
WHY VISIT? Experience a natural laboratory where volcanic gasses create colorful mineral deposits and unique ecosystems.
INTERESTING FACT! The yellow crystals you see are pure sulfur, formed when volcanic gasses cool and solidify!
COOL ACTIVITY! Create a smell map of the trail, marking where different volcanic gasses are strongest (but remember to stay safe and not breathe too deeply).
THINGS TO TALK ABOUT
ASK YOUR KIDS: How do you think plants survive in this harsh environment?
DISCUSS: Some plants here have evolved special adaptations that allow them to thrive in highly acidic soil that would kill most other plants!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: The plants around Sulfur Banks demonstrate amazing adaptations to extreme conditions. They’ve developed mechanisms to deal with high sulfur content, acidic rain, and minimal soil nutrients. This unique environment helps scientists understand how life might survive on other planets with harsh conditions. Some of these plants are found nowhere else on Earth, making this location a living laboratory for studying evolution and adaptation.
ASK YOUR KIDS: If you could capture these volcanic gasses and use them for something useful, what would you do with them?
DISCUSS: Scientists already capture and use volcanic gasses for geothermal energy, powering thousands of homes on the Big Island!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Volcanic gasses have many practical applications. Carbon dioxide can be used in greenhouses to help plants grow faster. Sulfur is used in manufacturing processes and medicines. Geothermal steam powers turbines for electricity generation. Understanding the chemistry of volcanic gasses helps scientists develop new ways to use these natural resources sustainably.
THINGS TO FIND @ THIS SPOT
OBJECTIVE: Locate three different colors of mineral deposits along the boardwalk.
HINT: Look for yellow (sulfur), white (silica), and red (iron oxide) deposits.
OBJECTIVE: Find steam vents where the gasses are creating new mineral formations.
HINT: These areas often have fresh crystal growth and are particularly steamy.
Other Nearby Points of Interest
Other great things to do near Kilauea Volcano
BEFORE YOU LEAVE – Make sure to check out more of what this area has to offer! Here are a few nearby spots that we think you’ll love just as much as the Kilauea Volcano:
Mauna Loa Observatory: Experience the world’s premier atmospheric research facility where scientists study climate change and atmospheric composition at 11,141 feet above sea level!
Akaka Falls State Park: Marvel at this 442-foot waterfall while walking through a lush rainforest filled with wild orchids, bamboo groves, and native Hawaiian plants.
Panaewa Rainforest Zoo: Visit the only natural tropical rainforest zoo in the United States, featuring unique Hawaiian wildlife and a beautiful botanical garden.
Read before you go
To make your visit even more exciting, check out these age-appropriate books:
- “Volcano: A Visual Guide” by Donna O’Meara
- “How Do Volcanoes Make Rock?” by Ellen Lawrence
- “Volcanoes! National Geographic Readers” by Anne Schreiber
- USGS Kilauea Activity Updates (https://www.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea)
- Interactive Volcano Explorer by National Geographic Kids
- “Volcano Live” webcams on the National Park Service website
- “Journey to the Center of Earth” documentary series
- PBS Kids “What’s Under a Volcano?”
Fun Facts
Interesting Things To Know About Kilauea Volcano
- BOOM! Kilauea has added over 500 acres of new land to Hawaii since 1983!
- HOLY MOLY! The volcano’s name means “spewing” or “much spreading” in Hawaiian, perfectly describing its frequent eruptions!
- MIND BLOWN! The lava lake in Halema’uma’u Crater can reach temperatures hot enough to melt titanium!
- INCREDIBLE! Scientists have discovered over 40 different types of minerals that are unique to Kilauea!
- WHOA! The volcano has been erupting almost continuously for over 35 years, making it one of the longest-running eruption cycles in recorded history!
Must-Visit Spots
Where To Go At Kilauea Volcano
Kilauea Visitor Center Get Ready for the Kilauea Visitor Center : Tips, Activities, and Fun Facts!
THINGS TO KNOW
WHY VISIT? The perfect starting point for your volcanic adventure, offering crucial safety information, daily updates on volcanic activity, and fascinating exhibits about Hawaiian geology and culture.
INTERESTING FACT! The center’s architecture was specifically designed to withstand volcanic earthquakes and features special air filtration systems to protect visitors from volcanic gases.
COOL ACTIVITY! Download the park’s official app and participate in the digital ranger program, where you can track your observations and earn virtual badges for identifying different types of volcanic rocks and formations.
THINGS TO TALK ABOUT
ASK YOUR KIDS: How do scientists predict volcanic eruptions, and what technologies do they use?
DISCUSS: Kilauea is one of the most monitored volcanoes in the world, with over 100 specialized instruments constantly measuring everything from ground movement to gas emissions.
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Scientists use an array of sophisticated tools including seismometers to detect earthquake patterns, GPS systems to measure ground deformation, gas sensors to analyze chemical compositions, and thermal cameras to track heat signatures. These instruments can detect changes weeks or even months before an eruption. The data is so precise that it can measure ground movements as small as one millimeter!
ASK YOUR KIDS: How does volcanic activity here compare to other volcanoes around the world?
DISCUSS: Unlike explosive volcanoes like Mount St. Helens, Kilauea typically produces fluid lava flows that can reach temperatures of 2,000°F (1,090°C) – hot enough to melt aluminum!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Kilauea’s eruptions are generally effusive rather than explosive due to the low silica content in its magma. This creates the distinctive pahoehoe (ropy) and a’a (chunky) lava flows that have built the Hawaiian Islands. The volcano has been erupting almost continuously since 1983, making it one of the longest-running eruption cycles in recent history. The ongoing eruption has added over 500 acres of new land to the Big Island!
THINGS TO FIND @ THIS SPOT
OBJECTIVE: Locate the real-time seismograph display and count how many small earthquakes have occurred in the past 24 hours.
HINT: Check the digital display near the main entrance; the squiggly lines indicate seismic activity.
OBJECTIVE: Find three different types of volcanic rocks in the geology display and identify their formation processes.
HINT: Look for the interactive display that shows the cooling process of different lava types.
Halema’uma’u Crater Get Ready for the Halema’uma’u Crater : Tips, Activities, and Fun Facts!
THINGS TO KNOW
WHY VISIT? This massive crater is the current home of Kilauea’s active lava lake, offering a rare glimpse into the Earth’s molten interior.
INTERESTING FACT! The crater has expanded dramatically since 2018, growing from 280 feet deep to over 1,600 feet deep – enough to fit the Empire State Building!
COOL ACTIVITY! Use the provided binoculars at the viewing area to spot the different colors in the crater walls, each representing different volcanic deposits and time periods.
THINGS TO TALK ABOUT
ASK YOUR KIDS: What causes the different colors we see in the volcanic gases, and what do they tell us about the eruption?
DISCUSS: The white plume contains water vapor and sulfur dioxide, while the orange/red glow at night comes from the reflection of molten lava on the gas plume.
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: The colors of volcanic gases are like a chemical fingerprint. Blue gases often indicate very hot sulfur compounds, while brown colors might suggest ash content. Scientists use spectrometers to analyze these colors and determine the exact chemical composition, which helps predict eruption patterns. The intensity of the glow can indicate the temperature and level of activity in the lava lake.
ASK YOUR KIDS: How does the presence of water affect volcanic eruptions, and what role does groundwater play at Kilauea?
DISCUSS: When magma meets groundwater, it can create explosive steam-driven eruptions called phreatic eruptions, which can launch rocks and ash thousands of feet into the air.
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: The interaction between magma and water creates some of the most dramatic volcanic phenomena. When water flash-boils to steam, it expands to 1,700 times its original volume, creating explosive force. This process formed many of Kilauea’s pit craters and played a crucial role in the 2018 eruption events. The presence of groundwater systems can also create unique hazards and influences how scientists monitor volcanic activity.
THINGS TO FIND @ THIS SPOT
OBJECTIVE: Time how long it takes for the volcanic gas plume to change direction and document the wind patterns.
HINT: Use the compass markers at the viewing area to track wind direction changes.
OBJECTIVE: Photograph the crater at different times of day and document how the appearance changes with lighting conditions.
HINT: The best photos are usually taken during sunrise, sunset, or after dark when the lava glow is most visible.
Thurston Lava Tube (Nāhuku) Get Ready for the Thurston Lava Tube (Nāhuku) : Tips, Activities, and Fun Facts!
THINGS TO KNOW
WHY VISIT? Experience walking through a natural tunnel formed by flowing lava, offering a unique perspective on how volcanic processes shape the landscape.
INTERESTING FACT! This lava tube was discovered in 1913 and once carried lava flows hot enough to melt gold (approximately 2,000°F). The tube’s ceiling still shows marks from varying lava levels!
COOL ACTIVITY! Conduct a temperature comparison experiment using an infrared thermometer (if allowed) to measure different surfaces within the tube, noting how the temperature changes from entrance to exit.
THINGS TO TALK ABOUT
ASK YOUR KIDS: How do you think these massive underground tunnels form, and why don’t they collapse?
DISCUSS: Lava tubes form when the outer surface of a lava flow cools and hardens while the inside continues flowing, eventually leaving behind a hollow tunnel with walls as strong as concrete.
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: The formation process is similar to how ice forms on a moving stream. The outer layer cools first due to exposure to air, creating an insulated tunnel that keeps the inner lava hot and flowing. These tubes can extend for miles underground and can be stacked in multiple levels. The structural integrity comes from the cooling process, which creates a reinforced arch shape naturally resistant to collapse. Some lava tubes on Earth are large enough to house entire neighborhoods!
ASK YOUR KIDS: What clues can we find in the tube walls that tell us about its volcanic history?
DISCUSS: The smooth, glazed surfaces on the walls are actually “lava-cicles” – formed when the last bit of lava drained out, leaving behind cooling patterns similar to icicles.
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: The walls of lava tubes are like history books written in stone. Different colored layers indicate separate lava flows, while ripples and flow marks show the direction and speed of ancient lava rivers. Scientists can determine the temperature and composition of prehistoric lava flows by studying these features. The presence of minerals and bacterial growth on the walls also provides information about the tube’s age and environmental conditions over time.
THINGS TO FIND @ THIS SPOT
OBJECTIVE: Locate and sketch three different types of lava flow patterns on the tube walls.
HINT: Look for horizontal lines that mark different flow levels and ripple patterns that show flow direction.
OBJECTIVE: Find evidence of life adapting to the cave environment.
HINT: Look for small roots hanging from the ceiling and tiny organisms near the cave entrance where light penetrates.
Steam Vents (Ha’akulamanu) Get Ready for the Steam Vents (Ha’akulamanu) : Tips, Activities, and Fun Facts!
THINGS TO KNOW
WHY VISIT? Witness the dynamic interaction between groundwater and volcanic heat, creating impressive steam vents that demonstrate the volcano’s ongoing activity.
INTERESTING FACT! These vents maintain a constant temperature of around 160°F (71°C), hot enough to cook food but not hot enough to create dangerous conditions for visitors.
COOL ACTIVITY! Create a simple time-lapse video of the steam patterns using your phone, observing how wind direction affects the steam’s behavior.
THINGS TO TALK ABOUT
ASK YOUR KIDS: How does the heat from deep within the Earth interact with groundwater to create these steam vents?
DISCUSS: The steam you’re seeing is groundwater that has been superheated by rocks as hot as 400°F (204°C) just a few feet below the surface.
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: This process is similar to a natural pressure cooker. Rainwater seeps down through cracks in the rock until it hits hot volcanic rocks, instantly vaporizing and rising back to the surface. The constant steam production helps regulate the volcano’s temperature, acting like a natural cooling system. This same principle is used in geothermal power plants to generate electricity, and similar systems have been powering communities in Iceland for generations.
ASK YOUR KIDS: What role do steam vents play in the local ecosystem, and how do plants and animals adapt to these extreme conditions?
DISCUSS: Some unique thermophilic (heat-loving) bacteria thrive in these steam vents, surviving in temperatures that would cook most organisms.
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: The steam vents create microhabitats that support specialized life forms. The constant moisture and heat create perfect conditions for certain native Hawaiian ferns and mosses that have adapted to these conditions over thousands of years. These environments are similar to those that might have existed when life first evolved on Earth, making them valuable for studying early life forms. Scientists have even discovered bacteria here that produce compounds useful in biotechnology and medicine.
THINGS TO FIND @ THIS SPOT
OBJECTIVE: Measure and record the temperature gradient as you move away from a steam vent.
HINT: Use the thermal sensing app on your phone or observe how quickly water droplets evaporate at different distances.
OBJECTIVE: Identify three different types of plants growing near the steam vents.
HINT: Look for species that thrive in the warm, humid microclimate created by the vents.
Other Nearby Points of Interest
Other great things to do near Kilauea Volcano
BEFORE YOU LEAVE – Make sure to check out more of what this area has to offer! Here are a few nearby spots that we think you’ll love just as much as the Kilauea Volcano:
Mauna Loa Observatory: Experience one of the world’s premier atmospheric research facilities with stunning views and fascinating climate science exhibits.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Kahuku Unit: Explore a less-visited section of the park featuring historic ranching sites and young volcanic landscapes.
Volcano Winery: Visit Hawaii’s highest elevation winery, offering unique volcanic-soil-grown wines and tea tastings (for adults) with spectacular volcano views.
Read before you go
To make your visit even more exciting, check out these age-appropriate books:
- Volcanoes in the Sea: The Geology of Hawaii by Gordon A. Macdonald – A comprehensive guide to Hawaiian volcanic processes
- Download the “USGS Kilauea” app for real-time volcanic activity updates
- Watch “The Living Earth: Understanding Kilauea” documentary series on streaming platforms
- Read “Volcano: A Visual Guide” by National Geographic for stunning visualizations of volcanic processes
- Visit the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory website for current scientific data and weekly updates
- Download the Junior Ranger program materials from the National Park Service website to prepare for hands-on learning activities during your visit
LOCATION SUMMARY
Imagine standing at the edge of Earth’s most active volcano, where molten rock bubbles beneath your feet and steam rises mysteriously from cracks in the ground! Kilauea, located in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, is nature’s most spectacular demonstration of our planet’s powerful forces at work. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to walk where liquid rock once flowed and see firsthand how new land is created?
MORE INFORMATION
Want a fun volcano related experiment?
Try creating your own volcano out of household items!