Kilauea is located on the Big Island of Hawaii. Hawaii itself is the product of a chain of volcanoes that over millions of years arose from the sea. Kilauea was once thought to be just a small bulge at the foot of a much bigger volcano called Mauna Loa. Closer study revealed Kilauea had its own magma channel plunging 37 miles below the surface. Kilauea's eruptions flow down to the sea, constantly adding new land as the lava cools and forms rock.
Kilauea is a shield volcano. This type of volcano is characterized by its broad dome shape and gently sloping sides. Kilauea produces basalt lava, meaning it oozes rather than explodes. Basalt lava is fluid and temperatures can reach 2,190 degrees Fahrenheit--much hotter than the silica-rich viscous lava that typically erupts from conical volcanoes. Scientists believe Kilauea was formed between 300,000 and 600,000 years ago; it is one of the youngest volcanoes in Hawaii.
Hawaiian islanders have many legends that explain the near-constant volcanic activity in their region. They tell stories of the fire goddess Pele, or "She-Who-Shapes-The-Sacred-Land," who lives in the volcano.
Pele descended from the heavens to flee the wrath of her older sister, who was furious because because Pele seduced her husband. Eruptions reflect Pele's passionate and volatile temperament as she woos and spurns lovers.
In the past 245 years, Kilauea has erupted more than 60 times. Most of Kilauea's volcanic activity consists of gentle effusions; occasionally, explosive eruptions have killed dozens of people and destroyed property and ecosystems. In 1790, Kilauea's deadliest eruption killed 80 Hawaiian warriors on their way to battle.
A 1924 eruption blew a cloud of ash and dust 2 miles into the air, blocking the sun in towns 20 miles away. These eruptions are the exception rather than the rule. As of 2010, lava has quietly flowed from Kilauea's summit almost continuously since 1983.
Kilauea is a popular tourist destination, especially for thrill seekers eager to get close to a volcanic eruption. As of 2010, the Kalapana observation center is open. The site is located at the end of Highway 130 in Puna; visitors can hike to the prime viewing locations to watch the lava flow to the sea.
For the less adventurous, beaches and quaint towns provide gentler entertainment. Located in the Kilauea Visitor Center, the Volcano Art Center attracts artists and tourists and features classes in crafts and sculpture, as well as galleries to admire and purchase works of art. Kilauea is known as "The Guava Capital of the World," and visitors can purchase guava jam at farms and shops in the area.
Visiting any volcano, active or not, is hazardous. Proceed with extreme caution and follow safety guidelines. To protect yourself from high temperatures, wear long sleeves, pants, closed-toed shoes and sunscreen. Bring plenty of water and a first aid kit to protect against minor burns and scrapes. Binoculars allow tourists to view the lava from a safe distance. Never get within a quarter mile of steam, fumes and lava flows. Land can collapse suddenly and temperatures are extreme.
