16th Sep 2009: Kīlauea Volcano in the Island of Hawai

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Kīlauea Volcano is one of the most active volcanoes in the world and is located in the southeastern part of the Island of Hawaiʻi in the United States. It is a shield volcano with gentle slopes, characterized by eruptions in which low-viscosity basaltic lava flows steadily.

At its summit are a caldera and the Halemaʻumaʻu crater, which is well known for occasionally hosting a lava lake. Eruptions can continue for several months or even years, and while lava flows have caused damage to residential areas and roads, they have also created new land over time.

In Native Hawaiian culture, Kīlauea is regarded as a sacred place where Pele, the goddess of fire, resides, and it is treated with deep reverence. Today, it continues to be closely monitored by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) and serves as an important center for research into volcanic activity and the inner workings of the Earth.

I was deeply moved to see real lava for the first time in my life. I also remember how difficult it was to take photographs, as the lava hardened and turned completely black as it cooled.