Halema’u ma’u Crater Unleashes Spectacular Lava Show, Mesmerizing Onlookers

Halema’u ma’u crater is at the center of all volcanic activity at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park A visit to the park is spectacular experience to see the active lava eruptions happening at Halema’u ma’u crater in the center of the main caldera.

If you are planning on visiting the park to check out the lava eruptions at Halema’uma’u, the best viewing available now is from doing the Keanakāko’i Crater hike to the rim of Halema’uma’u with fantastic views right into the caldera.

Visits at night-time fronting Halema’uma’u caldera is even more dramatic in the night skies with hot fiery lava exploding around the hot spots of the caldera floor.

How to view the lava eruptions at Halema’u ma’u Crater

Hike to Keanakako’i Crater

There are many lookout points in visiting the park and checking out the central lava eruption in the center of the caldera at Halema’u ma’u Crater from the observation lookout point, steam vents, Volcano House and Bryon Ledge. But perhaps the closets and best vantage point is from hiking a short trail to the Keanakako’I Crater.

Best time to see the lava eruptions at Halema’u ma’u Crater

You can visit the various lookout points around the park all day long. The best time to really see the lava come alive is at sunset to late in the evening to early morning. This time frame is pitch dark but you get the fiery red lava eruptions, the large lava plumes and stars lighting up the sky behind the crater area.

How to get to the Keanakako’I Crater Hike

After you enter the park entrance, make the first left and follow that road which turns into the Chain of Craters Road. Follow the road until it dead ends into a T section with the parking lot on the right-hand side to the Devastation trail. From the parking lot walk to the far-left side towards the parking entrance and you will see the paved trail on the right side which is actually the old Chain of Craters Road that drove right along the edge of the crater rim.

The trail to Keanakako’I Crater is mostly flat and is about .7 miles each way and fairly easy to hike through. At the end, you make a right to a marked gravel path that takes you directly to the rim of the Halema’uma’u Crater at the closest observation lookout point directly into the crater where lava is spewing from different vents around the crater floor.

Plant life and indigenous plants at the park

As you journey past Halema’u ma’u Crater, you will encounter a fascinating array of flora that thrives in the volcanic environment of Hawaii’s Big Island. The diverse plant life showcases the resilience and adaptability of nature in the face of volcanic activity. Some notable flora you may come across include:

1. ʻŌhiʻa Lehua (Metrosideros polymorpha): This iconic Hawaiian tree with vibrant red flowers is often the first to recolonize the barren lava fields, symbolizing rebirth and renewal.
2. Koa (Acacia koa): Known for its beautiful, richly grained wood, the Koa tree is endemic to Hawaii and can be found along the slopes surrounding the crater. It provides habitat for many native species and plays a crucial role in the island’s ecosystem.
3. Ferns: Lush ferns, such as the Hapu’u (Cibotium spp.) and the Pukiawe (Styphelia tameiameiae), create a verdant undergrowth amidst the volcanic terrain, offering a stark contrast to the rugged surroundings.
4. Silverswords: Although primarily found at higher elevations, these striking plants, known as ‘ahinahina (Argyroxiphium spp.), may also be encountered during your journey. They have silver-hued leaves that form a rosette shape and are adapted to survive in the harsh conditions of volcanic slopes.
5. Lichens and Mosses: On the hardened lava surfaces, you will spot a variety of lichens and mosses, adding splashes of color and contributing to the ecological diversity of the area.

A little history on Kilauea Volcano at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

The Kilauea Volcano is the most famous of the five Hawaii volcanoes of the Big Island and the most active. The youngest of the volcanoes that make up Hawaii, Kilauea crater is the center piece of the park grounds and the actual lava erupts from the deeper crater are called Halema’u ma’u. From the crater you can actually see live lava eruptions, lava plumes and active steam vents happening all at the same time around the crater with several viewing areas around the park to see this spectacle.  

Of the five volcanoes on the Big Island, only Kilauea and Mauna Loa volcano are still active with Kilauea the gem of the national parks in Hawaii to visit and see lava and lava plumes coming out of the crater floor of Kilauea volcano. To learn more about the Volcano history, check out the national park website here for more details.

Check out this cool video we created of the Keanakako’I Crater hike and lookout point

Details to visiting Keanakako’I Crater hike to Halema’u ma’u Crater

The trail is very dark at night time so make sure you have flashlights or your phone battery charged for using as a flashlight.

The paved road is approximately. 7 miles each direction on paved road

The only restrooms are located by the parking lot area so plan ahead if you go on this hike.

It gets cold at night to early morning hiking to the crater so wear layers to stay warm

There are no concessions so bring your own water and snacks

Check the local conditions and activity for viewing at the park website here for more details.

Check out my other posts on visiting Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Explore the Devastation trail at Volcanoes National Park

Why visit Volcanoes National Park

A visit to Volcano Village

Nahuku Thurston Lava Tube

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Have you been to Volcanoes National Park and to Halema’u ma’u Crater?

If you visited the area around Halema’u ma’u Crater, please share your thoughts and other recommendations in the comments below with your recommendations.

Conclusion to visiting Halema’u ma’u Crater

Visiting Halema’u ma’u Crater is an awe-inspiring experience that captivates visitors with its breathtaking beauty and mesmerizing lava displays. From the moment you set foot in this volcanic wonderland, you are greeted by a surreal landscape of vibrant colors and the raw power of nature. The sight of molten lava bubbling and flowing within the crater is a sight to behold, reminding us of the Earth’s ever-changing and dynamic nature. As you explore the surrounding area, you’ll be immersed in a unique blend of geological wonders, lush vegetation, and the rich cultural history of the Hawaiian Islands. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a geology aficionado, or simply seeking an unforgettable adventure, a visit to Halema’u ma’u Crater promises an experience that will leave you with a deep appreciation for the forces that shape our planet.

Thanks for visiting today and checking out this post on Halema’u ma’u Crater. I hope you are inspired to plan a visit and enjoy these wonderful attractions. If you enjoyed the images and post, could you please share it with any of the social media buttons located around the post.