06/14/2026
Hyper-Active: It is widely considered one of the most active volcanoes on Earth.
Fresh Ground: Its continuous activity has covered 90% of its surface in lava flows within the last 1,000 years.
Cultural Heart: Native Hawaiian beliefs hold the Halemaʻumaʻu crater at its summit to be the home of the fire goddess, Pele.
Independent Plumbing: Though it sits on the flank of the massive Mauna Loa, it has its own completely separate underground magma system.Stop-and-Start Activity: Since late 2024, the volcano has switched to an episodic style of eruption. Short, dramatic bursts of lava fountaining from its summit vents typically last under 12 hours before pausing for weeks at a time.
