Kīlauea Volcano - South Halemaʻumaʻu crater
This live camera, operated by the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, overlooks the Halemaʻumaʻu crater from the southern rim of Kīlauea Volcano on Hawaii’s Big Island. The view captures the active volcanic caldera within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, showing real-time changes in gas plumes, lava glow, and geological activity within one of the world’s most studied volcanoes.
Pahoa, Hawaii, United States
US- Pahoa, Hawaii
- Pahoa, HI
- Pahoa, Hawai'i
Pāhoa is a census-designated place located in the District of Puna within Hawaiʻi County, Hawaii, United States. Situated on the southeast side of the Big Island between Hilo and Volcanoes National Park, it serves as a key community in this volcanic region. The area is defined by its proximity to active geological features and its role as a residential hub for the lower Puna section of the island.
The town has been shaped significantly by volcanic activity, particularly the 2014 lava flow from Puʻu ʻŌʻō and the destructive 2018 lower Puna eruption. The 2014 flow advanced toward the town, closing its recycling facility and triggering evacuations before stopping short of Hawaii Route 130. In 2018, lava flows originating in nearby Leilani Estates resulted in the loss of approximately 700 homes, fundamentally altering the local landscape and community structure.
Pāhoa is characterized by volcanic soils derived from Kīlauea Volcano and features such as Pāhoa High and Intermediate School, which displays a pāhoa statue symbolizing peace. The area includes the Hawaiian Beaches subdivision with its elementary schools and the Pahoa Library. Nearby attractions include Kehena Beach, known for its black sand formed by volcanic activity, and access points to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
The name Pāhoa means dagger or knife in Hawaiian, reflecting indigenous heritage linked to ancient oral history legends of Pele and Hiʻiaka. Visitors are drawn to the region's natural beauty, including opportunities to view lava flows in the Kalapana area and explore black sand beaches. Local dining options include Paolo's Bistro and Ning's Thai Cuisine, catering to both residents and tourists seeking regional cuisine.
The population of Pāhoa was 924 as of the 2020 census, having dropped by 1.8% from the 2010 count. The community is accessible via Hawaii Route 130 and Route 132, with emergency routes established during past eruptions. While the area faces challenges related to poverty and crime, it remains a point of interest for those exploring the geological wonders of the Puna district.
The EARF Engine
