Summit Area

In the heart of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, a primeval landscape unfolds at the summit of Kilauea volcano, where steam rises continuously from cracks in the earth and volcanic gases create malodorous sulfur banks. Here, Halemaumau Crater's on-and-off eruption has been taking place throughout the decades, creating a lake that most recently has been putting on a fiery extravaganza within view of several observation points accessible to the public. In addition to the many geological sights, the summit area of the park includes Kilauea Visitor Center, Volcano Art Center Gallery, and Volcano House—a landmark hotel perched above the rim of Kilauea Caldera. The visitor center is a good place to begin your park adventure.