Kīlauea was the Hawaiian volcano whose 2018 lower Puna eruption destroyed hundreds of homes.
The eruption began in May 2018 after earthquakes and ground deformation affected the East Rift Zone. Lava erupted from fissures in the Leilani Estates area and eventually covered roads, neighbourhoods, forests, and farmland before reaching the Pacific Ocean.
The eruption was linked to changes within Kīlauea’s summit system, where the lava lake at Halemaʻumaʻu drained and the crater floor collapsed. The event continued for several months and produced a large new lava field along Hawaii Island’s southeast side.
Kīlauea is often confused with Mauna Loa because both are on Hawaii Island, but they are separate volcanoes. Kīlauea is a highly active shield volcano, while Mauna Loa is larger and has its own independent eruptive history.