Last updated: May 15, 2024
Place
Kauhakō Crater
NPS / Rob Ratkowski
Quick Facts
Location:
Kalaupapa National Historical Park
Amenities
2 listed
Parking - Auto, Scenic View/Photo Spot
About 500,000 years ago, a shield volcano erupted from the ocean floor on the north side of Molokai. A shield volcano is a flat volcano that erupts hot flowing magma that spreads like water. Hawaiians call this type of lava pa'hoehoe. This hot lava spread out, eventually creating a large flat plain jutting out from the cliffs. That plain is now the Kalaupapa Peninsula. The volcano is no longer active, and the crater and lava tube form one of the deepest lakes in the world – more than 800 feet deep. Learn more about the Geology of Kalaupapa on the park website.