Halemaumau Fire-in-the-Hole

Normally called the Halemaumau Firepit, this vent is just above the floor of the firepit. The vent diameter is estimated to be 130 feet across. Access was finally granted to drive to the Jaggar Museum along the edge of the Kilauea Caldera to get a better view of the vent from which the sulphur dioxide and ash cloud was pouring. There were about 40 people, mostly tourist, here at 10 pm enjoying the event.

Refer to the Tuesday, April 1, 2008 photo, change in volcanic activity. This is the source of the cloud.