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1981 Map of Kilauea Crater

Name: 1981 Topographic Map of Kilauea Crater
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1983
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1983

About this map

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park dominates this 1981 survey, revealing a landscape defined by recurring volcanic activity. The map meticulously documents various eruptive phases, including the Lava Flow of 1919, Lava Flow of 1971, and the Lava Flow of 1974, which underscore the volatile nature of the Kilauea Crater and its surrounding East Rift Zone. High above the Halemaumau crater floor, landmarks like the Volcano Observatory and Kilauea Military Camp represent the human presence maintained for scientific study and recreation amidst the geothermal activity.

Contrasting with the barren stretches of the Kau Desert and the extensive Keamoku Lava Flow are several kipukas—islands of older land and vegetation surrounded by newer flows. These include Kipuka Puaulu and Kipuka Kekake, which provide ecological refugia. The infrastructure of the park is visible through the Crater Rim Drive and Park Headquarters, showing how the area was managed for public access while preserving the integrity of the Kilauea Forest Reserve.